Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Blind)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan [13] must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA:
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[13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
Describe the designated State agency's procedures and activities to establish and maintain a comprehensive system of personnel development designed to ensure an adequate supply of qualified State rehabilitation professional and paraprofessional personnel for the designated State unit, including the following:
- 3. Personnel Standards
Describe the State agency's policies and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of personnel standards consistent with section 101(a)(7)(B) to ensure that designated State unit professional and paraprofessional personnel are adequately trained and prepared, including:
- 3. Personnel Standards
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 3. A. Standards that are consistent with any national or State-approved or -recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to the profession or discipline in which such personnel are providing VR services; and
Current Narrative:
(3) Personnel Standards
Due to difficulty in hiring individuals who meet current CRC certification standards, FDBS routinely hires those who meet and/or exceed the minimum qualifications. The following table illustrates the required qualifications for vocational rehabilitation staff by position title.
| Position Title | Minimum Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Word Processor | One year operating word processing equipment; or two years of secretarial or clerical work; or completion of 720 classroom hours of vocational/technical training in word processing; or possession of a Certified Professional Secretary Certificate; or college education; or vocational/technical training in secretarial science or office/business studies; or high school diploma/GED + one year of secretarial or clerical experience |
| Senior Word Processor | Two years operating word processing equipment; or three years of secretarial or clerical work; or possession of a Certified Professional Secretary Certificate; or completion of 720 classroom hours of vocational/technical training in word processing + one year operating word processing equipment; or college education + 1-2 years secretarial or clerical experience; or college education + one year operating word processing equipment; or vocational/technical training in secretarial science or office/business studies at 720 hours rate + 1-2 years secretarial or clerical experience; or vocational/technical training in secretarial science or office/business studies at 720 hours rate + one year operating word processing equipment; or high school diploma/GED + two years secretarial or clerical experience |
| Staff Assistant | Three years secretarial or clerical experience; or college education + 0-2 years secretarial or clerical experience; or vocational/technical training in secretarial science or office/ business studies + 0-2 years secretarial or clerical experience; or high school diploma/GED + two years secretarial or clerical experience |
| Rehabilitation Technician | Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma/GED + four years of professional or nonprofessional experience in health, social, economic, or rehabilitation programs |
| Rehabilitation Specialist (Employment Placement Specialist) | Master’s degree + 2 years of professional experience in health, social, economic, or rehabilitation programs; or bachelor’s degree + three years of professional experience in health, social, economic, or rehabilitation programs; or seven years of professional or nonprofessional experience in health, social, economic, or rehabilitation programs |
| Human Services Program Consultant (VR Counselor) | Master’s degree + three years of professional experience in social, economic, health, or rehabilitation programs; or Bachelor’s degree + four years of professional experience in social, economic, health, or rehabilitation programs; or eight years of professional or nonprofessional experience in social, economic, health, or rehabilitation programs |
| Assistant District Administrator and District Administrator | Requirements of the VR counselors + one or more years of supervisory experience |
FDBS provides training for ongoing CEUs, using the vocational rehabilitation grant funding. Division Policy 12.12, Comprehensive System of Personnel Development addresses the reimbursement standards described below as required by federal regulations. All personnel are eligible for reimbursement of the following expenses:
- Tuition – All individuals seeking further education will be required to use the Department of Education Tuition Waiver, if available. Employees must obtain prior approval of payment from the Bureau Chief in instances where a course requires repeating;
- Textbooks and Course Materials – These expenses include textbooks and other materials required for course enrollment (paper, notebooks, etc., are not items FDBS pays for); and
- Additional Training – FDBS will sponsor additional training on job-related areas recommended/required by leadership. Staff may participate in these trainings during work hours.
FDBS does not sponsor graduate record examinations and university application fees. FDBS allows the completion of class assignments incorporated into required work duties (e.g., practicum activities, internships) during working hours. It is unallowable to complete other homework assignments (e.g., reading, writing, and research) during regular work hours.