Narrative: o. 3.

Goal 3

All Individuals served by DVR receive high quality vocational rehabilitation services in an accessible and culturally-competent manner that reflects the principles of universal design and informed choice as measured by consumer feedback and case review.

Objective 3.1: Maine DVR will work closely with Maine’s Section 121 VR Grant – Wabanaki Vocational Rehabilitation, to increase co–enrollment from 3 individuals in PY2019 to 10 individuals annually by PY 2023.

Strategies:

1. Maine DVR will include Wabanaki Vocational Rehabilitation in training and technical assistance opportunities – including New Counselor Training.

2. Wabanaki VR will provide training and technical assistance to Maine DVR on issues related to cultural competency and best practices in Native employment supports.

3. DVR will work with Wabanaki VR to increase opportunities for collaboration on delivery of Pre-Employment Transition Services to Native American students with disabilities attending Maine high schools.

4. According to the joint Memorandum of Understanding, Maine DVR and Wabanaki VR will meet at least annually to review the agreement.

Objective 3.2: To address the growing numbers of Maine residents who are “New Mainers” and who may be eligible for DVR services, Maine DVR will strengthen its services to this population through the following strategies:

1. 1. Provide staff training and development to DVR staff to increase cultural competence as measured through pre- and post- training evaluation.

   2. Conduct educational and outreach activities to increase awareness of availability of DVR services.

   3. Join with other workforce system partners to address common barriers to employment – such as transcript analysis, English language skills, and need for support services.

   4. Ensure language access in all DVR-produced and delivered materials.

   5. Include best practices in hiring and retaining New Mainers in employer engagement activities.

Objective 3.3: To support the successful reentry of individuals with disabilities exiting the correctional systems and reentering employment, Maine DVR will strengthen its services to this population through the following strategies:

1. Building on a successful pilot effort, Maine DVR will partner with the Department of Corrections and the Bureau of Employment Services to expand delivery of a targeted pre-release “Career Exploration Workshop” to state and county correctional facilities throughout the state.

2. Strengthen DVR participation in the Reentry Network, leading to increased knowledge of resources and supports to promote employment and reduce recidivism.

3. Maintain “Corrections Liaisons” in each office. Liaisons will be paired with regional correctional facilities leading to increased collaboration and timely pre-release referrals. Liaisons will participate in joint DVR/Department of Corrections quarterly meetings leading to increased coordination of services for mutual clients.

4. Provide annual staff training on best practices leading to successful employment for individuals with a criminal history.

Objective 3.4: To support successful employment of individuals who are Veterans, DVR will strengthen its services to this population through the following strategies:

1. Continue to collaborate with Bureau of Employment Services’ Veterans Services leading to increased co-enrollment opportunities for veterans with disabilities

2. DVR will maintain “Veterans Liaisons” in each office. Liaisons will participate in quarterly Bureau of Employment Services’ Veterans Services team meetings to exchange information and plan joint events (such as targeted job fairs).

3. During PY20, DVR will update its Memorandum of Understanding with federal Veterans’ Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment leading to increased referrals of Veterans eligible for both services.

4. DVR will provide training to staff on the employment needs of Veterans.

Objective 3.5: To support successful employment and community inclusion of individuals with dual sensory impairments (Deaf/Blind), DVR will strengthen its services to this population through the following strategies:

1. Through its Division for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, DVR will work in partnership with DBVI and other community organizations to explore opportunities to build capacity of Support Service Providers across the state.         

Objective 3.6: Maine DVR will develop new strategies to increase the employment of people with mental health disabilities:

            Strategies:

1. DVR will partner with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services and MaineCare Services to explore opportunities for collaboration to strengthen and expand employment services to individuals with mental health disabilities

2. DVR will work with the Department of Corrections through its quarterly joint meetings to identify effective practices in referring and supporting individuals for whom mental health is a barrier to employment.

3. DVR will partner with Clubhouses (that are certified or pursuing certification) to provide employment services that meet Clubhouse International standards.

4. DVR will maintain a liaison to the local Clubhouse in each office and work with them on joint training and outreach needs.

5. DVR will provide staff training at least annually on best practices in vocational rehabilitation for individuals with mental health disabilities.

Objective 3.7: Maine DVR will continue implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding with the public Workers’ Compensation system in order to better serve injured Maine workers who eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services.

Strategies:

1. DVR will maintain a roster of Board-approved Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.

2. In conjunction with the Board, DVR will ensure at least annual training for all Board-approved VRCs.

3. DVR will meet at least annually with the Workers’ Compensation Board to assess the success of the MOU initiative.

Objective 3.8: Maine DVR will work with state agencies, treatment providers, and other partners to promote and support employment for individuals impacted by substance use.

Strategies:

1. DVR will provide training to staff, at least annually, on best practices in supporting the employment of individuals impacted by substance use

2. DVR will participate in grant advisory and other work groups as requested.

3. DVR will participate with WIOA and other partners in targeted efforts to promote employment of individuals impacted by substance use

4. DVR will explore effective strategies – like Progressive Employment – for use with this population.

Objective 3.9: Maine DVR will provide equitable vocational rehabilitation services to potentially eligible students and eligible youth and adults who identify as LGBTQ+.

Strategies:

1. DVR will convene a work group to review best practices in serving this population and make recommendations for policy and practice changes.

2. DVR will provide training to staff and review policies at least annually.

Objective 3.10 Maine DVR will work with Maine’s TANF/ASPIRE programs and contracted providers to increase collaboration – leading to improved employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Strategies:

1. Partnering with the Bureau of Employment Services, the Department of Health and Human Services and FEDCAP, pilot activities in two locations that build interagency collaboration and braid services on behalf of program recipients.

2. Enhance New Counselor Training with a poverty-informed module targeted to meeting the needs of individuals who receive these benefits.