ESBD_548201_1786394503187_Attachment 07 – Chapter 13 and Sample Forms.pdf

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07

Joe Esparza, Chairman and Commissioner

Representing Employers

Alberto Treviño III, Commissioner

Representing Labor

Brent Connett, Commissioner

Representing the Public

Steve Pier, Executive Director

Attachment 07 – Chapter 13 and Sample Forms

For

3202600194 Employment Services

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 2 of 85

Contents

13.1 Overview of Work Readiness Services

13.2 Staff Qualifications

13.2.1 Personal Social Adjustment Training General Staff Qualifications 9

13.2.2 Work Adjustment Training General Staff Qualifications

13.2.3 Vocational Adjustment Trainer Staff Qualifications

13.3 Personal Social Adjustment Training Evaluation

13.3.1 Personal Social Adjustment Training Service Description

13.3.2 Process and Procedures

13.3.3 Outcomes Required for Payment

13.4 Personal Social Adjustment Training

13.4.1 Personal Social Adjustment Training Service Description

13.4.2 Process and Procedures

13.4.3 Outcomes Required for Payment

13.5 Work Adjustment Training Evaluation

13.5.1 Work Adjustment Training Evaluation Service Description

13.5.2 Process and Procedure

13.5.3 Outcomes Required for Payment

13.6 Work Adjustment Training

13.6.1 Work Adjustment Training Service Description

13.6.2 Process and Procedures

13.6.3 Outcomes Required for Payment

13.7 VAT Explore the "You" in Work

13.7.1 VAT Explore the "You" in Work Service Description

13.7.2 Process and Procedure

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13.7.3 VAT Explore the "You" in Work Outcomes Required for Payment

13.8 VAT Skills to Pay the Bills—Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success

13.8.1 VAT Skills to Pay the Bills—Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace

Success Service Description

13.8.2 Process and Procedure

13.8.3 VAT Skills to Pay the Bills—Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace

Success Outcomes Required for Payment

13.9 VAT Soft Skills for Work Success

13.9.1 VAT Soft Skills for Work Success Service Description

13.9.2 Process and Procedure

13.9.3 VAT Soft Skills for Work Success Outcomes Required for Payment

13.10 VAT Entering the World of Work

13.10.1 VAT Entering the World of Work Service Description

13.10.2 Process and Procedure

13.10.3 VAT Entering the World of Work Outcomes Required for Payment

13.11 VAT Job Search Training—for Pre-Employment Transition Services Customers Only 45

13.11.1 VAT Job Search Training—for Pre-Employment Transition Service

Description

13.11.2 Process and Procedures

13.11.3 VAT Job Search Training—for Pre-Employment Transition

Outcomes Required for Payment

13.12 VAT Disability Disclosure Training

13.12.1 VAT Disability Disclosure Training Service Description

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13.12.2 Process and Procedures

13.12.3 Outcomes Required for Payment

13.13 VAT Money Smart—A Financial Education Training

13.13.1 VAT Money Smart—A Financial Education Training Service

Description

13.13.2 Process and Procedures

13.13.3 VAT Money Smart—A Financial Education Training Outcomes

Required for Payment

13.14 VAT Public Transportation Training

13.14.1 VAT Public Transportation Training Service Description

13.14.2 Process and Procedures

13.14.3 Outcomes Required for Payment

13.15 VAT Specialized Evaluation

13.15.1 VAT Specialized Evaluation Service Description

13.15.2 Process and Procedure

13.15.3 VAT Specialized Evaluation Outcomes Required for Payment ... 67

13.16 Vocational Adjustment Training Specialized

13.16.1 Vocational Adjustment Training Specialized Service Description 69

13.16.2 Process and Procedures

13.16.3 Vocational Adjustment Training Specialized Outcomes Required for Payment

13.17 VAT Exploring Postsecondary Education and Training

13.17.1 VAT Exploring Postsecondary Education and Training Service

Description

13.17.2 Process and Procedure

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13.17.3 VAT Exploring Postsecondary Education and Training Outcomes

Required for Payment

13.18 Work Readiness Service Fees

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VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION STANDARDS

FOR PROVIDERS MANUAL

CHAPTER 13: WORK READINESS SERVICES

Contract Type: Employment Services

The contractor and contractor staff that provide services described in this chapter also must comply with Chapters 1–3 of the VR Standards for Providers manual.

13.1 OVERVIEW OF WORK READINESS SERVICES

Work Readiness Services prepare participants to excel in their abilities to successfully obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) provides and purchases services related to disability issues, interpersonal skills training, daily living skills, and issues that interfere with obtaining or maintaining employment to support customers in achieving work readiness. Work Readiness Services benefits customers who have never worked, have not worked for a long time, or have a sporadic work history, and it prepares customers for successful employment so that they can manage or address vocational impairments and be self-sufficient.

