3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 09

Joe Esparza, Chairman and Commissioner

Representing Employers

Alberto Treviño III, Commissioner

Representing Labor

Brent Connett, Commissioner

Representing the Public

Steve Pier, Executive Director

Attachment 09 – Chapter 17 and Sample Forms

For

3202600194 Employment Services

Contents

17.1 Overview of Basic Employment Services

17.2 Staff Qualifications and Training

17.2.1 Job Placement Specialist General Qualifications

17.2.2 Job Skills Trainer General Qualifications

17.3 Non-bundled Job Placement

17.3.1 Non-bundled Job Placement Service Description

17.3.2 Employment Data Sheet, Application, and Résumé Training

17.3.3 Interview Training

17.4 Bundled Job Placement Services

17.4.1 Bundled Job Placement Services Service Description

17.4.2 Bundled Job Placement—Benchmark B

17.4.3 Bundled Job Placement—Benchmark C

17.5 Job Skills Training

17.5.1 Job Skills Training Service Description

17.5.2 Job Skills Training Process and Procedure

17.5.3 Job Skills Training Outcomes Required for Payment

17.6 Basic Employment Service Fees

17.6.1 Non-Bundled Employment Services

17.6.2 Basic Job Placement

17.6.3 Enhanced Job Placement

17.6.4 Job Skills Training

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION STANDARDS

FOR PROVIDERS MANUAL

CHAPTER 17: BASIC EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Contract Subject: Employment Services (formerly Community Rehabilitation

Program (CRP) and VR Job Readiness/Job Placement)

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.

17.1 OVERVIEW OF BASIC EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Basic employment services include employment assistance that:

• trains and prepares customers for the job search;

• helps customers obtain positions that meet their individual needs; and

• assists customers with Job Skills Training, when necessary, to keep a job.

A customer's job placement must match customer needs and business needs.

A customer's job placement must be in a work environment that is:

• integrated;

• competitive;

• full-time or part-time, based on customer informed choice; and

• permanent, not temporary or seasonal.

See VR-SFP 1 Introduction to Vocational Rehabilitation for the definition of

Competitive Integrated Employment.

Prior to paying for any VR services, the VR counselor will ensure the customer is placed in competitive integrated employment. WIOA emphasizes a work unit in the definition of competitive integrated employment. A “work unit” may refer to all employees in a particular job category or to a group of employees working together to accomplish tasks, depending on the employer's organizational structure (81 FR at 55643). The level of integration experienced by all individuals with disabilities employed by an organization is not the same and is dependent on the circumstances of the particular job within each work unit of the organization. Therefore, some employment opportunities offered by organization may be considered to be in "integrated locations," and thus satisfy the definition of "competitive integrated employment," while others may not. If placement occurs with an employer who complies with a mandated direct labor-hour ratio of persons with disabilities, VR staff must complete a

CIE checklist to determine if the employment is competitive integrated employment prior to any benchmark payments being made.

All services are based on a customer's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.

This chapter includes information on the following services:

• Non-bundled Job Placement

• Bundled Job Placement

• Job Skills Training

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 the VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request for Job

Placement, Job Skills Training, and Supported Employment 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 Basic

Employment Services Fees.

Premiums may be available for some employment assistance services.

Premiums are paid after all deliverables for the service have been achieved.

When a service authorization (SA) for the Autism premium is issued, the

VR1882, Autism Premium Report, must be submitted with each benchmark.

For more information about premiums, refer to Chapter 20: Premiums.

17.2 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

Before any services are provided to customers, the employment service provider's (ESP) director must:

• approve the VR3455, Provider Staff Information Form, completed by each staff member; and

• submit approved forms to the provider's assigned TWC contract manager and assigned Vocational Rehabilitation (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, and licenses.

Staff qualification for each service is described in 17.2.1 Job Placement

Specialist General Qualifications and 17.2.2 Job Skills Trainer General

Qualifications. University of North Texas Workplace Inclusion and Sustainable

Employment (UNTWISE) Texas Credential Information can be found at Texas

Credential Training.

