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:
The Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System for all RSB counselor positions are the highest standard in the state consistent with RSMO 337. All of RSB’s counseling staff meets the existing standards. Rehabilitation Counselor positions are available in three tiers. The first is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee. This position requires a baccalaureate degree in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation and one or more years of experience providing direct care, service or advocacy to individuals with disabilities; or one or more years of supervisory, managerial, and/or employee recruitment experience in a competitive integrated employment environment. The second tier is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind. Education requirements are the same as the trainee position, however, additional experience is required which includes one year experience as a vocational rehabilitation trainee, Children’s Specialist for the Blind, Rehabilitation Teacher for the Blind, or professional experience providing services and/or advocacy for individuals with disabilities. The third tier is the Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Education requirements remain the same as the first two tiers, but requires three or more years of professional experience or possession of a current Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. The Uniform Classification and Pay System provides a competitive examination process for recruitment and retention of a qualified workforce. To be considered for employment in accordance with state personnel requirements, applicants must meet the established Uniform Classification and Pay System personnel qualifications.
All of RSB’s vocational rehabilitation counseling staff currently meet the personnel requirements, which are consistent with 34 CFR 361.18. RSB will continue to coordinate with institutions offering graduate education in rehabilitation or related areas to ensure that classes are readily available, either in traditional programs or through use of the Internet and other non-traditional methodologies.