Work Readiness Services are offered in groups and individually. The services can be held at the provider's facility or within the community. To meet the maturity and educational levels and safety needs of customers who are served in a group setting, it might be necessary to designate groups exclusively for

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), that is, students who have disabilities and who are age 22 or younger.

This chapter includes the following Work Readiness Services:

• Personal Social Adjustment Training (PSAT) o Personal Social Adjustment Training Evaluation (PSAT Evaluation)

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 7 of 85 o Personal Social Adjustment Training (PSAT)

• Work Adjustment Training (WAT) o Work Adjustment Training Evaluation (WAT Evaluation) o Work Adjustment Training (WAT)

• Vocational Adjustment Training (VAT) o VAT Explore the "You" in Work o VAT Soft Skills to Pay the Bills—Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace

Success o VAT Soft Skills for Work Success o VAT Entering the World of Work o VAT Preparing for a Job Search Training—(Pre-ETS) Customers

Only o VAT Disability Disclosure Training o VAT Money Smart—A Financial Education Training o VAT Public Transportation Training o VAT Specialized Evaluation o VAT Specialized o VAT Exploring Postsecondary Education and Training

Individuals who are actively receiving Supported Employment Services are not eligible for Work Readiness Services.

PSAT, WAT, and VAT trainers implement curriculum and activities using various instructional approaches, such as:

• discussions;

• PowerPoint presentations;

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• inquiry-based instructions;

• hands-on experiments;

• project- and problem-based learning;

• computer-aided instructions;

• handouts;

• exercises;

• journaling activities; and

• extension activities.

Journaling activities allow customers to gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the content being taught and to identify skills to improve their success.

Extension activities reinforce skills and knowledge learned in the core activities offered in the service. Examples of extension activities include field trips, guest speakers, and videos that are not required in the core curriculum.

When the customer’s referral form indicates the services can be provided remotely, refer to VR-SFP 3.4.8 Remote Service Delivery for requirements. The service descriptions below will indicate when remote service delivery is allowed.

Any request to change a Service Description, Process and Procedure, or

Outcomes Required for Payment must be documented and approved by the VR director, using VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request for Work

Readiness Services, before the change is implemented. The approved VR3472 must be maintained in the provider’s customer case file. For more information, refer to VR-SFP 3.4.11 Contracted Services Modification Request.

All fees for services described in this chapter can be found in VR-SFP 13.8

Work Readiness Service Fees.

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Premiums may be available for some Work Readiness Services. Premiums are paid after all deliverables for the service have been made. For more information about premiums, refer to Chapter 20: Premiums.

13.2 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

Before services are provided to customers, the employment service provider director must approve the VR3455, Provider Staff Information form completed by staff, and submit the approved form to the provider's assigned Texas

Workforce Commission contract manager and assigned VR regional program specialist. The VR3455, Provider Staff Information form must document qualifications and provide evidence of meeting all qualifications, such as transcripts, diplomas, reference letters, credentials, or licenses.

Staff qualification for each service is described below. University of North

Texas Workplace Inclusion and Sustainable Employment (UNTWISE) Texas

Credential information can be found at UNT CRP Training.

A noncredentialled provider staff member can provide services to a VR customer only when the Temporary Waiver of Employment Services Credential

Standards are followed. For more information, refer to VR-SFP Chapter 3:

Basic Standards, 3.4.5 Temporary Waiver of Staff Qualifications.

Premiums may be available for some Work Readiness Services. Premiums are paid after all deliverables for the service have been achieved. For more information about premiums, refer to VR-SFP Chapter 20: Premiums.

13.2.1 Personal Social Adjustment Training General Staff Qualifications

The personal social adjustment trainer must have:

• a master's degree in rehabilitation, counseling, education, social services, sociology, or psychology; or

• a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation, counseling, education, social services, sociology, or psychology and one year of full-time experience https://wise.unt.edu/crptraining

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 10 of 85 performing Personal Social Adjustment Training (PSAT) or similar duties.

For residential substance abuse programs only, a personal social adjustment trainer may have instead of the above qualifications:

• a License Chemical Dependence Counselor (LCDC); or

• a certification by the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals

(found at https://www.tcbap.org/page/certification) in one of the following:

• Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor - (AADC)

• Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor - (ADC)

• Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist - (ACPS)

• Certified Prevention Specialist - (CPS)

• Certified Chemical Dependency Specialist - (CCDS)

• Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor - (CCGC

• Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professionals - (CCJP)

• Certified Clinical Supervisor - (CCS).

A personal social adjustment trainer cannot supervise more than two aides in any class.

The personal social adjustment aide must have:

• one year of work experience in vocational areas directly related to PSAT or similar duties in a rehabilitation agency or organization; or

• completion of a minimum of 20 college credit hours in rehabilitation, counseling, education, social services, sociology, or psychology.