A noncredentialled provider staff member can provide services to a VR customer only when the VR3490, Temporary Waiver of Credentials, is approved prior to any services being provided. For more information, see standards in VR-SFP 3.4.5 Temporary Waiver of Staff Qualifications.

https://wise.unt.edu/crptraining https://wise.unt.edu/crptraining

17.2.1 Job Placement Specialist General Qualifications

The qualifications for a job placement specialist are as follows:

• A University of North Texas Workplace Inclusion and Suitable

Employment (UNTWISE) Texas Job Placement credential is required.

• A high school diploma or GED is required.

• A bachelor's degree in rehabilitation, business, marketing, or related human services is preferred.

17.2.2 Job Skills Trainer General Qualifications

The required qualifications for a job skills trainer are as follows:

• A current UNTWISE Texas Job Skills Training credential

• A high school diploma or GED

It is preferred, but not required, that the job skills trainer have:

• a varied and successful work history; and

• experience working with individuals with disabilities.

17.3 NON-BUNDLED JOB PLACEMENT

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Non-bundled Job Placement services.

17.3.1 Non-bundled Job Placement Service Description

This section includes the following Non-bundled Job Placement services:

• Employment Data Sheet, Application, and Résumé Training; and

• Interview Training

A customer can receive one or more of the Non-bundled Job Placement services.

Each Non-bundled Job Placement service can be purchased only once for a customer.

Non-bundled Job Placement services can be purchased with On-the-Job

Training (OJT), Apprenticeship, and Job Skills Training when determined appropriate by the VR counselor.

Non-bundled Job Placement services are purchased when a customer does not need assistance from a provider to be placed in a job.

Non-bundled Job Placement services must not be purchased when Bundled Job

Placement services or Supported Employment services will be or have been purchased unless a VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request for Job

Placement, Job Skills Training, and Supported Employment Services has been approved.

For students or youths with disabilities, Non-bundled Job Placement services can be purchased after VAT Preparing for a Job Search Training has been previously purchased, when the student’s or youth’s circumstances indicate a need for additional training to achieve their IPE goals.

17.3.2 Employment Data Sheet, Application, and Résumé Training

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Employment Data Sheet, Application, and Résumé Training services.

17.3.2.1 EMPLOYMENT DATA SHEET, APPLICATION, AND RÉSUMÉ

TRAINING SERVICE DESCRIPTION

This service is designed to teach customers the knowledge and skills necessary to complete job applications and résumés.

A job placement specialist will assist the customer in the completion of:

• the VR1850, Personal Employment Data Sheet or equivalent;

• a paper job application, kiosk job application, or electronic (online) job application; and

• a résumé, when applicable.

All required elements described in the VR-SFP must be addressed in a curriculum that includes a module for each required area defined in the VR-SFP

(for example, a module for each of the following: Employment Data Sheet, Job

Application, Résumé Training, etc.). A manual must be maintained by the provider that includes the curriculum and supporting documentation such as activity materials/resources, lesson plans, and attendance records. When using a standardized published curriculum (not created by the provider), identify the source and keep a copy of the curriculum in the manual. TWC-VR can request to review a curricula manual at any time.

The job placement specialist must implement training activities to meet the customer's needs, including, but not limited to, literacy and disability needs.

While all training must be individualized, it may be provided in an individual or group setting. When the service is provided in a group setting, a ratio of one job placement specialist to no more than six customers must be maintained.

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

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

Delivery.

A copy of the customer's completed VR1850, Personal Employment Data Sheet or equivalent and a completed résumé (if requested on the referral form), must be submitted with the invoice.

The job placement specialist must train the customer in all of the following areas.

Completion of the VR1850, Personal Employment Data Sheet, or

Equivalent

The job placement specialist must evaluate the train the customer on how to gather the necessary information in the areas below:

• demographic information;

• arrest and conviction history, if any;

• paid work history;

• volunteer history;

• references detail;

• employment skills;

• career objectives;

• training history;

• occupational license or certification;

• high school and GED information; and

• college education history.

When the customer's employment goal supports the need for a résumé, as indicated on the VR5000, Referral for Provider Services or SA, the following must be addressed:

• identification of résumé types and purposes;

• collection of résumé contents such as education, work experience, credentials, and achievements;

• completion of résumés tailored to the customer's employment goals; and

• how to update résumés for specific jobs.

