Narrative: e. 3.

GVRA authorizes SE services for individuals with the most significant disabilities for whom competitive integrated employment has not traditionally occurred or for whom competitive integrated employment has been interrupted or intermittent as a result of a severe disability; and, who, because of the nature and severity of their disabilities, need intensive supported employment service and extended services to enter and retain competitive integrated employment. SE services are also authorized for youth with the most significant disabilities that need extended services and expanded support employment opportunities for up to four year or until their twenty-fifth birthday, whichever occurs first. The maximum period for SE services is twenty-four months following placement on a supported employment work site. This time can be extended, however, if it is determined and documented on the individualized plan for employment (IPE) that additional time is necessary for the client to achieve job stability prior to transition to extended services.

Three models of supported employment are utilized by GVRA: Traditional Supported Employment, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and, Customized Supported Employment (CSE). Supported employment services begin after placement.

Service Structure:

• Integrated Supported Employment Services (IPS) follow a structured approach similar to Traditional Supported Employment. Upon commencement of employment, IPS services progress through distinct phases, beginning with Training & Initiation of Ongoing Support. This phase is followed by Stabilization and Transition to Extended Services, ensuring continuity of support for individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

Core Principles of IPS:

• IPS providers adhere to the Eight Principles of IPS, ensuring fidelity to evidence-based practices:

1. Zero Exclusion: All individuals with disabilities are eligible for IPS services, regardless of the severity of their disability or other factors.
2. Competitive Integrated Employment: The primary goal is to help individuals secure competitive, integrated employment in the community.
3. Rapid Job Search: The job search process is initiated promptly upon enrollment in IPS services, with an emphasis on securing employment quickly.
4. Systematic Job Development: IPS providers employ a systematic approach to job development, actively seeking out and securing employment opportunities tailored to the individual's skills, preferences, and goals.
5. Worker Preference: The individual's preferences and interests guide the job search and employment placement process, ensuring a good fit between the individual and their job.
6. Time Unlimited Supports: Ongoing support is provided for as long as the individual requires it, with no time limits imposed on the duration of services.
7. Integrated Services: IPS services are integrated with other supports and services, such as benefits planning and mental health services, to address the holistic needs of the individual.
8. Benefits Planning: IPS providers assist individuals in understanding and navigating benefits systems to ensure that employment does not jeopardize their access to essential benefits and supports.

Provider Qualifications:

To become an IPS provider, organizations must meet specific qualifications and undergo training:

• Providers must demonstrate a commitment to delivering IPS services in adherence to the Eight Principles.
• Completion of specific training programs approved by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) is required prior to approval as an IPS provider.

Integrated Supported Employment Services (IPS) uphold the principles of inclusivity, individual choice, and ongoing support to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive, integrated employment. By adhering to evidence-based practices and completing required training, IPS providers play a crucial role in facilitating the successful employment outcomes of individuals with disabilities in the community.

Providers providing CSE services are required through their collaborative agreements to utilize employment specialists that have been trained through an Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) accredited program in Customized Employment. CSE providers are working towards dual approval by GVRA and DBHDD -Developmental Disabilities. Ongoing technical assistance is provided by both agencies as well as monitoring the delivery of CSE services. Services that are provided by CSE Providers include: benefits counseling, Discovery, interviews with those close to the individual in their home and community settings to assess a full picture of their daily experiences, job exploration, job search planning, ensuring that the employment process utilizes positive language ensures employment process is person-centered by meeting with the individual, their support person, ES/provider, VRC to clarify the value the individual can bring to a company, job development and negotiation, follow-along and on-going supports, and job coaching. Additional support services that can be provided include items such as uniforms for work, transportation assistance, and assistive work technology.

 In collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities, cases must have a primary diagnosis of Developmental Disability. These cases are either fully funded by the Medicaid Waiver or are pre-approved and on the “planning list” for the waiver. Transition to extended services begins once the individual has received supported employment services, meets the objectives of the IPE plan, and has been in the stabilization phase for at least 30 days. At the time of transition to extended services, an individual must be employed in a competitive integrated setting for a minimum of 90 days. Stabilization and transition to extended services is measured for each individual by considering all circumstances including support needs, consumer choice and satisfaction regarding services, and employer feedback. Prior to case closure, an individual should be maintaining their employment, with the help of their extended support, for a minimum of 90 days (min. total of 180 days employed prior to case closure). Supported employment services may be provided for up to 24 months, if needed, to achieve stabilization on the job.

Although GVRA does not use Title I or Title IV funding for adults in need of extended services.  GVRA does use Title I and Title IV funds for youth with the most significant disabilities. Extended Services are those services provided to individuals with the most significant disabilities, which may include youth with the most significant disabilities. Services may be provided by the State agency, a private nonprofit organization, the employer, or any other appropriate resource when the individual no longer receives support services from the agency. Extended services may include such things as natural support, transportation support from the community, or direct support from the supported employment provider. Following exit from GVRA services, in accordance with the collaborative agreement, extended services are delivered by the provider for the life of the job. 

GVRA also serves individuals through Project SEARCH sites throughout Georgia. Project SEARCH partnerships increase access for students and youth to supported employment services. These various approaches allow us to meet the continuum of needs for individuals with the most significant disabilities, including youth with the most significant disabilities.

• Coverage: GVRA will only cover costs for services that fall under Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students served by LEAs. These services aim to prepare students with disabilities for future employment opportunities and may include activities such as career exploration, job readiness training, and workplace skills development.
• Financial Support for Accessibility Needs: GVRA will also cover expenses related to accessibility needs, such as uniforms, tools, equipment, or other accommodations required for students with disabilities to participate in training programs. This ensures that all students have equal access to vocational training opportunities.
• Quarterly Community of Practice Meetings: GVRA will organize and host quarterly Community of Practice meetings, bringing together stakeholders from LEAs, community organizations, and other relevant entities to share best practices, discuss challenges, and collaborate on strategies to improve outcomes for students with disabilities transitioning into the workforce.

Adult Sites (Non-LEA Sites):

• Participant Cost Coverage: GVRA will cover participant costs associated with work-based learning, training, job coaching, and other support services at adult sites that are not affiliated with LEAs. This financial support aims to remove barriers to employment and ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the necessary assistance to succeed in their vocational goals.
• Exclusion of Staff Salaries and Site Supplies: However, GVRA will not fund the salaries of staff or cover the costs of site supplies at these adult sites. Instead, the focus will be on directly supporting participants and providing them with the resources and assistance they need to achieve employment outcomes.

By strategically allocating funds and defining financial arrangements with LEAs and adult sites, GVRA aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive comprehensive support to access and succeed in vocational training and employment opportunities. These financial arrangements are designed to maximize the impact of supported employment programs while leveraging resources effectively.