The personal social adjustment aide must work under the supervision of the personal social adjustment trainer.

13.2.2 Work Adjustment Training General Staff Qualifications

https://www.tcbap.org/page/certification

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The work adjustment trainer must meet one of the following qualifications:

• a master's degree in rehabilitation, counseling, education, social services, sociology, or psychology; or

• a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation, counseling, education, social services, sociology, or psychology and one year of full-time experience performing work adjustment services or similar duties; or

• a combination of six years of training and experience performing work adjustment services or similar duties with a minimum of two years' successful history providing services to individuals with disabilities.

A work adjustment trainer must not supervise more than two aides in any class.

The work adjustment training aide must have:

• one year of work experience in vocational areas directly related to WAT or similar duties; or

• completion of a minimum of 20 college credit hours in rehabilitation, counseling, education, social services, sociology, or psychology.

The work adjustment training aide must work under the supervision of the work adjustment trainer.

13.2.3 Vocational Adjustment Trainer Staff Qualifications

Vocational adjustment trainers must meet the qualifications below:

• completion of at least 60 college credit hours; and

• an UNTWISE Texas Work Readiness Credential.

13.3 PERSONAL SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT TRAINING EVALUATION

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Personal Social Adjustment Training Evaluation.

13.3.1 Personal Social Adjustment Training Service Description

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A Personal Social Adjustment Training Evaluation (PSAT Evaluation) is designed to evaluate the customer's skills related to acceptable work behaviors and interpersonal skills that interfere with the customer's ability to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment.

Examples of skills assessed during an evaluation include:

• personal adjustment, which can include:

o self-evaluation;

o developing or restoring self-confidence;

o self-advocacy;

o disability management;

o motivation;

o personal health and hygiene; and o personal appearance and grooming;

• social adjustment, which can include:

o establishing basic etiquette;

o social relationships and/or interpersonal skills;

o conflict resolution and problem solving;

o time and schedule management;

o developing socially acceptable behaviors;

o effective communication;

o workplace interaction; and o acceptable work behaviors.

The personal social adjustment trainer evaluates the customer for up to five days, for no more than a total of 10 hours, and completes the VR3137A, 3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 13 of 85

Personal Social Adjustment Training (PSAT) and Work Adjustment Training

(WAT) Evaluation.

This service can be provided remotely when the VR counselor has indicated approval of remote service delivery on the VR3121, Referral for Personal Social

Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Training. For more information, refer to VR-SFP 3.4.8 Remote Service Delivery.

The PSAT Evaluation is purchased one time for each customer. The personal social adjustment trainer must conduct the PSAT Evaluation and develop the training plan before the customer receives PSAT.

13.3.2 Process and Procedures

An employment service provider receives a VR3121, Referral for Personal

Social Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Training. The referral and service authorization (SA) may identify skills to be evaluated and addressed in

PSAT. The personal social adjustment trainer evaluates skills related to any of the areas listed in the service description but must address all skills listed in the referral or SA.

The personal social adjustment trainer's responsibilities during the evaluation are to:

• remain on-site supervising all PSAT services, including the evaluation;

• supervise qualified aides and maintain the ratio below:

o one trainer to no more than six customers without an aide; or o one trainer and one aide to no more than 10 customers;

• maintain written proof by means of attendance records that are made available upon request that the ratio of customer to trainer and aide is maintained;

• identify appropriate and inappropriate personal social adjustment behaviors using existing records, personal observations, and

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 14 of 85 conversations with the VR counselor, customer, family members, and others;

• review the customer's strengths, challenges, training plan, and recommendations with the customer; and

• develop (in coordination with the customer and the VR counselor) a

VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training

Plan that includes measurable goals, objectives, and timelines.

Any meeting related to the training plan between customer, provider, customer’s circle of supports and VR staff may be conducted remotely. For more information, refer to VR-SFP 3.4.8 Remote Service Delivery.

The personal social adjustment trainer, the customer, and the VR counselor must sign the original and updated VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and

Work Adjustment Training Plan to document understanding and agreement of the training plan. For more information, refer to VR-SFP sections 3.2.14

Documentation and 3.2.16 Signatures.

No training can be provided until an SA for PSAT is issued after the completion of the PSAT Evaluation and the VR counselor has approved the VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan.

13.3.3 Outcomes Required for Payment

For payment, the personal social adjustment trainer who completed the evaluation documents in descriptive terms all information required by the

Service Description on the VR3137A, Personal Social Adjustment Training

(PSAT) and Work Adjustment Training (WAT) Evaluation and VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan at the end of the evaluation period demonstrating evidence that:

• attendance was recorded and includes the number of hours the customer participated in the evaluation;

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• the evaluation was provided without exceeding the ratio of one staff to no more than six customers without an aide or one trainer and one aide to no more than 10 customers;

• all necessary accommodations and compensatory techniques were provided, and special needs were met for the customer to participate successfully in the evaluation;

• the customer's performance, skills, and needs were evaluated and results summarized;

• the goals and objectives are measurable and established for all skills to be addressed;

• a projected achievement date has been set for each goal;

• a projected number of training hours has been established for each goal;

and

• the customer's satisfaction and service delivery as described in the VR-

SFP was verified by customer's signature on the VR3137A and VR3137B or by VR staff member’s contact with the customer.