Job Applications

Job applications training includes:

• identification of the job application process for paper, website (online), and kiosk applications;

• how to identify appropriate responses to questions on job applications;

• how to write clear descriptive responses to questions and how to avoid spelling and grammatical errors in an application;

• identification of strategies to address employment barriers demonstrated by the customer; and

• successful completion of paper, website (online), and kiosk job applications.

Job References and Written Correspondence

Job references and written correspondence training include:

• explanation of the purpose of professional and personal employment references;

• how and when to request an individual to be a professional and/or personal employment reference;

• how and when to provide professional and personal employment references to potential employers;

• how references are used for background verifications;

• use of effective written correspondence when job searching;

• how to write cover letters for applications and résumés;

• how to write thank-you letters in response to employer correspondence and after meetings or interviews;

• how to use and write email correspondence during the job search; and

• how to use and write written correspondence sent through the US Postal

Service.

The Employment Data Sheet, Application, and Résumé Training as described above is purchased when a job placement provider will not be used to obtain a job placement for a customer. When a customer's circumstances indicate that

Bundled Employment Services need to be purchased after Non-bundled Job

Placement Services have been provided, a reduction of payment will be applied to the fee of the Bundled Employment Service.

17.3.2.2 PROCESS AND PROCEDURE

A Basic Employment Services provider receives a VR5000, Referral for Provider

Services form that indicates if résumé training is required and if any premiums for Non-bundled services are appropriate, as well as an SA. The VR5000 includes any documentation that will prepare the provider to better work with the customer, such as medical or psychological reports, case notes, vocational testing, and employment data collected by VR staff.

The job placement specialist supplies all training materials, prepares the training materials, and facilitates the training, following the curriculum, covering all requirements listed in 17.3.2.1 Employment Data Sheet, Application, and Résumé Training Service Description.

The job placement specialist provides initial instruction and monitoring and/or guidance and, when necessary, assists the customer to complete a:

• VR1850, Personal Employment Data Sheet, or equivalent personal data sheet;

• paper application, kiosk job application, or an electronic (online) job application; and

• résumé(s), (when requested on the referral form).

When necessary, the job placement specialist may complete tasks for a customer to meet the customer's individual needs.

The job placement specialist completes and submits the VR1841, Non-bundled

Job Placement Services Data Sheet, Application, and Résumé Training Report, documenting the assistance, training, or support provided by the job placement specialist in clear, descriptive terms.

The Basic Employment Services provider must maintain attendance records and documentation of completed lesson plans and customer completed activities to ensure the job placement specialist is teaching the required core curricula, and shall make the documentation available for review by VR staff members upon request.

17.3.2.3 EMPLOYMENT DATA SHEET, APPLICATION, AND RÉSUMÉ

TRAINING OUTCOMES REQUIRED FOR PAYMENT

The job placement specialist documents, in descriptive terms, all the information required by the service description on the VR1841, Non-bundled

Job Placement Services Data Sheet, Application, and Résumé Training Report, demonstrating evidence that:

• all required training topics were covered;

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

• the service was delivered as indicated on the VR5000, –Referral for

Provider Services or SA (in person only or remotely and/or in person);

• all accommodations, compensatory techniques, and special needs were provided, as necessary, for the customer to successfully learn the skills;

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

• all supplies and resources were provided to the customer; and

• customer satisfaction and service delivery as described in the VR-SFP can be verified through either a signature on the VR1841, Non-bundled

Job Placement Services Data Sheet, Application, and Résumé Training

Report, or by a VR staff member's contact with the customer.

For more information, refer to VR-SFP sections 3.2.14 Documentation and

3.2.16 Signatures.

For payment, the job placement specialist must submit all of the following:

• the completed and signed VR1850, Personal Employment Data Sheet, or equivalent;

• a résumé(s), when requested on the referral form;

• VR1841, Non-bundled Job Placement Services Data Sheet, Application, and Résumé Training Report; and

• an invoice

This is an outcome-based service; therefore, VR will not pay unless all topics in the service description and SA were addressed.

17.3.3 Interview Training

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Interview Training services.

