Narrative: i. 3.

(A) MVR acknowledges the state code: 5 CSR 20-500.140 is the standard in Missouri for the highest degree required for VRCs.

The State of Missouri requires that a qualified VR counselor must have the following minimum qualifications:

• a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in rehabilitation counseling, guidance and counseling, psychology, social work, or closely related field; and
• fluency in American Sign Language or other appropriate mode of communication if the counselor provides services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

For individuals whose master’s degree is not one of the above areas, MVR requires them to complete a certificate program in rehabilitation counseling.

Of the 135 VRCs currently employed with MVR, there are 93 employees who meet the educational requirements for 34 CFR 361.18. There are 35 employees who are currently working on a master’s degree/certificate program or awaiting approval to begin a program. MVR asks employees to wait at least 11 months prior to beginning their education programs to allow for adequate time to learn the initial duties of the position. MVR has found a higher success rate in performance and education using this methodology.

MVR continues to prioritize the CSPD funding of the above-mentioned VRCs who are involved in university coursework, certification (CRC), and licensure (LPC). MVR is committed to ensuring that VRCs’ tuition, fees and books are funded to obtain necessary coursework to meet the above requirements.

The human resource manager (HRM) for MVR develops an individualized plan with each newly hired staff member to identify/evaluate specific staff development needs, required courses, available resources, and timelines necessary to achieve the standards in 5 CSR 20-500.140 and 34 CFR 361.18 or the appropriate CRC requirement. The HRM also monitors each staff development plan to ensure that all objectives are met. As necessary, the HRM consults with the state licensing boards and CRC officials. All staff members are required to submit updated transcripts to the HRM to ensure compliance with the objectives of the standards.

The above plan is non-discriminatory and encourages the retraining and recruitment of individuals with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds.

Annually MVR reviews the performance for rehabilitation staff to determine if they are consistent with the actual job functions, agency values and the Rehabilitation Act mandates. During PY 2021, MVR transitioned from its paper performance evaluation to an electronic evaluation used by all Missouri state agencies. This evaluation is performed biannually and provides rehabilitation staff with timely feedback on performance and professional development. MVR has a team actively working through the transition to align the evaluation with MVR’s mission, vision and professional development goals.

(B) MVR continuously evaluates its hiring and training processes to ensure that staff has the education and experience necessary to provide a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and needs of individuals with disabilities. As mentioned earlier, MVR uses the state code: 5 CSR 20-500.140 as the standard in Missouri for the highest degree required for VRCs. This basic educational requirement is enhanced with ongoing training for new and experienced counselors focusing on business development/engagement and effective service delivery to individuals with disabilities.

Many newly hired VRCs have had experience working with a CRP partner providing direct employment services to individuals with disabilities. Other new VRCs have previous work experience with an independent living center, job center, social service agencies, a community mental health agency, or experience in education settings. Paid or unpaid work experience in helping individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain employment is considered valuable prior work experience.

MVR has a comprehensive professional development system that ensures that its personnel understand the medical and psychosocial aspects of a variety of disabilities. MVR endeavors to hire counselors who meet the state code: 5 CSR 20-500.140 and prior experience working with individuals with disabilities. MVR augments that with professional development opportunities by providing training focused on specific disabilities. Additionally, MVR sends VRCs to conferences that focus on specific disabilities such as the Missouri Brain Injury Association Conference. MVR has statewide and regional specialists that have had extensive training and experience in their area of expertise, e.g., business specialists, mental health, autism, rehabilitation technology, agricultural-related rehabilitation technology, benefits planning, brain injury, hearing impairments, vision impairments, learning disabilities, and self-employment. These specialists are available to provide direct assistance to clients as well as consultation with counselors. All VRCs, regardless of their tenure, have the opportunity to work with a mentor who has expertise and experience in an area that is of interest to them.

MVR’s clients have repeatedly expressed the value of having a high-quality rehabilitation counselor in reaching their employment goals. This input is gained through customer satisfaction surveys, individual letters, and public hearings. In order to help VRCs assess their client’s skills and abilities to obtain and retain employment, MVR has stressed the value of counseling skills. VRCs are encouraged to have a “tool bag” of skills. Primary in this tool bag is the ability to hear and understand clients’ goals, provide informed choice, and address the specific barriers to successful employment. All professional MVR staff is trained in Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based practice, which helps clients and VRCs have constructive conversations that identifies their values and goals resulting in an individualized plan to reach their employment goal. Using MI, VRCs and clients identify clients’ skills and abilities, the supports that they need to reach their goals, plan for setbacks and challenges, and how successful employment will affect their lives.

MVR has a multi-pronged approach to assist staff with modifying environmental and attitudinal barriers that clients face. Group training and individual assistance is provided to new and existing staff to effectively learn and perform their position. As mentioned earlier, MVR places a high value on the counseling skills of staff. All professional staff and many support staff have received four days of MI training. On-going MI training is available for all staff. MVR offers case management training to new VRCs within the first six months of their employment. New VRCs are also trained to learn to advocate and understand environmental and attitudinal barriers clients face. All VRCs are encouraged to maximize resources by knowing and forming relationships with the varied resources in their territories. Many times, these resources can assist with environmental and attitudinal barriers. MVR recognizes the value of group trainings but also provides individual assistance to VRCs through mentoring and coaching experiences.

Advances in rehabilitation technology are creating opportunities for clients. MVR has statewide and regional specialists who offer expertise in this area. These specialists provide individual consultation and also help staff remain up to date with regional trainings. Additionally, MVR utilizes Missouri Assistive Technology for consultation and training purposes.

MVR has been providing additional resources in developing effective relationships with employers in both the public and private sectors. MVR has a team of individuals whose primary responsibility is working with employers and assisting in connecting clients with potential employment. Additionally, all staff is trained and encouraged to develop relationships with businesses. MVR considers employers its partners and works toward helping them address their staffing needs.

MVR looks to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) for local employment dynamics and labor market information. Job development and placement efforts utilize local level data to assist clients in making informed choices regarding their career goals, considering wages, turnover rates, current vacancies, and areas of job creation. MERIC has provided training to MVR staff to aid them in using its website with clients.

The MVR Business Services Team provides vocational planning training to staff and training on how to utilize vocational planning tools. One of those tools is MERIC. The team guides staff through MERIC’s 11 Career Pathways for Missouri’s key industries. The team also trains on the use of MERIC’s Real-Time Labor Market data. The team provides training on Career Index Plus, which is an extensive and encompassing labor market tool. Further labor market training is available on Bridge, MVR’s learning management system.