For information on signatures refer to VR-SFP sections 3.2.14 Documentation and 3.2.16 Signatures.

VR will not pay any fees related to excused absences, unexcused absences, or holidays.

Payment for the PSAT Evaluation is made when the VR counselor approves a complete, accurate, signed, and dated:

• VR3137A, Personal Social Adjustment Training (PSAT) and Work

Adjustment Training (WAT) Evaluation;

• VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training

Plan; and

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• invoice.

13.4 PERSONAL SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT TRAINING

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Personal Social Adjustment Training.

13.4.1 Personal Social Adjustment Training Service Description

Personal Social Adjustment Training (PSAT) is designed to teach skills related to acceptable work behaviors and to improve interpersonal skills that interfere with the customer's ability to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment.

PSAT is a structured service designed to meet the needs of individuals and to address vocational impediments. VR sponsorship is limited to 20 hours of PSAT per week.

PSAT can be used to reinforce behaviors and skills, which the customer failed to master in previous training.

All PSAT services are based on the goals outlined on the VR3137A, Personal

Social Adjustment Training (PSAT) and Work Adjustment Training (WAT)

Evaluation and VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment

Training Plan. The number of PSAT hours a customer receives is based on the measurable goals included in the VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and

Work Adjustment Training Plan and the SA.

This service may be provided remotely when the VR counselor has indicated approval of remote service delivery on the VR3121, Referral for Personal Social

Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Training. For information, refer to

VR-SFP 3.4.8 Remote Service Delivery.

Training areas, which may be addressed in PSAT include:

• personal adjustment, which can include:

o self-evaluation;

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 17 of 85 o developing or restoring self-confidence;

o self-advocacy skills;

o disability management;

o personal health and hygiene; and o personal appearance and grooming.

• social adjustment, which can include:

o establishing basic etiquette;

o social relationships;

o conflict resolution;

o appropriate use of time and schedule management;

o developing socially acceptable behaviors;

o workplace interaction;

o acceptable work behaviors; and o time and schedule management.

All PSAT instruction must be outlined with lesson plans. VR can review lessons plans used with customers at any time.

A lesson plan must include:

• a description of skills being taught or reinforced; and

• specific resources used in the instruction (for example, curriculum, activities, guest speakers, books, films, and field trips).

The provider provides all supplies and resources for the training at no cost to the customer.

13.4.2 Process and Procedures

PSAT is provided to the customer as defined in the VR3137B, Personal Social

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Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan and authorized by an SA. PSAT hours will be authorized per week for up to a month (four weeks or 28 days) at a time after the PSAT trainer, customer, VR counselor have developed the

VR3137B. The PSAT trainer, customer, and VR counselor are jointly involved in planning and monitoring service goals and objectives identified on the

VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan. VR sponsors no more than 20 hours per week of PSAT.

Goals and objectives can be updated, added, or changed throughout the training cycle with the submission and approval by the VR counselor of a new

VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan.

The personal social adjustment trainer, customer, and VR counselor review the

VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan at least every four weeks (every 28 days) to:

• evaluate the customer's progress toward the goals;

• determine whether the VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work

Adjustment Training Plan must be updated before an SA is issued to approve additional hours; or

• determine whether the customer's PSAT is completed.

Any meeting related to the training plan between customer, provider, customer’s circle of supports and VR staff may be conducted remotely. For information, refer to VR-SFP 3.4.8 Remote Service Delivery.

A summary of all communication with VR staff, and notations that the

VR3137B Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan was updated, must be entered in the Additional Comments section of the VR3138, Personal Social Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Report.

If the VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training

Plan is updated, the personal social adjustment trainer, customer, and VR

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 19 of 85 counselor must sign the updated VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and

Work Adjustment Training Plan to document agreement of the updated training plan.

PSAT is not authorized until the VR counselor approves the updated VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan. The personal social adjustment trainer must complete the VR3138, Personal Social

Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Report at least every four weeks

(28 days).

The personal adjustment trainer's responsibilities are to:

• remain on-site supervising all PSAT services;

• supervise qualified aides and maintain the ratio of one trainer to no more than six customers without an aide or one trainer and one aide to no more than 10 customers;

• provide written proof by means of attendance records that are made available upon request that the ratio of customer to trainer and aide is maintained;

• monitor the VR3137B to determine progress toward identified goals;

• determine whether the VR3137B needs to be updated;

• report to the VR counselor on the customer's progress toward goals and objectives on the VR3138; and

• coordinate PSAT with such other services provided by the employment service provider as WAT, when applicable.

