Services

Customized Employment Discovery Services

Service Type

Customized Employment Services

Service Title

Customized Employment Discovery Process/Exploration

Definition

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.

CFP

No

Required Qualifications

Complete 40-hour ACRE approved course with an emphasis in customized employment and pass the VRS Competency review process.

Employee Development Services (Integrated)

Service Type

Training - Job Readiness

Service Title

Employee Development Services: Integrated

Definition

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.

Notes

Former Service Title of Work Adjustment Training.

Wages are not a separate service and if paid are funded from the service hours authorized to the community partner.

Employee Development Services (Non-Integrated)

Service Type

Training – Job Readiness

Service Title

Employee Development Services: Non-Integrated

Definition

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.

Notes

Wages are not a separate service and if paid are funded from the service hours authorized to the community partner.

Informational Interview

Service Type

Medical, Vocational & Other Evaluation or Assessment

Service Title

Informational Interviewing

Definition

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.

Notes

Partners can only bill for direct service time with the participant. Informational Interviews and Job Shadowing are services that often occur together in sequence.

Billable Services for Job Related Services

Internship Services

Service Type

Training - Internships

Service Title

Internship Services

Definition

A time-limited professional learning opportunity for job seekers who are ready to begin work and have a clear job goal. Internships are available to job seekers to significantly enhance skill development, experience, and future opportunity in a particular career field that aligns with the job goal (e.g., individuals who are ready to begin work but have a gap in work history, need relevant work experience related to their educational training, are enrolled in a postsecondary training program, or are recent postsecondary graduates).

Notes

Internships have specific reporting requirements.

Use the VRS Internship Plan.

Billable Services for Job Related Services

Internship Wages

Service Type

Training - Internships

Service Title

Internship Wages

Definition

Wages are payment to the participant for their time spent working. Wages should be paid at the prevailing internship wage* for the individual’s position or minimum wage, whichever is higher.

Notes

VRS reimburses the community partner for the wage and administrative expenses. Therefore, the total wage reimbursement equals 1.6 times the participant’s hourly wage multiplied by the total hours worked.

Job Coaching - Time Limited

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.

Examples of Techniques

• Job site skills training and assistance to perform work duties including utilizing appropriate instructional strategies to teach work tasks
• Assistance with job destination training and transportation coordination
• Training and assistance with work adjustment and interpersonal skills
• Training in employment practices, business policies and the work culture (breaks, check-ins, absences from work)
• Navigating changes in the work environment impacting potential for job retention
• Identify and integrate natural supports in the workplace, including modeling ways of supporting the new employee
• Reducing training and support as the individual becomes more independent
• Exploring and seeking job advancement

Examples of Quality Results

• Understands and performs work tasks
• Achieves satisfactory performance evaluations
• Maintains or advances in employment
• Natural supports are developed and utilized
• Understanding of job duties, work rules and culture
• Interpersonal and soft skills are appropriate
• Individual no longer requires job coaching support or supports are at the lowest level to maintain employment

Reports

• Coaching Report
• Sample Coaching Report

Job Seeking Skills Training (General Services)

Service Type

Job Search Assistance

Service Title

Job Seeking Skills Training

Definition

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.

Notes

Job Seeking Skills Training is intended to be use before placement services are authorized. If a PBA has started, these services should be placed on hold while Job Seeking Skills Training occurs. Activities previously authorized under “Job Exploration Counseling Services – General Services” should be authorized under Job Seeking Skills Training.

Job Shadow

Service Type

Medical, Vocational & Other Evaluation or Assessment

Service Title

Job Shadowing

Definition

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.

Notes

Partners can only bill for direct service time with the participant. Informational Interviews and Job Shadowing are services that often occur together in sequence.

Billable Services for Job Related Services

Job Tryout Services

Service Type

Training - Job Readiness

Service Title

Job Tryout Services

Definition

A short-term work tryout which allows an individual the opportunity to demonstrate to an employer their capacity to effectively perform in a job related to a specific employment goal.

