Performance Based Agreement (PBA)
OCSS are a specialized form of job coaching or specialized placement and retention services designed to meet the needs of people who are deaf or hard of hearing to prepare for, secure, retain, advance in, or regain competitive integrated employment. Occupational Communication Specialists (OCS) provide all of the same services as a job coach or placement specialist, and in addition, possess fluency in all forms of manual communication, knowledge of deafness and psycho-social implications of hearing loss, sensitivity to cultural issues, familiarity with community services, and awareness of adaptive technology options for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
To be considered a qualified OCS, minimum qualifications include:
Additional preferred qualifications include:
Customized Employment Services
Customized Employment Discovery Process/Exploration
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for a Customized Employment Discovery Services in order for the Community Partner to collaborate with an individual in the VR program to conduct an individualized determination of the unique strengths, needs, and interests of the individual designed to meet the specific abilities of the individual and the business needs of the employer.
Customized Employment Discovery Services can be carried out through flexible strategies, such as job exploration, by the individual and working with an employer to facilitate placement; customizing a job description based on current employer needs or on previously unidentified and unmet employer needs; developing a set of job duties, a work schedule and job arrangement, and specifics of supervision (including performance evaluation and review), and determining a job location; using a professional representative chosen by the individual, or if elected self-representation, to work with an employer to facilitate placement; and by providing services and supports at the job location.
The Customized Employment Discovery process allows individuals with disabilities and employers the opportunity to negotiate job tasks and/or reassign job duties to improve overall contribution in the workplace. For employers, customized employment allows an employer to examine its specific workforce needs and fulfill those needs with an employee’s specific skills.
Customized Employment Discovery Services includes the following activities: initial meeting, home visit(s), interviews with people who know the individual, identifying preferences, neighborhood information gathering, documenting life activities, theme development, theme testing, narrative reports, creating visual resume, and a summary meeting.
No
Complete 40-hour ACRE approved course with an emphasis in customized employment and pass the VRS Competency review process.
Medical, Vocational & Other Evaluation or Assessment
Informational Interviewing
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for an Information Interview in order for the Community Partner to facilitate opportunities for an individual in the VR program to conduct an informal conversation with someone working in a career area/job that interests the individual, with the intent that the conversation will give the individual information and advice. It is not a job interview, and the objective is not to find job openings. Support is provided to identify and set up the informational interview event with the individual, and to follow-up with debriefing.
No
Informational Interviews and Job Shadowing are services that often occur together in sequence.
The job coach provides support, training, and consultation to the individual and the business to facilitate successful competitive integrated employment. Job coaching services may be provided to any individual needing more intensive services than the follow up services provided by the Placement Professional during Placement and Follow Up Services. Job coaching can be performed on or off the job site.
Prior to authorizing for job coaching services, there should be a collaborative discussion to assess and determine the person's job coaching needs which includes VRS staff, the provider, the employer (if applicable) and input from the participant.
Job Coaching services are training services provided up to point that employment stability is achieved and not beyond.
Supervisory consultation and approval is required to authorize job coaching services beyond 60 hours. This consultation and approval must be documented by the supervisor in Workforce One case notes.
The job coach must provide weekly updates to the VRS counselor and submit a monthly Coaching Report to the VRS Counselor while job coaching services are being provided.
Job Search Assistance
Job Seeking Skills Training
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for Job Seeking Skills Training services in order for the Community Partner to provide individuals in the VR program with counseling for and/or training on techniques to prepare for, secure, retain, advance in, or regain competitive integrated employment. This includes assisting an individual in preparing resumes, job applications, and developing job interviewing skills. This service includes providing training on how to address perceptual barriers of employers and prepare to meet expectations of employers, such as assisting the individual to become knowledgeable about job duties, personnel benefits, rates of pay, employment policies and practices, and the job location prior to job acceptance.
No
Activities previously authorized under “Job Exploration Counseling Services – General Services” should be authorized under Job Seeking Skills Training.
Medical, Vocational & Other Evaluation or Assessment
Job Shadowing
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for a Job Shadow in order for the Community Partner to provide opportunities for an individual in the VR program to observe different jobs and ask businesses questions about the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to perform the tasks involved in the job. The Community Partner will support the individual to identify and create these opportunities at job sites and will debrief with Community Partner staff after the event.