13.4.3 Outcomes Required for Payment

For payment, the personal social adjustment trainer documents in descriptive terms, at a minimum of every 28 days, all information required on the

VR3138, Personal Social Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Report and

SA, including evidence that:

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• the training was provided without exceeding the ratio of one staff member to no more than six customers without an aide or one trainer and one aide to no more than 10 customers;

• the customer's attendance and the total number of hours the customer participated in the training were recorded;

• goals and objectives addressed in training are recorded on the VR3138 and are included on the most recently approved VR3137B Personal Social

Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan;

• the customer's performance and skills were documented for the reporting period;

• the status, including a narrative description for each goal and objective, was documented for the reporting period;

• all necessary accommodations and compensatory techniques were identified, documented, and provided as necessary to meet the special needs of the customer to successfully participate in the training;

• communications with the VR counselor and customer, and notation of updates made to the VR3137B Personal Social Adjustment and Work

Adjustment Training Plan, and are documented in the Additional

Comments section; and

• the customer's satisfaction and service delivery, as described in the VR-

SFP, was verified by customer's signature on the VR3138, Personal

Social Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Report, and VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan, or by VR staff member's contact with the customer.

For information on signatures refer to VR-SFP sections 3.2.14 Documentation and 3.2.16 Signatures.

VR will not pay any fees related to excused absences, unexcused absences, or

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 21 of 85 holidays.

Payment for PSAT is made when the VR counselor approves a complete, accurate, signed, and dated:

• VR3138, Personal Social Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment

Report;

• VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training

Plan; and

• invoice.

13.5 WORK ADJUSTMENT TRAINING EVALUATION

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Work Adjustment Training Evaluation.

13.5.1 Work Adjustment Training Evaluation Service Description

Work Adjustment Training Evaluation (WAT Evaluation) is designed to evaluate the customer's work behaviors and interpersonal skills that are transferable to future competitive integrated employment. This service cannot be provided remotely.

Examples of skills assessed during an evaluation include:

• acceptance of supervision and directions;

• daily living skills;

• effective communication;

• goal setting;

• appropriate grooming and hygiene, work attire, and dress code;

• motivation;

• problem solving;

• self-regulation and self-reliance;

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 22 of 85

• social skills;

• understanding roles and responsibilities in the workplace;

• good work ethics;

• good work practices and productivity (including safety and speed); and

• work tolerance.

The work adjustment trainer evaluates a customer for up to 10 days and for no more than 25 hours and completes the VR3137A, Personal Social Adjustment

Training and Work Adjustment Training Evaluation and VR3137B, Personal

Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan. VR does not pay for over 25 hours per week.

The evaluation must be completed in a competitive integrated work environment where the customer's work produces compensation for both the provider's business and the customer. The customer will be paid at least minimum wage for all hours worked.

The WAT Evaluation is purchased one time for each customer. The WAT trainer must conduct the WAT evaluation and develop the training plan before WAT is provided.

13.5.2 Process and Procedure

An employment service provider receives a VR3121, Referral for Personal

Social Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Training, and an SA. The referral and SA may identify skills to be evaluated and assessed in the WAT

Evaluation. The work adjustment trainer evaluates skills related to any of the areas listed in the service description, but must address all skills listed in the referral or SA.

The work adjustment trainer's responsibilities during the evaluation are to:

• remain on-site supervising all WAT services, including the evaluation;

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• supervise qualified aides and maintain the ratio of one trainer to no more than six customers without an aide or one trainer and one aide to no more than 10 customers;

• provide written proof that the ratio of customer to trainer and aide is maintained by means of attendance records that are made available upon request;

• identify appropriate and inappropriate work behaviors using existing records, personal observation, and conversations with the VR counselor, customer, family members, and others;

• review the customer's strengths, challenges, training plan, and recommendations with the customer; and

• develop (in coordination with the customer and the VR counselor) a

VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training

Plan, which includes measurable goals and objectives as well as timelines.

The work adjustment trainer, customer, and VR counselor must sign the original and updated VR3137B to document understanding and agreement of the training plan.

No training can be provided until an SA for WAT is issued after the VR counselor approves the completion of the WAT Evaluation and the VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan.