17.3.3.1 INTERVIEW TRAINING SERVICE DESCRIPTION

Interview training is designed to teach customers the knowledge and skills necessary to complete a job interview and use an "elevator speech" successfully. Interview training services are not purchased with Bundled Job

Placement. The VR counselor may request on the VR5000, Referral for Provider

Services or SA, that mock interviews be video-recorded. A written copy of the customer's elevator speech must be submitted with the invoice.

The job placement specialist must train the customer in all of the following areas:

• the purpose of the interview process;

• the types and purpose of interviews, for example, screening, telephone, panel and/or group, behaviorally based, case, situational, and technical;

• the creation and delivery of a 30–60-second elevator speech that summarizes why the customer is a good candidate for the job;

• how to research businesses and employment positions before an interview;

• identifying and answering typical interview questions asked in the field relevant to the customer's employment goals;

• identifying questions to ask the employer when interviewing;

• identifying and responding to questions related to protected classes and disclosure;

• how to request assistance (advocate), including disability etiquette;

• how to respond to complicated questions addressing employment barriers, such as gaps in work history, criminal background history, limited work experience, and accommodation needs;

• personal presentation for interviews such as grooming, dress, and manners; and

• completion and critiquing a minimum of two mock interviews.

All required elements described in the VR-SFP must be addressed in a curriculum that includes a module for each required area defined in the VR-

SFP. A manual must be maintained by the provider that includes the curriculum and supporting documentation such as activity materials/resources, lesson plans, and attendance records. When using a standardized published curriculum (not created by the provider), identify the source and keep a copy of the curriculum in the manual. TWC-VR can request to review a curricula manual at any time.

The job placement specialist must implement training activities to meet the customer's needs, including, but not limited to, literacy and disability needs.

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

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

Delivery. While all training must be individualized, it may be provided in an individual or group setting.

A ratio of one job placement specialist to no more than six customers must be maintained if the training is conducted in a group environment.

The Interview Training described above is purchased when a job placement provider will not be used to obtain a job placement for a customer. When a customer's circumstances indicate that Bundled Employment Services need to be purchased after Non-Bundled Job Placement Services have been provided, a reduction of payment will be applied to the fee of the Bundled Employment

Service.

17.3.3.2 PROCESS AND PROCEDURE

An Employment Services Provider (ESP) receives a VR5000, Referral for

Provider Services and an SA. The referral form will indicate when video-recorded mock interviews are required and what premiums, if any are applicable, and includes documentation that will prepare the provider to better work with the customer, such as medical or psychological reports, case notes, vocational testing, and employment data collected by VR staff.

The job placement specialist supplies all training materials, prepares the training materials, and facilitates the training covering all requirements listed in 17.3.3.1 Interview Training Service Description.

The job placement specialist provides initial instruction, monitoring and/or guidance, and, when necessary, assists the customer to develop an "elevator speech" and suitable responses to interview questions. When necessary, the job placement specialist may complete tasks for a customer to meet the customer's individual needs.

The job placement specialist completes and submits the VR1842, Non-bundled

Job Placement Services Interview Training Report documenting the assistance, training, and/or support provided by the job placement specialist in clear, descriptive terms.

The ESP must:

• maintain attendance records and documentation of completed lessons and customer completed activities to ensure the required core curricula are being taught; and

• make the documentation available for review by VR staff members upon request.

17.3.3.3 INTERVIEW TRAINING OUTCOMES REQUIRED FOR PAYMENT

The job placement specialist documents, in descriptive terms, all the information required by the service description on the VR1842, Non-bundled

Job Placement Services Interview Training Report, demonstrating evidence that:

• all required training topics were covered;

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

• the service was delivered as indicated on the VR5000, Referral for

Provider Services or SA (in person only or remotely and/or in person);

• all accommodations, compensatory techniques, and special needs were provided as necessary for the customer to successfully learn the skills;

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

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

• customer satisfaction and delivery of service as described in the VR-SFP can be verified through either a signature on the VR1842, Non-bundled

Job Placement Services Interview Training Report, or by a VR staff member's contact with the customer.

