Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Blind)
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. B. 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:
All counselors in the agency must have a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities. The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) counselors are provided opportunities for in-service training and participation in and attendance at other training programs focusing on job development, job placement, and labor market analysis. New hires will receive basic information on this topic within six months of being hired. From that point on and for more experienced counselors, the need to maintain that understanding will be an on-going activity through continued training and maintenance of knowledge.
BSBP is utilizing technical assistance available through entities such as Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center (WINTAC) and VR Development Group. Subject matter experts in the areas of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), performance measures and staff performance appraisal and motivational interviewing have been utilized. Projected technical assistance subject matter expertise for customized employment has been engaged. Annual training will be provided on understanding and utilization of data collected relative to the six performance indicators.