13.5.3 Outcomes Required for Payment

For payment, the work adjustment trainer documents in descriptive terms all information required by the Service Description section of the VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan at the end of the evaluation period demonstrating evidence that:

• attendance was recorded and includes the total number of hours the

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 24 of 85 customer participated in the evaluation;

• the evaluation was provided without exceeding the ratio of one staff to no more than six customers without an aide or one trainer and one aide to no more than 10 customers;

• all necessary accommodations and compensatory techniques were provided and special needs were met for the customer to successfully participate in the evaluation;

• the customer's performance, skills, and needs were evaluated and results summarized;

• goals and objectives are measurable and established for all skills to be addressed;

• a projected achievement date has been set for each goal and objectives;

• a projected number of training hours have been established for each goal and objectives; and

• the customer's satisfaction and service delivery as described in the VR-

SFP was verified by customer's signature on the VR3138 and VR3137B or by VR staff member’s contact with the customer.

The work adjustment trainer, customer, and VR counselor must sign the original and updated VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work

Adjustment Training Plan to document agreement to the training plan. No WAT is authorized until the VR counselor approves the VR3137B and an SA is received. For more information, refer to VR-SFP sections 3.2.14

Documentation and 3.2.16 Signatures.

VR will not pay any fees related to excused or unexcused absences or holidays.

Payment for the WAT Evaluation is made when the VR counselor approves a complete, accurate, signed, and dated:

• VR3137A, Personal Social Adjustment Training (PSAT) and Work

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 25 of 85

Adjustment Training (WAT) Evaluation;

• VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training

Plan; and

• invoice.

13.6 WORK ADJUSTMENT TRAINING

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Work Adjustment Training.

13.6.1 Work Adjustment Training Service Description

Work Adjustment Training (WAT) is designed to improve work behaviors and enhance interpersonal skills of the customer while he or she performs competitive employment in a structured environment. Each customer participates in a WAT Evaluation before participating in WAT. This service cannot be provided remotely.

The training must be provided in a work setting where the customer's work produces compensation for both the provider's business and the customer. The customer will be paid at least minimum wage for all hours worked.

The provider must offer WAT with a minimum of 25 hours per week, using competitive employment. If a holiday or business closure occurs, the minimum number of hours may be adjusted. A calendar of hours the WAT program offered services for the customer to attend must be maintained and made available to VR upon request. The provider can invoice for the number of hours a customer participated in WAT, up to 25 hours per week. VR will not pay for additional hours.

The qualified work adjustment trainer or aide must conduct WAT. A work adjustment trainer must supervise all aides.

Hours are approved per week for a month (four weeks or 28 days) at a time and must correlate with the approved VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 26 of 85 and Work Adjustment Training Plan. Total WAT hours, outlined in the

VR3137B, may be increased or decreased as appropriate for the customer as progress is made in his or her skills and abilities when approved by the VR counselor and on the SA.

WAT environments must be flexible enough to meet customer needs and allow the opportunity to develop skills in the following areas when indicated on the

VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan:

• acceptance of supervision and directions;

• daily living skills;

• effective communication;

• goal setting;

• grooming, hygiene, work attire, and/or dress code;

• motivation;

• problem-solving;

• self-regulation and self-reliance;

• social skills;

• understanding roles and responsibilities in the workplace;

• work ethics;

• work practices and productivity (including safety and speed); and

• work tolerance.

13.6.2 Process and Procedures

WAT is provided to the customer as defined in the VR3137B, Personal Social

Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan and authorized by an SA. WAT hours will be authorized per week for up to a month (four weeks or 28 days) at a time after the work adjustment trainer, customer, and VR counselor have

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 07 Page 27 of 85 developed the VR3137B.

The work adjustment trainer, customer, and VR counselor are jointly involved in planning and monitoring service goals and objectives identified on the

VR3137B. Goals and objectives can be updated, added, or changed throughout the training cycle with the submission and approval of a new VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan.

The work adjustment trainer, customer, and VR counselor review the VR3137B at least every four weeks (28 days) to:

• evaluate the customer's progress;

• determine whether the VR3137B must be updated before an SA is issued to approve additional hours; and/or

• determine if the customer's WAT is completed.

A summary of communication with VR staff, and notations that the VR3137B was updated, must be documented in the Additional Comments section of the

VR3138, Personal Social Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Report.

If the VR3137B is updated, the work adjustment trainer, customer, and VR counselor must sign the updated VR3137B to document agreement of the updated training plan. WAT is not authorized until the VR counselor approves the updated VR3137B and issues and submits an SA.

The work adjustment trainer must complete VR3138, Personal Social

Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Report at least every four weeks

(28 days).

The work adjustment trainer's responsibilities are to:

• remain on-site to supervise all WAT services;

• ensure that the competitive work environment meets the customer's needs outlined in the VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work

Adjustment Training Plan;

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• supervise qualified aides and maintain the ratio of one trainer to no more than six customers without an aide or one trainer and one aide for no more than 10 customers;

• provide written proof by means of attendance records that are made available upon request that the ratio of customer to trainer and aide are maintained;

• monitor the VR3137B to determine progress toward identified goals;

• determine whether the VR3137B should be updated;

• report to the VR counselor on progress toward planned goals and objectives on the VR3138; and

• coordinate WAT with other services provided by the employment services provider, when applicable.