Notes

Job Try-Out can be purchased through Community Partners who have this service on their P/T contact. Job Try-Out can also be coordinated directly between VRS and a local business.

Billable Services for Job Related Services

Job Try-out Brochure

Job Tryout Wages

Service Type

Training - Job Readiness

Service Title

Job Tryout Wages

Definition

Wages are payment to the participant for their time spent working. Wages should be paid at the prevailing wage* for the individual’s position or minimum wage, whichever is higher.

Notes

VRS reimburses the community partner for the wage and administrative expenses. Therefore, the total wage reimbursement equals 1.6 times the participant’s hourly wage multiplied by the total hours worked.

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:

• Intermediate Plus rating on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) OR Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf certification.
• Minimum of two years paid work experience serving individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Deafblind in a social service, educational or employment setting.

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Experience using a variety of communication modes (for example, American Sign Language, Signed Exact English, Cued Speech, Speech-reading, etc.).
• Knowledge of and experience in working with individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing with additional disabilities.
• Ability to assess, recommend and advocate for appropriate workplace accommodations addressing the communication needs of individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• Ability to understand, use and provide consultation on use of assistive technologies available to individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• Knowledge of interpreting and community resources available for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• Knowledge of laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in employment, including the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and relevant State of Minnesota statutes.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with employers.
• Experience working with individuals who are immigrants, refugees or new Americans.

On-the-Job Evaluation Services

Service Type

Medical, Vocational & Other Evaluation or Assessment

Service Title

On-the-Job Evaluation Services

Definition

A short-term work evaluation at a community employment site which permits an individual to learn about a job before making a job goal choice. It may provide the individual and the VRS counselor an understanding of the individual’s marketability and skills in a particular career or occupational area of interest. An OJE may also yield information about an individual’s skills, interests, work tolerance, and/or identify specific supports, coaching, or training to improve the individual’s employability.

Notes

On-the-Job Evaluation services may include site development, evaluation hours and a final debrief meeting. Services can be provided by community partners or VR Staff. Billable Services for Job Related Services.

On-the-Job Evaluation Wages

Service Type

Medical, Vocational & Other Evaluation or Assessment

Service Title

On-the-Job Evaluation Wages

Definition

Wages are payment to the participant for their time spent working during the evaluation. Wages should be paid at the prevailing wage* for the individual’s position or minimum wage, whichever is higher.

Notes

VRS reimburses the community partner for the wage and administrative expenses. Therefore, the total wage reimbursement equals 1.6 times the participant’s hourly wage multiplied by the total hours worked.

Placement and Retention Services under a Performance Based Agreement (PBA)

Performance Based Agreement (PBA)

Work Experience Services

Service Type

Training – Job Readiness

Service Title

Work Experience Services - General

Definition

A short-term, time limited work opportunity. Work Experiences are experiential in nature and participants may explore careers, understand the nature of work, and/or build foundational soft and work skills. It serves as a “stepping-stone” on a person’s career pathway and may or may not be aligned with the final job goal identified on the Employment Plan. In addition, work experience can be provided as a service continuation when an individual is eligible for VR services but no longer eligible for Pre-ETS.

Notes

Work Experience Services may include site development, follow up hours and a final debrief meeting. Services can be provided by community partners or VR Staff. Billable Services for Job Related Services.

Work Experience Wages

Service Type

Training – Job Readiness

Service Title

Work Experience Wages - General

Definition

Wages are payment to the participant for their time spent working. Wages should be paid at the prevailing wage* for the individual’s position or minimum wage, whichever is higher

Notes

VRS reimburses the community partner for the wage and administrative expenses. Therefore, the total wage reimbursement equals 1.6 times the participant’s hourly wage multiplied by the total hours worked.

Work/Vocational Evaluation

Service Type

Medical, Vocational & Other Evaluation or Assessment

Service Title

Work/Vocational Evaluation

Definition

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.

Notes

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.