For more information, refer to VR-SFP sections 3.2.14 Documentation and

3.2.16 Signatures.

For payment, the job placement specialist must submit the following:

• a completed and signed VR1842, Non-bundled Job Placement Services

Interview Training Report;

• a copy of the customer's "elevator speech;"

• a video copy of the recorded mock interviews when VR5000, Referral for

Provider Services or SA indicates the videos are required; and

• an invoice

This is an outcome-based service; therefore, VR will not pay unless all topics in the service description and SA are addressed.

17.4 BUNDLED JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Bundled Job Placement services.

17.4.1 Bundled Job Placement Services Service Description

Bundled Job Placement is a benchmark service that assists customers in preparing for and completing the job search process. Job placement may be in a new position or an advancement in current employment when the customer requires training and/or assistance in the areas listed below. Bundled Job

Placement helps customers obtain a job that meets their needs as outlined in the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan–Part B and Status Report.

The customer must work 90 days in the same position. When a customer is placed in a new position with the same or a new employer, a new 90-day count is required to complete Bundled Job Placement services.

Any meeting between the customer, the provider, the 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.

Before assisting a customer in obtaining a job, the provider must train and assist the customer in all the following areas, as described under Benchmark

A-Service Description:

• VR1850, Employment Data Sheet or equivalent that includes all topics addressed on the VR1850;

• Résumés, as indicated on the VR1845B;

• Job applications;

• Job references and written correspondence;

• Interviews;

• Pre-employment testing;

• Job searching; and

• Job acceptance and preparing for the first day on the job.

The training and assistance provided should align with the basic or enhanced service definition and the customer's scores on the Support Needs Assessment in VR1845A, Bundled Job Placement Services Placement Plan–Part A.

All required elements described in the VR-SFP must be addressed in a curriculum that includes a module for each required area defined in the VR-SFP

(For example: all areas listed above). A manual must be maintained by the provider that includes the curriculum and supporting documentation such as activity materials/resources, lesson plans, and attendance records. When using a standardized published curriculum (not created by the provider), identify the source and keep a copy of the curriculum in the manual. TWC-VR may request to review a curricula manual at any time.

The job placement specialist must implement training activities to meet the customer's needs, including, but not limited to, literacy and disability needs.

While all training must be individualized, it may be provided in an individual or group setting. When the service is provided in a group setting, a ratio of one job placement specialist to no more than six customers must be maintained.

The Employment Services provider must:

• maintain attendance records, documentation of completed lessons, and customer completed activities showing the required core curricula are being taught; and

• make the documentation available for review by VR staff members upon request.

Before an SA is issued, the VR counselor, customer, and job placement specialist must attend the job placement plan meeting. At the job placement plan meeting, VR staff will complete the following forms:

• VR1845A, Bundled Job Placement Services Placement Plan–Part A; and

• VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan–Part B and Status

Report.

The results of the Support Needs Assessment in the VR1845A determine whether a customer receives basic or enhanced Bundled Job Placement, as follows:

• Basic Bundled Job Placement, a customer must score a total of 15 or less; or

• Enhanced Bundled Job Placement, a customer must score a total of 16 or greater.

Basic Bundled Job Placement and Enhanced Bundled Job Placement contain the following three payment benchmarks in this outcome-based service:

• Benchmark A: Job Placement—After the completion of the 5th day/shift of paid employment, invoiced on or after the 6th day of paid employment

• Benchmark B: Job Placement—After completion of the 45th day of paid employment, invoiced on or after the 46th day of paid employment

• Benchmark C: Job Placement—After completion of the 90th day of paid employment, invoiced on or after the 91st day of paid employment

Benchmark outcome payments are made when the provider achieves the outcomes required for each benchmark.

The customer's job must:

• be full-time or part-time based on customer's choice;

• exist in a competitive, integrated work setting; and

• be permanent, not seasonal.

If a business hires a customer in a temp-to-hire position, the job is acceptable if not considered short-term or project specific employment that will end upon completion of the project. A customer may be employed by a third party such as a temp agency when this is a prerequisite for continued employment after the probationary period ends. Pro re nata (PRN) or “as needed” employment is allowed, as long as the customer can achieve all employment conditions outlined on the VR1845B. VR will not accept seasonal employment placements or placements where the customer receives an IRS 1099 form, (i.e., self-employment), unless approved by the VR Director using the VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request form. Seasonal employment pertains to labor performed at certain seasons or periods of the year, which may not be continuous or carried out throughout the year.

