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:
__________
[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. 1. The State Medicaid plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act;
Current Narrative:
.
As Divisions within the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), DVR and DBVI have entered an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA). The agreement is in effect for five years. The purpose of the agreement is to describe how Vocational Rehabilitation Title I and Title VI-B funding will be utilized with Medicaid Global Commitment funding to support employment services for the following populations:
Supported employment services for adults with developmental disabilities served through the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) Developmental Disabilities Services Division, hereinafter referred to as DDSD.
Youth with severe emotional disturbance (SED) served by the Department of Mental Health (DMH), Children’s Division through the JOBS programs.
Adults with psychiatric disabilities served through the Community Rehabilitation and Treatment (CRT) program administered by the Department of Mental Health (DMH).
The agreement sets out the following guiding principles:
DAIL/DVR/DBVI and DVHA are committed to implementing employment services through the blending and braiding of VR Title I and Title VI-B funding with DDSD Global Commitment Medicaid funding. The goal is to support a seamless and well-integrated system to provide employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, youth with SED and adults with psychiatric disabilities through a statewide network of community providers.
The agreement also lays out eligibility criteria for the respective programs and the financial responsibilities of each State Unit as follows:
Funding of Time-Limited Supported Employment Services
Except for youth with the most significant disabilities, DAIL/DVR/DBVI funding of supported employment is time-limited for a period of not more than 24 months unless a determination is made that a longer period is necessary based unpon the individuals needs. Funded services must be based on a determination of the needs of an eligible individual, as specified in an individualized plan for employment. DAIL/DVR/DBVI will fund the following services with Title I funds prior to placement and with either Title I or Title VI B funds following placement.
Supported employment assessment services
Supported employment job search and placement services
Supported employment work supports
Customized employment
Benefits and work incentive counseling
Progressive employment
Case services for additional work supports such as work clothes and transportation
Funding for Extended Services
Extended services are the ongoing support services that are needed to support and maintain an individual with a most significant disability in supported employment, after an individual has made the transition from DAIL/DVR/DBVI time-limited services. Extended services can be funded by DAIL/DVR/DBVI for youth with the most significant disabilities, for a period not to exceed four years until a youth reaches age 25. DAIL/DVR/DBVI may not provide extended services to individuals with the most significant disabilities who are not youth with the most significant disabilities.
DHVA Global Commitment Funding of Employment Services
Developmental Services
Supported employment and extended employment services are through the Global Commitment, Home and Community Based Medicaid Services (HCBS) for people who meet the eligibility criteria for DDS. DAIL/DDSD HCBS funding is individualized based on the support needs of the consumer. If the HCBS has a line item for employment, then an employment outcome must be included in the Individualized Support Agreement (ISA). HCBS funding can be used to support both short term assessment, job development, job placement services and extended services.
JOBS Program
The JOBS program supported employment services and extended employment services are funded through Global Commitment, Medicaid case rate funding administered by DMH. Funds will be provided through the DA Master Grant Agreements.
CRT Evidence Based Supported Employment Services
CRT evidence-based supported employment services are funded through the Global Commitment, Medicaid CRT Case Rate administered by DMH. Funds will be provided through the DA Master Grant Agreements.