No
Informational Interviews and Job Shadowing are services that often occur together in sequence.
A time-limited opportunity available to job seekers in situations where an internship will significantly enhance skill development and future opportunity for competitive integrated employment (e.g., individuals who are ready to begin work but need relevant work experience related to their educational training, individuals in a training program, recent post-secondary graduates or students currently enrolled in a post-secondary training program).
Training - Job Readiness
Job Tryout
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for a Job Tryout in order for the Community Partner to facilitate a working interview which allows an individual in the VR program the opportunity to demonstrate to an employer their capacity to effectively perform job tasks within an existing position with the employer. There must be a job opening at the employer with the possibility of being hired. Job Tryouts are typically 1 to 2 weeks in duration.
When Job Tryout is on a P/T Contract, the individual is paid through the Community Partner’s payroll and paid prevailing wage.
On-the-Job Training or Job Coaching may follow a Job Try-Out if the individual is offered a job and additional training is needed. These additional services would need to be authorized by VRS and be on the Community Partner’s P/T contract.
No
Job Try-Out can be purchased through Community Partners who have this service on their P/T contact. Job Try-Out can also be purchased/coordinated directly between VRS and a local business.
Medical, Vocational & Other Evaluation or Assessment
On-the-Job Evaluation
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for an On-the-Job Evaluation (OJE) for the Community Partner to provide VRS with an understanding of the individual’s marketability and skills in a particular career or occupational area of interest.
An On-the-Job Evaluation is primarily used prior to the determination of a specific job goal.
The Community Partner staff monitors and reports on the evaluation, noting the individual’s skills, interests, work tolerance, suitability of certain types of work, and the need for specific supports, coaching or training to improve the individual’s employability.
When On-the-Job Evaluation is on a P/T Contract, the individual is paid through the Community Partner’s payroll and paid prevailing wage.
No
Facilitate a work experience intended for the student to explore careers, understand the nature of work, and/or build foundational work skills. Only the student and employer evaluate how the work experience went.
There are 3 ways Community Partners can support work experiences:
This service does not encompass work-based learning coaching. If work-based learning coaching is necessary for a student eligible for full VR, it should be authorized separately by the VR counselor.
This service also does not encompass wages for the student. If the Community Partner will be paying the wages for a student’s Short-Term Work Experience, VRS staff would authorize the student’s prevailing wage plus 50% of that wage for administrative costs.
Pre-ETS Internship
Benefits Counseling/Analysis
Benefits Coaching: Benefits Coaching Report
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for a Benefits Coaching Report in order for the Community Partner to provide benefits information to an individual that results in a Benefits Coaching Report. This service must be performed by a certified Benefits Coach who has completed the Disability HUB MN Benefits Coaching Training.
Benefits Counseling/Analysis
Benefits Coaching: Hourly Services
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for Benefits Coaching Hourly Services in order for the Community Partner to provide benefits information to an individual on an hourly basis. This service must be performed by a certified Benefits Coach who has completed the Disability HUB MN Benefits Coaching Training.
Benefits Counseling/Analysis
Benefits Planning: Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for a Benefits Planning: Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report in order for the Community Partner to provide in-depth benefits information to an individual with a complex benefit situation that results in a Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report. This service must be performed by a CWIC, CPWIC, or WIP.
Benefits Counseling/Analysis
Benefits Planning: Hourly Services
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for Benefits Planning: Hourly Services in order for the Community Partner to provide in-depth benefits information to an individual with a complex benefit situation on an hourly basis. This service must be performed by a CWIC, CPWIC, or WIP.
Training Disability Related Skills
Independent Living Skills, Services or Training
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for Independent Living Services in order for the Community Partner to provide services to improve or maintain the ability of individuals to live as independently as possible in the community.
Possible Services include, but are not limited to:
No
This service requires consultation with the VRS Independent Living Program Specialist to assess your ability to provide quality Independent Living Skills, Services or Training. Your VRS Community Partnership Program Specialist will facilitate the consultation.
Training - Disability Related Skills
Post-Secondary Supports
No
This service encompasses activities previously authorized under Service Type: "Post-Secondary Education Counsel Services - General", and Service Title: "Post-Secondary Education Counseling Services - General". This service had a previous Service Title of: "Personal Adjustment Training or Services".
