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Plan: North Dakota 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:

North Dakota VR has a strong working relationship with its workforce partners.  This relationship allows staff to share information regarding business needs, current openings, and high demand occupations.  The VR director is an active member of the Workforce Development Council.  VR regional staff regularly meet with Job Service ND personnel and are members of their local Adult Education boards to share information regarding the evolving labor force and needs of individuals with disabilities.  North Dakota VR has six staff members who provide education, training and consultation for counselors related to workforce needs, labor market information, and the evolving workforce in the 21st Century; these positions include four business services specialists (BSS) and two career assessment specialists (CAS).  All new counselors are required to complete four Career Index Plus webinars offered through WINTAC.  Through monthly cyber chats and the state’s annual training conference, VR staff are provided training on business engagement, labor market information, and other topics related to the evolving workforce.

In 1999, North Dakota VR’s QRP standards were implemented.  The goal established at implementation was 50% of staff on board October 1, 1999, would meet the QRP standards by October 2004 and 100% by October 2009.  All staff hired after that date are required to meet QRP standards within five years of hire.  Currently, 100% of the original staff meet the QRP standards.  Staff hired after that date have either met the standard or are in the process of doing so as required.