Benefits Coaching: Benefits Coaching Report

Service Type

Benefits Counseling/Analysis

Service Title

Benefits Coaching: Benefits Coaching Report

Overview

• Benefits Services are intended for an individual who requires assistance to understand how their benefits work in order to help them with their career planning. VRS authorizes for Benefits Services under two categories: Benefits Coaching and Benefits Planning. Community Partners will examine an individual's benefits such as cash assistance benefits such as Social Security and other federal, State, and local benefits and health care benefits such as Medicare and Medical Assistance.
• Benefits Coaching Services provide benefits information performed by a certified Benefits Coach who has completed the Disability HUB MN Benefits Coaching Training.
  • Benefits Coaching Report: VRS authorizes for completion of a Benefits Coaching Report and accompanying activities by a Benefits Coach on a per-report basis.
  • Benefits Coaching Hourly Services VRS also authorizes for some stand-alone hourly Benefits Coaching Services performed by a Benefits Coach.
• VRS staff may authorize for both the Benefits Coaching Report and Hourly Benefits Coaching Services for an individual. VRS staff may authorize Hourly Benefits Coaching Services for follow-up services to the Benefits Coaching Report. Follow-Up services are not included in the Benefits Coaching Report service.

Definition

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.

• Activities
  • Receive referral and releases of information from VRS staff, review items to ensure they are complete.
  • Request Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) from Social Security, track that BPQY is received
  • Create a contact for the consumer in DB101 MyVault, request Benefits Lookup (BLU) with ROI, track that BLU is received
  • Contact consumer and referring counselor to schedule initial benefits coaching meeting
  • Prepare for initial benefits coaching meeting (review BPQY and BLU, pre-work on benefits coaching activities in MyVault, etc.)
  • Conduct Initial Benefits Coaching meeting with individual in which the Community Partner should:
    • Review financial and earnings goals identified with the VR Counselor in employment plan, make recommendations if individual indicates changes are needed. Reach out to VR Counselor if goals discussed are not those reflected in employment plan.
    • Identify benefit and financial concerns
    • Help resolve concerns and/or identify resources to help resolve concerns
    • Gather benefit information and any additional necessary releases of information (housing, other benefits identified)
    • Introduce people to DB101 and assist individual in developing their My Vault account and complete DB101 Estimator sessions
      • If not already done so, share BLU with individual to their My Vault.
  • Conduct Additional research/verification of benefits (contacting housing provider to verify housing benefits, contacting Social Security/county with questions about benefits, etc.)
  • Complete benefits coaching activities in DB101 My Vault (Benefits Planning Summary, Benefits Planning Decision Guide, DB101 Estimator if needed)
  • Contact Disability Hub MN for technical assistance as needed
  • Complete Benefits Coaching Report
  • Contact consumer and referring counselor to schedule Benefits Coaching Report meeting to review Benefits Coaching Report
  • Contact Disability Hub MN to request a review of the Benefits Coaching Report if needed or if within the first 6 months of certification
  • Prepare for planning meeting (review reports, gather resources, etc.)
  • Conduct Benefits Coaching Report Review meeting with individual and referring counselor in which the Benefits Coach should:
    • Review updated Benefits Coaching Report with individual and referring counselor
    • Check if there are new and review any previous benefit and financial concerns
    • Help resolve concerns and/or identify resources to help resolve concerns
    • Help coordinate goals, next steps, responsibilities, priorities, and schedules as identified in Benefits Coaching Report

Requirements

• Training/Certification Requirements: Community Partner staff performing the Benefits Coaching Report service must have completed and hold certification from the Disability HUB MN Benefits Coaching training as a certified Benefits Coach.
• Consultation: This service requires consultation with the VRS Program Specialists to assess your ability to provide quality Benefits Coaching services. Your VRS Community Partnership Program Specialist will facilitate the consultation.