Work with a student to explore vocational interests, the labor market, in-demand industries and occupations, non-traditional employment options, and/or identify career pathways of interest.
Assist a student to enroll or remain enrolled in postsecondary education or training by helping them to: understand how to successfully transition to a postsecondary education or training program; identify postsecondary education and training options; understand how their career goals line up with education and training options; complete steps for enrolling in a postsecondary education or training program; learn about and apply for postsecondary financial aid options; learn about various supports and assistive technology used by students with disabilities at college, such as where and how to get alternative formats of textbooks; learn about information on course offerings, career options, the types of academic and occupational training needed to succeed in the workplace, and how post-secondary opportunities associated with career fields or pathways would pertain to a student who is currently enrolled to ensure they are on the right pathway; and make decisions about changing majors and/ or education or training programs.
Arrange and provide opportunities for: learning about disability and its impact; learning about/ how to request accommodations, services, supports, and assistive technology; learning about personal rights and responsibilities; mentoring (peer mentoring, disability mentoring, group mentoring or e-mentoring); and participating in youth leadership activities offered in educational or community settings.
Assist a student to understand how their benefits work in order to help them with their career planning.
Assist a student to understand independent living skills, financial literacy skills, communication, interpersonal skills, or other soft skills necessary for employment.
Provide counseling and/or training to a student regarding the techniques to prepare for, secure, retain, advance in, or regain competitive integrated employment. This includes assisting students in preparing resumes and job applications, developing job interviewing skills, providing training on how to address a business' perceptual barriers and prepare to meet a business' expectations, assisting the students to become knowledgeable about job duties, personnel benefits, rates of pay, employment policies and practices, and the job location prior to job acceptance.
Assist a student to understand how to use public transportation.
Medical Vocational and other Assessments
Rehabilitation Technology Assessment/Consult
VRS authorizes for a Rehabilitation Technology Assessment or Consult in order for a Community Partner to assess an individual's unique needs for rehabilitation technology use and support that will allow an individual with a disability to perform a task in environments including education, employment, transportation, independent living, and recreation. Examples of areas that can be assessed for rehabilitation technology include transportation, handwriting, reading, written expression, communication, mobility, seating and positioning, vision, hearing, computer access, recreation, and self-care.
No
this service requires consultation with the VRS Assistive Technology Program Specialist to assess your ability to provide quality Rehabilitation Technology Assessment/Consult services. Your VRS Community Partnerships Program Specialist will facilitate the consultation.
certification as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) under RESNA (the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America)
Small Business Services
Consultation for Small Business
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for Consultation for Small Business in order for the Community Partner to provide technical assistance and other consultation services to an individual as a means of achieving a small business career that provides competitive, integrated employment consistent with an individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.
Consultation for Small Business is consultation on a specific topic or problem that the entrepreneur is finding. The service may include market research, transcribing the business plan, cost benefits analysis and a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat Analysis (SWOT analysis). This service can assist an individual to identify the necessary startup costs for the small business and consultation on how to complete the required financial documents for startup.
A self-employed individual works for themselves and may work at home or at another work site, with or without on-going supports. Self-employment includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies or corporations.
No
This service requires consultation with the VRS Small Business Program Specialist to assess your ability to provide quality Small Business Consultation services. Your VRS Community Partnerships Program Specialist will facilitate the consultation.
On the Job Supports – Time Limited
Coaching for Small Business-Time Limited Support
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for Job Coaching for Small Business in order for the Community Partner to facilitate successful competitive, integrated employment for an individual as a small business owner. This service occurs after small business plan is approved by the Program Specialist and Vocational Rehabilitation professional. Coaching for Small Business services may be provided to any individual needing more intensive services than the follow-up services provided by the Vocational Rehabilitation professional and VRS Small Business Program Specialist. This service may include support, training, and consultation to an individual as they implement a small business plan approved by VRS. This service may be performed on or off the job site. This service may include completion of required VRS forms such as the Profit and Loss statements.
No
This service requires consultation with the VRS Small Business Program Specialist to assess your ability to provide quality Small Business Coaching services. Your VRS Community Partnership Program Specialist will facilitate the consultation.
