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2 Year Modification

Idaho PYs 2022-2023 (Mod) Published Approved

Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

Section Published
Previous Plan Year Value Current Revision
Enter Narrative
1 - <p>IDVR will continue to recruit qualified staff from Rehabilitation Counselor Education programs. We maintain contact with Auburn University, Hofstra University, Montana State University, New Mexico Highlands University, Portland State University, San Diego State University, University of Arizona, University of Kentucky, University of North Texas, University of Northern Colorado, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, University of Wisconsin - Stout, Utah State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, West Virginia University, and Western Washington University. Management staff also attends the Fall and Spring National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) conferences for recruitment. </p> 1 + <p>IDVR will continue to recruit qualified staff from Rehabilitation Counselor Education programs. We maintain contact with Auburn University, Hofstra University, Montana State University, New Mexico Highlands University, Portland State University, San Diego State University, University of Arizona, University of Kentucky, University of North Texas, University of Northern Colorado, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, University of Wisconsin - Stout, Utah State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, West Virginia University, and Western Washington University. Management staff also attends the Fall and Spring National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) conferences for recruitment (when feasible).</p>
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3 - <p>Additionally, IDVR supports paid and unpaid internships for master’s level students in Rehabilitation or related fields. IDVR continues to face challenges in recruiting qualified applicants. The entry-level wage for a QRP is lower than comparable state and private positions. IDVR has increased wages for QRP’s and classified personnel in PY 2018. IDVR will continue to build a compensation package which will be competitive with other states and agencies contingent upon available funding.</p> 3 + <p>Additionally, IDVR supports paid and unpaid internships for master’s level students in Rehabilitation or related fields. IDVR continues to face challenges in recruiting qualified applicants. The entry-level wage for a QRP is lower than comparable state and private positions. IDVR has increased wages for QRP’s in Calendar Year 2021.&nbsp; IDVR a implemented a recruitment and retention bonus program to increase the potential for hiring QRPs as well as retain current QRPs.&nbsp; It is too soon to determine what impact, if any this program will have on QRPs for the agency.</p>
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5 - <p>To enhance recruitment and retention, IDVR has increased wages for QRP’s and classified personnel in PY 2018. IDVR will continue efforts to build a compensation package which will be competitive with other states and agencies contingent upon available funding. </p> 5 + <p>IDVR conducts exit interviews with staff, when possible, to determine whether there are areas of concern affecting staff retention. The current trend suggests counselors are leaving VR for positions which do not require a master’s degree and/or are paid more per hour.&nbsp; This trend has continued.&nbsp; Idaho has a very low unemployment rate and the wages have increased significantly in the private sector.&nbsp;&nbsp; As a State agency we are not as nimble in wage movement. For PY 2020 the turnover rate for the rehabilitation counselor position was 23 percent.</p>
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7 - <p>Furthermore, all Regional Managers, Central Office Management and other leadership personnel are involved in recruitment activities. Development of recruitment materials and marketing plans continue to be a priority for the Division. IDVR participates in career fairs around the state to encourage and seek individuals from diverse backgrounds including individuals with disabilities. </p> 7 + <p>As of June 2022, it is less than six months since QRP retention bonus implementation. &nbsp;The Division believes that the strategy has had a preliminary positive impact on the retention of QRP as the Division has only experienced one QRP resignation since implementation of the retention strategy. &amp;nbsp;Two QRP have been hired since implementation under the recruitment bonus strategy.</p>
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9 - <p>IDVR conducts exit interviews with staff, when possible, to determine whether there are areas of concern affecting staff retention. The current trend suggests counselors are leaving VR for positions which do not require a Master’s degree and/or are paid more per hour.&nbsp; Recent changes in our compensation structure seem to have reduced the rate of turnover for the agency, however, more time is needed to confirm the effect.&lt;/p&gt;
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11 - <p>For PY 2018 the turnover rate for QRP’s was 10.9 percent, down from 16.1 percent in PY 2016. </p>
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