Benefits Coaching: Hourly Services

Service Type

Benefits Counseling/Analysis

Service Title

Benefits Coaching: Hourly Services

Overview

• Benefits Services are intended for individuals who require assistance to understand how their benefits work in order to help them with their career planning. VRS authorizes for Benefits Services under two categories: Benefits Coaching and Benefits Planning. Benefits services examines benefits such as cash assistance benefits like Social Security, and other federal, State, and local benefits and health care benefits like Medicare and Medical Assistance.
• Benefits Coaching Services provide benefits information performed by a certified Benefits Coach who has completed the Disability HUB MN Benefits Coaching Training.
  • Benefits Coaching Report: VRS authorizes for completion of a Benefits Coaching Report and accompanying activities by a Benefits Coach on a per-report basis.
  • Benefits Coaching: Hourly Services VRS also authorizes for some stand-alone hourly Benefits Coaching Services performed by a Benefits Coach.
• VRS staff may authorize for both the Benefits Coaching Report and Hourly Benefits Coaching Services for an individual. VRS staff may authorize Hourly Benefits Coaching Services for follow-up services to the Benefits Coaching Report. Follow-Up services are not included in the Benefits Coaching Report service.

Definition

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.

• Activities:
  • Update an already completed Benefits Coaching Report to reflect changes to earnings and/or benefits. In this case, VR professional should attempt to provide referral to the Benefits Coaching report's author. If unable to do so, VR professional should seek an agency with a certified Benefit Coach for the review or revision required.
  • Conduct follow up meeting(s) with individual as needed
  • Assist individual with problem solving issues related to benefits
  • Work with individual on how the individual should report earnings, new job, education to benefit agencies including Social Security and county
  • Assist individual in development of work incentives and submission to Social Security
  • Checking in via phone/email with individual about completion of next steps
  • Work with individual to navigate changes to benefits due to work
  • Other activities related to Benefit Coaching which may or not be addressed in a formal Benefits Coaching Report.

Requirements

• Training/Certification Requirements: Community Partner staff performing the Benefits Coaching Hourly Service must have completed and hold certification from the Disability HUB MN Benefits Coaching training as a certified Benefits Coach.
• Consultation: This service requires consultation with the VRS Program Specialists to assess your ability to provide quality Benefits Coaching services. Your VRS Community Partnership Program Specialist will facilitate the consultation.

Benefits Planning: Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report

Service Type

Benefits Counseling/Analysis

Service Title

Benefits Planning: Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report

Overview

• Benefits Services are intended for an individual who requires assistance to understand how their benefits work in order to help them with their career planning. VRS authorizes for Benefits Services under two categories: Benefits Coaching and Benefits Planning. Community Partners will examine an individual's benefits such as cash assistance benefits such as Social Security and other federal, State, and local benefits and health care benefits such as Medicare and Medical Assistance.
• Benefits Planning Services are in-depth services for an individual with a complex benefit situation performed by a certified Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC), Community Partner Work Incentive Coordinator (CPWIC), or Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP).
  • Benefits Planning: Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report: VRS authorizes for completion of a Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report by a CWIC, CPWIC, or WIP and accompanying activities on a per-report basis.
  • Benefits Planning: Hourly Services: VRS also authorizes for some stand-alone hourly Benefits Planning Services performed by a CWIC, CPWIC, or WIP.
• VRS staff may authorize for both the Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report and Hourly Benefits Planning Services for an individual. VRS staff may authorize Hourly Benefits Planning Services for follow-up services to the BS&A Report. Follow-Up services are not included in the BS&A Report service.

Definition

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.

• Activities:
  • Update an already completed BS&A Report to reflect changes to earnings and/or benefits. In this case, VR professional should attempt to provide referral to the BS&A report's author. If unable to do so, VR professional should seek an agency with a CWIC, CPWIC, or WIP for the review or revision required.
  • Conduct follow up meeting(s) with individual as needed
  • Assist individual with problem solving issues related to benefits
  • Work with individual on how the individual should report earnings, new job, education to benefit agencies including Social Security and county
  • Assist individual in development of work incentives and submission to Social Security
  • Checking in via phone/email with individual about completion of next steps
  • Work with individual to navigate changes to benefits due to work
  • Other activities related to BS&A Report which may or not be addressed in a formal BS&A Report.