VR pays for job placement only if the customer is placed in a competitive integrated work setting with an organization or business that is not owned, operated, controlled, or governed by the service provider providing the job placement service. Service providers that are state agencies, state universities, or facilities that are a part of a state university system are exempt from this requirement. A competitive integrated VR checklist may need to be completed prior to the provider’s invoice being paid to determine whether the position meets the criteria for a competitive integrated work setting.

The job placement count begins on the first day worked by the customer for the employer in the current position or the day after the VR1845B is updated so all non-negotiable employment conditions, 50% of negotiable employment conditions, and an employment goal are achieved.

If a customer is not working the required number of weekly hours or meeting non-negotiable employment conditions as outlined in the VR1845B, Bundled

Job Placement Services Plan–Part B and Status Report, the customer's progression within the benchmark is frozen until:

• the customer begins working the required hours and is achieving all non-negotiable employment conditions; or

• the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan–Part B and Status

Report, is amended.

When a customer accepts a new position with the same employer or obtains employment with a new employer, the customer must work 90 days in the new position. The count starts over on the first day of the customer’s new position and continues until the customer reaches 90 days of employment in the new position. The provider must resubmit an updated VR1845B for each benchmark.

Bundled Job Placement Services cannot be purchased with On-the-Job Training

(OJT), Apprenticeship, or Supported Employment. Job Skills Training can be purchased with Bundled Job Placement Services when determined appropriate by the VR counselor.

A customer who has received or is receiving basic or enhanced Bundled Job

Placement Services cannot be transferred into Non-bundled Job Placement

Services, unless a VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request for Job

Placement, Job Skills Training, and Supported Employment Services has been approved by the VR Director. The VR3472 must explain the customer’s individualized circumstances sufficiently enough to support the transfer of the service from Bundled to Non-bundled Job Placement.

When a customer's circumstances indicate that Bundled Employment Services need to be purchased after Non-bundled Job Placement Services have been provided, a reduction of payment will be applied to the fee of the Bundled

Employment service.

For students or youths with disabilities, Bundled Job Placement services can be purchased after VAT Preparing for a Job Search Training has been previously purchased, when the student’s or youth’s circumstances indicate a need for additional training to achieve their IPE goals.

17.4.1.1 BUNDLED JOB PLACEMENT—BENCHMARK A

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Bundled Job Placement—Benchmark A.

17.4.1.2 BUNDLED JOB PLACEMENT—BENCHMARK A SERVICE

DESCRIPTION

The job placement specialist will conduct job development and job search activities directed toward obtaining employment that meets the customer's individualized skills, interests, goals, and needs as outlined in the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan–Part B and Status Report.

Before the customer obtains employment, the job placement specialist must train and assist the customer in all the areas described below in the

Benchmark A Service Description. If the customer obtains employment before the training is completed the training must be completed prior to invoicing for the Benchmark A.

Completion of the VR1850, Employment Data Sheet or Equivalent

The job placement specialist must train the customer on how to gather the necessary information in the areas below:

• demographic information;

• arrest and conviction history, if any;

• paid work history;

• volunteer history;

• references detail;

• employment skills;

• career objectives;

• training history;

• occupational license or certification;

• high school and GED information; and

• college education history.

Note: Any equivalent used in place of the VR1850 must include all topics addressed on the VR1850.

When the customer's employment goal supports the need for a résumé, as indicated on the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan–Part B and

Status Report, all of the following must be addressed:

• identification of different résumé types and purposes;

• collection of résumé contents, such as education, work experience, credentials, and achievements;

• completion of résumés tailored for the customer's employment goals;

and

• updating résumés for specific jobs

Job Applications

Job applications training includes:

• identification of the job application process for paper, website (online), and kiosk applications;

• how to identify appropriate responses to questions on job applications;

• how to write clear, descriptive responses to questions, avoiding spelling and grammatical errors in an application;

• identification of strategies to address employment barriers demonstrated by the customer; and

• successful completion of paper, website (online), and kiosk job applications.

