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
- h. Interagency Cooperation
Describe how the designated State unit will collaborate with the State agency responsible for administering each of the following programs to develop opportunities for competitive integrated employment, to the greatest extent practicable:
- h. Interagency Cooperation
h. 3. The State agency responsible for providing mental health services.
Current Narrative:
The Mental Health Supported Employment Program operates under an interagency agreement between DVR and the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) and contracts with 16 supported employment service providers throughout the State. Services provided through the agreements consist of job development, job seeking skills, job coaching, and ongoing support. The purpose of this project is to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness or persons in recovery. OBH joined the Dartmouth Collaborative in 2013. Since that time, DVR and OBH have partnered to support provider agencies to effectively implement the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, leading to improved outcomes for individuals with significant behavioral health impairments. IPS continues to expand in Colorado, with ongoing partnership between DVR, OBH, and local service providers.
OBH has staff dedicated to supporting the implementation of IPS and supported employment services. DVR recently added a Behavioral Health Supported Employment Coordinator/Trainer to expand capacity in developing supported employment programs to meet the needs of individuals with behavioral health impairments and build competency and skill among DVR staff, particularly with implementing evidence based supported employment models, such as IPS. These staff will continue to work together to further improve supported employment services in Colorado.