13.6.3 Outcomes Required for Payment

For payment, at least every four weeks (28 days) the work adjustment trainer documents in descriptive terms all information required on the VR3138, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Report, and SA, including evidence that:

• the training was provided without exceeding the ratio of one staff member to no more than six customers without an aide or one trainer and one aide to no more than 10 customers;

• the customer's attendance and the total number of hours the customer participated in the training were recorded;

• goals and objectives addressed in training are recorded on the VR3138 and are included on the most recently approved VR3137B, Personal

Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training Plan;

• the customer's performance and skills were documented for the reporting period;

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• the status, including a narrative description for each goal and objective, is recorded on the most recently approved VR3138, Personal Social

Adjustment and Work Adjustment Report;

• all necessary accommodations and compensatory techniques were identified, documented, and provided as necessary to meet the special needs of the customer to successfully participate in the training;

• communications made with the VR counselor and the customer, and notation of any updates made to the VR3137B, are documented in the

Additional Comments section; and

• the customer's satisfaction and service delivery as described in the VR-

SFP was verified by the customer's signature on the VR3138 and

VR3137B or by VR staff member's contact with the customer.

For information on signatures refer to VR-SFP sections 3.2.14 Documentation and 3.2.16 Signatures.

VR will not pay any fees related to excused absences, unexcused absences, or holidays.

Payment for WAT is made when the VR counselor approves a complete, accurate, signed, and dated:

• VR3138, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Report;

• VR3137B, Personal Social Adjustment and Work Adjustment Training

Plan; and

• invoice.

13.7 VAT EXPLORE THE "YOU" IN WORK

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for VAT Explore the “You” in work service.

13.7.1 VAT Explore the "You" in Work Service Description

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Explore the "You" in Work curriculum helps customers to learn and understand their own work personalities, interests, values, and transferable skills.

The vocational adjustment trainer creates and facilitates training curriculum of at least 10 hours with various instructional approaches that include the four modules listed below.

Modules Topic Description

Work Personality

Customers can identify their basic work personality and demonstrate an understanding of how this affects their employment.

Work Interests

Customers can identify their work interests and demonstrate an understanding of how the interests affect their employment.

Work Values

Customers can identify their work values and demonstrate an understanding of how the values affect their employment.

Identification of

Transferable Skills

Customers can identify their transferable skills and demonstrate an understanding of how transferable skills affect their employment.

The training curriculum must include the following activities to allow the customer to understand personal work personalities, interests, values, and transferable skills:

• Self-assessment(s)

• Individual and group discussions

• Journaling activities

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• One extension activity

This service may be provided remotely when the VR counselor has indicated approval of remote service delivery on the VR5000, Referral for Provider

Services. For more information, refer to VR-SFP 3.4.8 Remote Service

Delivery.

• MyTXCareer - Texas Workforce Commission online to find inventories on work interests, work values, and transferable skills for each customer;

• TWC's Succeed at Work is available online and in paper format through

Resources for Career Hunters at Labor Market and Career Information;

and

• O*NET online interest inventories, work values inventories, and ability profilers at O*NET Center.

13.7.2 Process and Procedure

An employment service provider receives a VR5000 Referral for Provider

Services with an SA and special directions related to the delivery of the services, including information about the customer to individualize the curriculum.

The vocational adjustment trainer is responsible for:

• preparing the curriculum and lesson plans to meet the VAT Explore the

"You" in Work Service Description;

• facilitating and documenting the 10-hour training curriculum that includes:

• the four modules in the Service Description;

• a minimum of one extension activity; and

• journaling activities offered throughout the training;

• completing the VR3122, VAT Explore the "You" in Work; and https://www.twc.texas.gov/services/job-search/mytxcareer#:~:text=Discover%20new%20career%20opportunities%20in%20Texas%20based%20on,to%20help%20you%20advance%20through%20the%20labor%20market.

https://lmi.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/jobseekers.asp https://www.onetcenter.org/tools.html https://www.onetcenter.org/tools.html

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• maintaining attendance records, the curriculum, lesson plans, and documentation as proof that required training topics were completed and staff ratios were maintained.

All curriculum lesson plans and attendance records must be available for review by VR staff members upon request.

13.7.3 VAT Explore the "You" in Work Outcomes Required for Payment

The vocational adjustment trainer documents in descriptive terms all information required on the VR3122, VAT Explore the "You" in Work, and SA, including evidence that:

• training was delivered as indicated on the VR5000, Referral for Provider

Services;

• the training was provided without exceeding the ratio of one staff member to six customers;

• the attendance records show a minimum of 10 hours of training;

• the customer's training included:

o four required modules outlined in the curriculum;

o one required extension activity; and o journaling activities were offered;

• all necessary accommodations and compensatory techniques were identified, documented, and provided as necessary to meet the special needs of the customer to successfully participate in the training;

• various instructional approaches were used to meet the customer's learning style;

• all supplies and resources were provided; and

• customer satisfaction and service delivery, as described in the VR-SFP was verified by the customer's signature on VR3122, VAT Explore the

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"You" in Work, or by VR staff member's contact with the customer.

