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:
- 4. Staff Development
Describe the State agency's policies, procedures, and activities to ensure that, consistent with section101(a)(7)(C) of the Rehabilitation Act, all personnel employed by the designated State unit receive appropriate and adequate training in terms of:
- 4. Staff Development
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 4. A. A system of staff development for professionals and paraprofessionals within the designated State unit, particularly with respect to assessment, vocational counseling, job placement, and rehabilitation technology, including training implemented in coordination with entities carrying out State programs under section 4 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998; and
Current Narrative:
The department has an extensive in—service training program. The department maintains a departmental training team that meets to identify, plan, and coordinate training. A department wide training plan, reviewed by this team on an on—going basis, targets core subjects as well as new topics related to particular job classifications or specialty areas.
(A)These topics may include, but are not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act, case management, Social Security work incentives, personally identifiable information, policy on agency data breach and data breach reporting guidelines, employment development, WIOA, medical aspects of disability, disability etiquette, assistive technology, assessment, job placement, ethics, and multicultural issues. Two assistive technology expos/symposiums are held annually to assist in carrying out section 4 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. The National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials is accessed as well as RSA webinars to disseminate knowledge to staff from research and other sources.
The department utilizes MAESTRO learning management software to track training records for each staff member. This software allows for input from both field and state office staff. MAESTRO will track an individual’s training record, training dates, and future training needs. ZOOM webinar system and in—house video—on— demand capabilities have broadened the counselors’ ability to participate in training programs, webinars, and receive valuable time—sensitive information without spending time away from their office and consumers while significantly reducing travel/training costs.