Training - Disability Related Skills
Social Coaching
VRS authorizes for Social Coaching services in order for a Community Partner to provide specific, time-limited training and techniques to assist an individual with social communication disorders (such as Autism Spectrum Disorder) to improve their understanding of social communicating and form stronger relationships with co-workers and others. As a result of the service, an individual may develop skills in the following areas: self-awareness, self-advocacy, interpersonal skills, verbal communication, and non-verbal communication. Vocational Rehabilitation participants will have improvement goal areas set by the referring Vocational Rehabilitation staff with a quantifiable result specific to finding and retaining employment. Social skills coaching techniques may include instruction, behavioral rehearsal, corrective feedback, positive reinforcement, social stories, social scripting, and other proven techniques.
No
Special Education Teaching degree, Licensed Social Worker, Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, potentially other combination of education plus training/certifications in social coaching techniques.
Training - Job Readiness
Employee Development Services: Integrated
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for Employee Development Services-Integrated in order for the Community Partner to provide individualized services that assist an individual seeking competitive integrated employment to develop or re-establish skills, attitudes, personal characteristics, interpersonal skills, work behaviors and functional capacities to achieve an employment outcome. These services are time-limited and are provided directly to an individual seeking competitive integrated employment. The services take place in settings that meet the definition of an integrated community site.
No
former Service Title of Work Adjustment Training
Training – Job Readiness
Employee Development Services: Non-Integrated
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for Employee Development Services: Non-Integrated in order for the Community Partner to provide individualized services that assist an individual seeking competitive integrated employment to develop or re-establish skills, attitudes, personal characteristics, interpersonal skills, work behaviors and functional capacities to achieve an employment outcome. These services are time-limited and are provided directly to an individual seeking competitive integrated employment, typically within a group setting comprised primarily of individuals with disabilities, on-site at a provider location.
No
Training - Disability Related Skills
Independent Living Skills, Services or Training
VRS authorizes for Public Transportation Training in order for a Community Partner to arrange and provide opportunities for an individual to explore public transportation options and learn how to access and safely use public transportation. This service may include training on reading schedules, assistance filling out para-transit applications, contacting transportation providers to arrange service, and how to access disability accommodations, and physical skill practice time on public transportation.
No
Medical, Vocational Evaluation and Other Assessments
Other Evaluations and Assessments
VRS authorizes for a DHS-specific Background Check in order for the Community Partner to complete a DHS Background check on behalf of a VRS participant to assist with identifying possible employment goals. A DHS Background Check report must include clearance report (Blue, Yellow, or Red Card) for DHS employment opportunities and DHS licensed employment openings.
No
Information and Referral Services
Intake Fee
VRS authorizes for an intake in order for a Community Partner to conduct a scheduled meeting with the Community Partner, participant, and VRS staff to discuss the goals and parameters of the service. VRS will complete the VRS Referral Form. Community Partners are expected to come to the intake prepared with their paperwork packet to complete. VRS staff are present to support the participant and provide guidance and expectations for the service. VRS staff will create authorizations based on decisions made at intake for the provider.
No
Medical, Vocational & Other Evaluation or Assessment
Work/Vocational Evaluation
VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for a Work/Vocational Evaluation in order for the Community Partner to provide an assessment of a person's performance in a simulated or real work situation to determine the person's abilities, skills, attitudes toward work, and work behaviors. A Work/Vocational Evaluation gathers information that describes an individual’s work interests, assets, barriers to employment, work skills, work habits, physical tolerances while performing a job to help in developing employment goals and plan. Consumers are paid prevailing wage and a comprehensive report is submitted to VRS.
No
No
n/a
The goals and expectations of the Work/Vocational Evaluation should be specifically identified and documented by the VRS professional, the individual, and the Community Partner.
A Work/Vocational Evaluation can only be added to an individual’s employment plan with approval from the Regional Area Manager (RAM).
The VR program received 73.42% of federal fiscal year 2023 funding through grants from the U.S. Department of Education. The federal fiscal year 2023 grants totaled $47,671,377. The required state match for these funds is $12,849,251. The state of Minnesota appropriated $14.3 million to meet the match requirement.