Requirements

• Training/Certification Requirements: Community Partner staff providing Benefits Planning services must be certified as a Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC), a Community Partner Work Incentive Coordinator (CPWIC), or Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP).
• Consultation: This service requires consultation with the VRS Program Specialists to assess your ability to provide quality Benefits Planning services. Your VRS Community Partnership Program Specialist will facilitate the consultation.

Benefits Planning: Hourly Services

Service Type

Benefits Counseling/Analysis

Service Title

Benefits Planning: Hourly Services

Overview

• Benefits Services are intended for an individual who requires assistance to understand how their benefits work in order to help them with their career planning. VRS authorizes for Benefits Services under two categories: Benefits Coaching and Benefits Planning. Community Partners will examine an individual's benefits such as cash assistance benefits such as Social Security and other federal, State, and local benefits and health care benefits such as Medicare and Medical Assistance.
• Benefits Planning Services are in-depth services for an individual with a complex benefit situation performed by a certified Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC), Community Partner Work Incentive Coordinator (CPWIC), or Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP).
  • Benefits Planning: Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report: VRS authorizes for completion of a Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report by a CWIC, CPWIC, or WIP and accompanying activities on a per-report basis.
  • Benefits Planning: Hourly Services: VRS also authorizes for some stand-alone hourly Benefits Planning Services performed by a CWIC, CPWIC, or WIP.
• VRS staff may authorize for both the Benefits Summary and Analysis (BS&A) Report and Hourly Benefits Planning Services for an individual. VRS staff may authorize Hourly Benefits Planning Services for follow-up services to the BS&A Report. Follow-Up services are not included in the BS&A Report service.

Definition

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.

• Activities:
  • Update an already completed BS&A Report to reflect changes to earnings and/or benefits. In this case, VR professional should attempt to provide referral to the BS&A report's author. If unable to do so, VR professional should seek an agency with a CWIC/CPWIC/WIP for the review or revision required.
  • Conduct follow up meeting(s) with individual as needed
  • Assist individual with problem solving issues related to benefits
  • Work with individual on how the individual should report earnings, new job, education to benefit agencies including Social Security and county
  • Assist individual in development of work incentives and submission to Social Security
  • Checking in via phone/email with individual about completion of next steps
  • Work with individual to navigate changes to benefits due to work
  • Other activities related to BS&A Report which may or not be addressed in a formal BS&A Report.

Requirements

• Training/Certification Requirements: Community Partner staff providing Benefits Planning services must be certified as a Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC), a Community Partner Work Incentive Coordinator (CPWIC), or Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP).
• Consultation: This service requires consultation with the VRS Program Specialists to assess your ability to provide quality Benefits Planning services. Your VRS Community Partnership Program Specialist will facilitate the consultation.

Independent Living Services

Service Type

Training Disability Related Skills

Service Title

Independent Living Skills, Services or Training

Definition

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:

• Information and Referral: Reliable information to help individuals find accessible housing, transportation, job opportunities, personal care attendants, interpreters for hearing-impaired people, readers for low vision people, and many other services.
• Skills Training: Includes a range of available training options, including how to use public transportation systems, manage a personal budget, or deal with insensitive and discriminatory behavior by members of the public.
• Peer Counseling: Peer counselors (typically individuals with disabilities who live independently) can help an individual who has recently begun experiencing disability to assist with adjustment, help make decisions about living arrangements, and show how to use community services effectively.
• Individual and Systems Advocacy: Individual advocacy is assisting an individual with a disability to protect the individual's rights or to fight for needed resources. Through systems advocacy, services assist with advancing civil rights and equal access for all persons with disabilities on the local, state, and federal levels.

CFP

No

Requirements

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.

