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:
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 2. Plan for Recruitment, Preparation and Retention of Qualified Personnel
Describe the development and implementation of a plan to address the current and projected needs for qualified personnel including, the coordination and facilitation of efforts between the designated State unit and institutions of higher education and professional associations to recruit, prepare, and retain personnel who are qualified, including personnel from minority backgrounds and personnel who are individuals with disabilities.
Current Narrative:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
For PY 2018 the turnover rate for QRP’s was 10.9 percent, down from 16.1 percent in PY 2016.