Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for State Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by sections 101(a) and 606 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA.
- l. Interagency Cooperation with Other Agencies
In accordance with the requirements in Section 101(a)(11)(C) and (K), describe interagency cooperation with and utilization of the services and facilities of agencies and programs that are not carrying out activities through the statewide workforce development system to develop opportunities for community-based employment in integrated settings, to the greatest extent practicable for the following:
- l. Interagency Cooperation with Other Agencies
l. 7. State agency responsible for providing mental health services; and
Current Narrative:
The Mental Health Supported Employment Program operates under an interagency agreement between DVR and the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and contracts with 16 supported employment service providers throughout the state. Services provided through the agreements consist of job development, job seeking skills, job coaching, and ongoing support. The purpose of this project is to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness or persons in recovery. BHA and DVR joined the IPS International Learning Community in 2013. Since that time, DVR and BHA have partnered to support provider agencies to effectively implement the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, leading to improved outcomes for individuals with significant behavioral health impairments. IPS continues to expand in Colorado, with ongoing partnership between DVR, BHA, and local service providers.
BHA has staff dedicated to supporting the implementation of IPS and supported employment services. DVR has a Supported Employment Program Manager and Supported Employment Coordinator/Trainer to expand capacity in developing supported employment programs to meet the needs of individuals with behavioral health impairments and build competency and skill among DVR staff, particularly with implementing evidence based supported employment models, such as IPS. These staff will continue to work together to further improve supported employment services in Colorado.