For information on signatures refer to VR-SFP sections 3.2.14 Documentation and 3.2.16 Signatures.

Payment will not be made if the customer's excused absence, unexcused absence, or holiday results in failure to attend the minimum number of required training hours.

Payment for VAT Explore the "You" in Work is made when the VR counselor approves a complete, accurate, signed, and dated:

• VR3122, VAT Explore the "You" in Work; and

• invoice.

13.8 VAT SKILLS TO PAY THE BILLS—MASTERING SOFT SKILLS FOR

WORKPLACE SUCCESS

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for VAT Skills to Pay the Bills—Mastering Soft Skills for

Workplace Success service.

13.8.1 VAT Skills to Pay the Bills—Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace

Success Service Description

Skills to Pay the Bills—Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success is a curriculum developed by the US Department of Labor's Office of Disability

Employment Policy (ODEP). The curriculum is designed to teach skills to youth and adults in the following six areas:

• Communication

• Enthusiasm and attitude

• Teamwork

• Networking

• Problem-solving and critical thinking

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• Professionalism

Note: Training must be at least 20 hours and include all 30 activities in the

ODEP curriculum, with a minimum of four extension activities and journaling activities offered throughout the training.

Only one of the following VAT Work Readiness Services may be purchased for a customer:

• Skills to Pay the Bills—Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success; or

• Soft Skills for Work Success.

This service may be provided remotely when the VR counselor has indicated approval of remote service delivery on the VR5000, Referral for Provider

Services. For more information, refer to VR-SFP 3.4.8 Remote Service

Delivery.

13.8.2 Process and Procedure

An employment service provider receives a VR5000, Referral for Provider

Services, along with an SA and special directions related to the delivery of the services, including information about the customer that is needed to individualize the curriculum.

The vocational adjustment trainer is responsible for:

• facilitating and documenting all 30 activities in the 20-hour curriculum found at www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/softskills.pdf;

• offering journaling activities;

• facilitating a minimum of four extension activities in individual settings or group settings;

• completing the VR3124, VAT Soft Skills to Pay the Bills; and

• maintaining attendance records, lesson plans, and documentation as proof that required training topics were completed and staff ratios were https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/individuals/youth/development-leadership

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All lesson plans and attendance records must be available for review by VR staff members upon request.

13.8.3 VAT Skills to Pay the Bills—Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace

Success Outcomes Required for Payment

The vocational adjustment trainer documents in descriptive terms all the information required on the VR3124, VAT Soft Skills to Pay the Bills and SA, including evidence that:

• training was delivered as indicated on the VR5000, Referral for Provider

Services;

• the training was provided without exceeding the ratio of one staff member to no more than six customers;

• the attendance record indicates a minimum of 20 hours of training;

• the customer's training included:

o 30 required activities outlined in the curriculum;

o four required extension activities; and o journaling activities;

• all necessary accommodations and compensatory techniques were identified, documented, and provided as necessary to meet the special needs of the customer to successfully participate in the training;

• various instructional approaches were used to meet the customer's learning styles and preferences;

• all supplies and resources were provided so the customer could participate in the training; and

• customer satisfaction and service delivery, as described in the VR-SFP was verified by the customer's signature on the VR3124, VAT Soft Skills

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For information on signatures refer to VR-SFP sections 3.2.14 Documentation and 3.2.16 Signatures.

Payment will not be made if the customer's excused absence, unexcused absence, or holiday results in him or her not attending the minimum number of required training hours.

Payment for the VAT Soft Skills to Pay the Bills is made when the VR counselor approves a complete, accurate, signed, and dated:

• VR3124, VAT Soft Skills to Pay the Bills; and

• invoice.

13.9 VAT SOFT SKILLS FOR WORK SUCCESS

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for VAT Soft Skills for Workplace Success service.

13.9.1 VAT Soft Skills for Work Success Service Description

The Soft Skills for Work Success curriculum helps the customer learn and demonstrate the soft skills needed to be successful at work. The training focuses on developing essential skills related to:

• effective communication;

• problem-solving;

• work habits; and

• a strong work ethic.

The vocational adjustment trainer creates and facilitates a training curriculum of at least 13 hours, with various instructional approaches, that includes the four modules listed below.

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Modules Module Description

Interpersonal

Communication

• Effective listening

• Following and giving instructions and feedback

• Conflict resolution

• Nonverbal communication

• Speaking and appropriate language used in the workplace

• Cooperating/working as a team…