Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan* must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by WIOA:
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* Sec. 102(b)(D)(iii) of WIOA
- d. Coordination with Education Officials
- 2. Information on the Formal Interagency Agreement with the State Educational Agency with Respect To:
- I. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development(Formerly known as Attachment 4.10)). 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:
- iii. Personnel StandardsDescribe the State agency's policies and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of personnel standards consistent with section 101(a)(7)(B) and 34 CFR 361.18(c) to ensure that designated State unit professional and paraprofessional personnel are adequately trained and prepared, including:
- iii. Personnel Standards
- I. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
- 2. Information on the Formal Interagency Agreement with the State Educational Agency with Respect To:
- d. Coordination with Education Officials
d. 2. I. iii. II. 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.
Current Narrative:
The Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has set the following as its personnel standard for rehabilitation counselor: 1. Possession of a Master’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Counseling, Social or Behavioral Science or related field OR Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) designation. 2. At least one year experience in vocational rehabilitation. 3. Six months experience in health or human services work which includes applying theories, principles, laws and practices of health or human services programs and services that assist with and improve life for individuals, families, or communities such as financial support, employment including a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities, unemployment, housing, health care, disease prevention, substance abuse, child protective services, physical/mental health treatment and prevention or rehabilitation. 4. Six months experience in analyzing and interpreting medical, psychiatric, psychological, psycho—social, educational and vocational reports from medical, psychological, and other experts to determine eligibility or an individual’s vocational rehabilitation needs. 5. Six months experience in case management which includes assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individual’s human service needs. 6. Six months experience in interpreting vocational rehabilitation laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures The DE DVR hosted or participated in the following trainings to ensure staff have 21st century understanding of the evolving workforce and to encourage cross-sector collaboration with other one stop partners since October 2016. -2 day training, provided by WINTAC, for staff to receive an overview of WIOA implementation. The second day consisted of smaller focus groups tasked with helping the agency evaluate possible strategies for implementation of the high priorities discussed on the first day including centralization eligibility, internal controls and accountability, business relations, performance standards and credential and measurable skills gain. -Training has been offered in our case management system, AWARE, as it relates to the updates reflecting new reporting schedule and data elements. -The DE DVR has also participated in a team building series offered by the Department of Labor that required all division to attend, helping build a foundational relationship between all staff and other partners in the One Stop System including, Employment and Training, the Workforce Investment Board, and our Office of Labor Market Information. -Our Business Relations Unit participated in a train the trainer program offered through the Mid-Atlantic ADA Network and is all equipped to deliver training to businesses and clients. -Training on the hearing brain was offered to all of the DE DOL staff in an effort to promote cultural sensitivity. -A 2-day workshop focus on understanding and managing social security benefits was offered to the community at large and was well attended by families of individuals receiving benefits. -The DE DVR partnered with the Disability Determination Services unit to offer in-depth training on all of the body systems and disabling conditions to staff. In addition, information and training was provided to DDS Adjudicators on employment supports and options available for those received SSA benefits. -Small group sessions were required for all Counselors to participate in hands-on training/discussion on making sound eligibility determinations and placement in the priority categories. The sessions were devised to help promote critical thinking and thoughtful decisions. -The DE DVR’s psychological consultant provided training on how to interpret intellectual and achievement scores to be relevant for employment and daily living skills. -Ethics training, approved by the CRCC was provided for all staff. -The DE DOL hosts an Annual One Stop Partners Convening, giving all partners the opportunity to network, receive information on the other programs and build plans for service integration. All staff is highly encouraged to attend. -The DE DVR hosts, in collaboration with DOE and DDDS, an annual Transition Conference that all transition staff are highly encouraged to attend. -The DE Pathways to Prosperity Network hosts a conference bring employers, secondary and post-secondary education together to demonstrate where education is working to meet the needs of the labor market and discuss opportunities to strengthen the supports for students. All staff is encouraged to attend.