Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)
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:
DVR has established minimum education and experience requirements for all positions providing rehabilitation services to ensure personnel have a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities. All professional and paraprofessionals providing vocational rehabilitation services are required to possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform their job duties. In addition to the education requirements described in section i(3)(A), Rehabilitation Counselors must possess at least 2 years of experience working directly with individuals with disabilities providing relevant services. Similarly, Business Outreach Specialists must possess a Bachelor’s Degree with experience demonstrating candidates have the foundational skills needed for success in the position. DVR managers regularly consider whether recruitment and selection processes, as well as education and experience requirements, for hiring personnel adequately evaluate the qualifications necessary to meet the standard of having a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities. As warranted, DVR has flexibility to work with the Office of Human Resources or the Department of Personnel and Administration to adjust minimum qualifications and hiring practices to ensure staff are duly qualified.