Post-Secondary Supports

Service Type

Training - Disability Related Skills

Service Title

Post-Secondary Supports

Definition

• VRS authorizes to a Community Partner for Post-Secondary Supports in order for the Community Partner to assist an individual to explore post-secondary education and training options; complete steps for enrolling in a post-secondary education or training; learn about post-secondary financial options and assisting with applying for financial aid or other financing opportunities; and explore how to successfully transition to post-secondary education.
• This service also includes the Community Partner assisting an individual to engage or apply for various supports and assistive technology used by students with disabilities within training, such as connecting with Accessibility (Disability) Services or other accommodation/assistive technology options.
• This services also includes the Community Partner assisting an individual with supports to be successful in post-secondary, which could include prioritizing class work, advocating for self, or corresponding with teachers, advisors, VRS, financial aid, etc.
• This service is intended for an individual who is currently enrolled or exploring possible post-secondary or training program.

CFP

No

Notes

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".

Pre-ETS Service Definitions

Pre-ETS Resources for VRS Contracted Community Partners.

Rehabilitation Technology Assessment/Consult

Service Type

Medical Vocational and other Assessments

Service Title

Rehabilitation Technology Assessment/Consult

Definition

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.

CFP

No

Required Consultation

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.

Preferred Qualifications

certification as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) under RESNA (the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America)

Consultation for Small Business

Service Type

Small Business Services

Service Title

Consultation for Small Business

Definition

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.

CFP

No

Requirements

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.

Job Coaching for Small Business

Service Type

On the Job Supports – Time Limited

Service Title

Coaching for Small Business-Time Limited Support

Definition

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.

CFP

No

Requirements

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.

Social Coaching

Service Type

Training - Disability Related Skills

Service Title

Social Coaching

Definition

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.

CFP

No

Required Qualifications

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.

Driver's Permit/License Preparation and Training - as an Accommodation

• Service Type: Training - Disability Related Skills
• Old Service Title: "Driver's Training"
• New Service Title: "Driver's Permit/License Preparation and Training - as an Accommodation"
• Definition: To provide accommodations and supports to an individual to increase their success in passing the driver's permit test or the driver's license road test. These services are only for the additional training time or supports required by the individual due to their disability which are beyond the typical preparation and training involved in obtaining a driver's license.
• CFP: CFP does not apply because this service is provided as an accommodation.
• Notes:
  • Authorizations for usual and customary preparation and training services needed to obtain a driver's license must be authorized using the Service Title: "Driver's Permit/License Preparation and Training."
  • Prior to authorizing, VR staff must ensure the record of service contains a description of the disability related reasons additional training time/supports beyond the typical preparation and training time involved in obtaining a driver's license are required. Preparation as an accommodation for the written test will typically be purchased through VR community partners who have this service on their P/T contract.
  • Preparation as an accommodation for the road test will typically be purchased through driving schools.
  • For training by a certified driving evaluator with a vehicle equipped with adaptations or rehabilitation technologies, go to: Rehabilitation/Assistive Technology Driver's Training

Public Transportation Training

Service Type

Training - Disability Related Skills

Service Title

Independent Living Skills, Services or Training

Definition

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.

CFP

No

Other Skill Training/Occupational Vocational Training

Travel/Transportation Guidelines

Travel/Transportation Guidelines - General Services

DHS Background Checks

Service Type

Medical, Vocational Evaluation and Other Assessments

Service Title

Other Evaluations and Assessments

Definition

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.

CFP

No

Intake

Service Type

Information and Referral Services

Service Title

Intake Fee

Definition

VRS completes an intake authorization prior to 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 agency’s paperwork 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.

Sample Report

Best Practices

Notes

• Intakes are for hourly services and not applicable for Performance Based Agreements.
• The VR program funds an intake for Extended Employment program services to an Extended Employment program provider when the individual being referred did not work with the Extended Employment provider as part of their PBA. The VR program does not fund an Extended Employment program Intake when it is an Extended Employment program provider who did the PBA and then provides Extended Employment program supports.

The VR program received 78.70% of federal fiscal year 2024 funding through grants from the U.S. Department of Education. The federal fiscal year 2024 grants totaled $52,850,455. The required state match for these funds is $14,299,999. The state of Minnesota appropriated $14.3 million to meet the match requirement.