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Plan: Arizona PYs 2020-2023
Unified Plan U

Section: Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

Narrative: i. 3. B.

Published
Located in:
  • Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)

    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:

    __________

    [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:

i. 3. B. The establishment and maintenance of education and experience requirements, in accordance with section 101(a)(7)(B)(ii) of the Rehabilitation Act, to ensure that the personnel have a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities.

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2018-2019

Current Narrative:

VR seeks to ensure all VR staff have an appropriate understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities, through the maintenance of education and experience personnel requirements, as well as requirements for ongoing training and professional development.  These personnel requirements are outlined in the agency’s job descriptions and annual performance appraisals, verified throughout the hiring process and during the annual review cycle, and are reinforced and expanded upon through additional trainings, policies and procedures.

Basic education requirements for VR staff include:

  • Entry VR Staff: Bachelor's degree in a field of study reasonably related to rehabilitation counseling or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with individuals with disabilities and employers and two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
  • Intermediate VR Staff: Master's degree in a field of study closely related to rehabilitation counseling and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
  • Senior VR Staff: Meets Intermediate credential requirements plus has a CRC certification.

Requirements related to the knowledge, skills and abilities for all levels of VR staff include:

  • Knowledge of Federal and State laws, statutes, rules, regulations pertaining to VR services;  At least one year of case management experience;  Experience working with individuals with disabilities; Broad knowledge of physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities; Familiar with referral and community resources; Understands computer access technology and assistive aids & devices; Knowledge of occupational opportunities and labor market trends; Ability to motivate clients in achieving goals; Effective oral and written communication;  Strong time management skills; Resourceful and problem solver; and Excellent interpersonal skills.