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:
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[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:
- 3. Personnel Standards
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 3. A. Standards that are consistent with any national or State-approved or -recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to the profession or discipline in which such personnel are providing VR services; and
Current Narrative:
VR considers it a priority to hire and retain personnel who meet national standards for rehabilitation counseling. The Commission on Rehabilitation Staff Certification’s Certified Rehabilitation Staff certification is the standard VR utilizes to set the highest level of qualified staff standard for VR rehabilitation professionals. VR has historically required staff hired as staff to obtain the education and experience that would enable them to sit for the CRC exam within six (6) years of hire. As of PY 2017, VR restructured the VR staff position to align with the WIOA Comprehensive System of Personnel Development standards, and thus created a career ladder with appropriately tiered compensation. The restructure allows the agency to maintain and attract staff who meet the requirements of a Certified Rehabilitation Staff (CRC), as well as entry and mid-level staff who satisfy the minimum WIOA education and experience requirements.