Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Blind)

DVR and DMH have a long history of collaboration around the provision of supported employment services for adults with psychiatric disabilities and youth with severe emotional behavioral disorders. This is reflected in the MOU’s overview and purpose as follows:

The purpose of this agreement is to describe how DAIL/DVR/DBVI and DMH will cooperate to implement, and improve employment services, supported employment services and evidence based supported employment services for youth and adults with psychiatric disabilities in the State of Vermont. Supported employment and employment services for youth and adults with psychiatric disabilities are provided through a system of approved non-profit community providers, including the Designated Agencies (DAs). DMH and DAIL/DVR/DBVI fund supported employment services jointly through grant and contractual relationships with these community providers. There are two primary programs within the DMH system that provide employment services:

• • The JOBS Program: JOBS provides supported employment services for youth with Severe Emotional Disturbance (SED)
  • The Community Rehabilitation and Treatment (CRT) Program: CRT provides employment services and supported employment for adults with severe psychiatric disabilities.

      The agreement sets out the following guiding principles:

DAIL/DVR/DBVI/DBVI and DMH have collaborated for over thirty years to implement supported employment services for youth and adults with psychiatric disabilities. DAIL/DVR/DBVI and DMH are committed to continuing this collaboration based on the following: 

• All people with psychiatric disabilities, who want to, can work with the appropriate supports.
• Work benefits people with psychiatric disabilities in the same way it does people without disabilities. Increased income, a sense of contribution and skill acquisition, increased confidence, independence and social connections all enable people to develop meaningful careers.
• Employment is an essential component of the recovery process for people with psychiatric disabilities.

The agreement forms an interagency planning and policy development group including the DVR/DBVI Directors and the DMH Directors of Adult Mental Health and Children’s Mental Health, and is in effect for five years from date of signature. The agreement also includes a commitment to joint monitoring of the programs and joint training and technical assistance. DAIL/DVR/DBVI and DMH support two models of individualized supported employment services in competitive, integrated employment settings The agreement describes the eligibility criteria for both systems and the service models as follows:

JOBS

The JOBS Program is an innovative supported employment and intensive case management service for youth with psychiatric disabilities, who have dropped out or left school. It uses work as a means to reach this challenging population. JOBS is a voluntary program where youth, once engaged, are assisted in transitioning from school, prison, or the streets and supported in accessing services to help them reach their individual goals and greater independence.

Individualized Placement and Support (IPS): Evidence Based Supported Employment Services.

IPS supported employment is an evidence-based approach to providing vocational services for adults with severe psychiatric disabilities. IPS integrates employment services within community mental health treatment and case management services. 

DAIL/DVR/DBVI and DMH do not support any type of group or segregated employment service model such as sheltered workshops, work crews, enclave placements or any approach that does not result in competitive, integrated employment. DAIL/DVR/DBVI and DMH will promote and support evidence based supported employment as the primary service model, through policy development, contract/grant language, training and technical assistance, and monitoring and quality review.     

The agreement describes the fiscal responsibilities of the respective Departments as follows:

Joint Responsibilities

DAIL/DVR/DBVI and DMH are committed to implementing supported employment services through the blending and braiding of VR Title I and Title VI-B funding with DMH Global Commitment Medicaid funding. The goal is to support a seamless and well-integrated system to provide supported employment services for adults with psychiatric disabilities and youth with SED through a statewide network of community providers.

DAIL/DVR/DBVI Responsibilities

1. Funding of Time-Limited Supported Employment Services

Except for youth with significant disabilities, DAIL/DVR/DBVI funding of supported employment is time-limited for a period of not more than 24 months. Funded services must be based on a determination of the needs of an eligible individual, as specified in an individualized plan for employment. DAIL/DVR/DBVI will fund:

• • Supported employment assessment services
  • Supported employment job search and placement services
  • Supported employment work supports
  • Customized employment
  • Benefits and work incentive counseling
  • Progressive employment
  • Case services for additional work supports such as work clothes and transportation

2. Funding for Extended Supports

Extended services are the ongoing support services that are needed to support and maintain an individual with a most significant disability in supported employment, after an individual has made the transition from DAIL/DVR/DBVI time-limited services. Extended services can be funded by DAIL/DVR/DBVI for youth with the most significant disabilities, for a period not to exceed four years. DAIL/DVR/DBVI may not provide extended services to individuals with the most significant disabilities who are not youth with the most significant disabilities.

3. Availability of Funding

The DAIL/DVR/DBVI commitment to funding supported employment services is contingent on the availability of state and federal funds. In the event state or federal funds are reduced or eliminated, DAIL/DVR/DBVI may reduce or end funding for supported employment services. 

DMH Responsibilities

1. Funding for JOBS

DMH will fund the JOBS program supported employment services and extended employment services through Global Commitment, Medicaid Case Rate funding. Funds will be provided through the DA Master Grant Agreements.

2. Funding for IPS Supported Employment Services and Extended Services

DMH will fund evidence-based supported employment through the Global Commitment, Medicaid CRT Case Rate. Funds will be provided through the DA Master Grant Agreements. 

3. Availability of Funding

The DMH commitment to funding JOBS and IPS supported employment services is contingent on the availability of state and federal funds. In the event state or federal funds are reduced or eliminated, DMH may reduce funding for supported employment services.