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:
(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.
DORS plans to:
- Annually take the information and recommendations from the Data System described above regarding current and projected needs for personnel;
- Based on findings, design a recruitment plan for the upcoming year in collaboration with colleges and universities, and the Maryland Rehabilitation Association; and
- Update the Plan on an annual basis, as needed.
Colleges/Universities in Maryland with Rehabilitation Counseling Programs:
| Institution | Location | Programs |
| Coppin State University (Historically Black Institution) | Baltimore, Maryland | Undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling; Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling; Certificate Program in Assistive Technology; Post-Master Certificate Program in Professional Counselor Licensure. |
| The George Washington University | Washington, DC | Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (online & on-site); Master’s degree in Vocational Evaluation; Master’s degree in Secondary Special Education and Transition Services; Certificate program in Job Development/Placement; Certificate program in Transition Special Education. |
| The University of the District of Columbia | Washington, DC | Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling |
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore | Princess Anne, Maryland | Undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling; Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling |
The plan may include the following:
- Active membership on advisory boards of colleges/universities with programs in Rehabilitation Counseling;
- Provision of job shadowing opportunities for Masters level students in their first year;
- Provision of internship opportunities in the comprehensive rehabilitation facility and field offices;
- Staff presentations to students and classes about the public rehabilitation program;
- Collaboration with the Maryland Rehabilitation Association training committee to provide on-going in-service training opportunities to current and prospective staff;
- Maintain effective partnership with historically black institutions to assure sufficient number of applicants for state agency job vacancies, so that the workforce reflects the composition of the State; and
- To support retention of staff and succession planning, collaborate with university, professional association and the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute partners to provide on-going mentoring and leadership activities.