Narrative: e. 3.

The agency adhered to the requirements for public comment and SRC input. The Supported Employment Grant Title VI funds will be utilized by the WA General VR agency, and we have communicated with them our intent to have the Title VI funds for the state transferred to their exclusive use with adequate time for them to factor in those additional funds into their planning.

For Title 1 services, Vocational Rehabilitation staff are well versed in the provision of supported employment services and understand the issues related to eligibility, vocational assessment, and creating vocational plans that address the need for on-going long-term support services. The quality of services is equal to any customer served, and are individualized and comprehensive. We work with each individual's unique needs, strengths and aptitudes towards a career goal that meets the individual's goals in competitive and integrated employment. We typically partner with the general VR agency to take full advantage of the specialized resources DVR has developed to achieve the long-term supports the individual requires to maintain their career goals. When long-term supports are not immediately available, the agency will support up to 24 months for the necessary extended services, and up to 48 months for a customer who is a youth.

Supported employment is provided to participants with the most significant disabilities who need intensive, ongoing support to perform in a work setting. Supported employment presents opportunities for advancement for individuals with disabilities that are similar to those available to employees without disabilities in similar positions. Supported employment is competitive integrated employment with the maximum hours possible, consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice of the individual.

WIOA defines competitive integrated work as performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is: (a) compensated at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience; (b) receiving the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions; (c) at a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities; and (d) presented opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions.

In order to receive Supported Employment services, the DSB participant must:

• Be eligible for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services in accordance with WAC 67-25-125;
• Have completed a comprehensive assessment of rehabilitation needs in accordance with WAC 67-25-205;

AND

• Need intensive supported employment services from DSB and ongoing services from other resources to perform competitive work due to the nature and significance of their disabilities.

The need for supported employment is based on counselor judgement and/or in collaboration with an external entity that has additional knowledge of the participant’s needs and abilities.

The supported employment services provided can include:

• An ongoing assessment of the participant’s employment situation to determine what is needed to maintain job stability and to coordinate services that are needed at or away from the job site to maintain job stability
• Intensive job skill training at the job site
• Job development, job placement and job retention services
• Social skills training
• Regular observations or supervision
• Regular contacts with the participant or participant’s representative, the employer, and any other support service agencies
• Facilitation of natural supports at the job site
• Any other vocational services needed to maintain job stability

A participant transitions into extended services after supported employment services from DSB have ended.   Extended services are the services that are necessary to occur after a case has closed to support the job. Extended services include ongoing natural or contracted support services from other appropriate resources.  Long-term funding may be found through public agencies, non-profit agencies, employers, natural supports and any other resource other than federal VR funds. Specific examples of long-term supports might include: Developmental Disabilities Administration, Social Security, and Washington Behavioral Health.

A participant achieves a supported employment outcome when:

• The individual has transitioned to extended services provided by either Washington state’s designated agency for individuals with the most significant disabilities (Developmental Disabilities Administration), or another Community Rehabilitation Provider; and
• The individual has maintained employment and achieved stability in the work setting for at least 90 days after transitioning to extended services;

AND

• The employment is competitive and integrated.

If a job is secured and extended supports to maintain the position are not yet identified, DSB ensures supported employment services that are reasonable and necessary for the participant to maintain stability on the job for up to 24 months for adults, and up to 48 months for a youth with a disability. If extended support services are not identified within these timeframes, DSB must close the case.

In keeping with averages over time, we expect that five (5) to ten (10) customers that require long term supports per year will achieve competitive & integrated employment outcomes.