Job References and Written Correspondence

Job references and written correspondence training includes:

• explanation of the purpose of professional and personal employment references;

• how and when to request an individual to be a professional and/or personal employment reference;

• how and when to provide professional and personal employment references to potential employers;

• how references are used for background verifications;

• use of effective written correspondence when job searching;

• how to write cover letters for applications and résumés;

• how to write thank-you letters in response to employer correspondence and after meetings or interviews;

• how to use and write email correspondence during the job search; and

• how to use and write written correspondence sent through the US Postal

Service.

Interviews

Interview training includes:

• the purpose of the interview process;

• the types and purposes of interviews, for example, screening, telephone, panel and/or group, behaviorally based, case, situational, and technical;

• the creation of a 30–60-second "elevator speech" that summarizes why the customer is a good candidate for the job;

• delivering the elevator speech;

• how to research businesses and employment positions before an interview;

• identifying and answering typical interview questions asked in the field relevant to the customer's employment goals;

• identifying questions to ask the employer when interviewing;

• identifying and responding to questions related to protected classes and disclosure;

• how to request assistance (advocate), including disability etiquette;

• how to respond to complicated questions addressing employment barriers, such as gaps in work history, criminal background history, limited work experience, and accommodation needs;

• personal presentation for interviews, such as grooming, dress, and manners; and

• completing and critiquing a minimum of two mock interviews.

Note: The VR counselor will indicate on the VR1845B when the mock interviews must be video-recorded.

Pre-employment Testing

Pre-employment testing training includes:

• the purpose of aptitude, skills, and literacy testing, and how the testing is conducted;

• the purpose of personality testing and how the testing is conducted;

• the purpose of physical ability testing measuring an applicant's ability to perform the tasks and physical functions of a job;

• the purpose of drug testing and how the testing is conducted; and

• accompanying the customer, as applicable, to pre-employment testing, when required for a job.

Job Searching

Job search training includes:

• how to research a business's unmet needs in relation to the customer's employment goal;

• how to use job websites and employer job boards to search for jobs related to the customer's employment goal;

• how to network with individuals who may know about an unposted employment opportunity; and

• registering for and using WorkInTexas.com to search for jobs.

Job Acceptance and Preparing for the First Day on the Job

Job acceptance and preparing for the first day on the job training includes:

• learning about wages associated with the position, as the wages relate to the customer's skills and to the employer's location;

• identification and use of basic salary negotiation techniques;

• identification of the customer's job responsibilities and the employer's performance requirements for the position;

• identification of the customers’ accommodation needs that can improve performance in the work setting (for example, environmental changes, assistive technology devices, and work process);

https://www.workintexas.com/vosnet/Default.aspx

• how and when to request accommodations to address the customer's disability needs when necessary;

• how to secure transportation to the worksite;

• appropriate personal appearance necessary for the position (dress, hygiene, and manners);

• securing all documents necessary for the first day on the job;

• securing and demonstrating use of necessary items such as uniform and alarm clock;

• how to communicate individual needs to an employer; and

• expectations and expected behaviors when working at a job site.

Described below is the level of support the customer will receive for:

Bundled Basic Job Placement Services

The customer approved for Bundled Basic Job Placement Services will receive:

• instruction;

• assistance to learn skills;

• monitoring to ensure that the customer is demonstrating necessary skills;

• resources to assist the customer in the completion of tasks; and

• assistance with obtaining employment.

Bundled Enhanced Job Placement Services

The customer approved for Bundled Enhanced Job Placement Services will receive:

• repeated or hands-on instruction;

• extensive and comprehensive ongoing assistance to learn skills;

• assistance with tasks completed partially or fully by the job placement specialist, as necessary; and

• assistance with obtaining employment.

For both Basic and Enhanced Job Placement to meet Benchmark A, the customer must

• complete all training; and

• obtain a job and work five days (not cumulative calendar days) or five shifts at the job, with the customer working in a job that is achieving:

o the employment goal, as identified on the VR1845B by matching one of the six-digit standard occupational classification codes

(SOCs);

▪ based on the job tasks the customer is performing which are included in the O'Net description (not based on the customer's job title);

o 100 percent of the non-negotiable employment conditions; and o 50 percent or more of the negotiable employment conditions identified on the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan-

Part B and Status Report.

The VR counselor will indicate on the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement

Services Plan Part B and Status Report, how Benchmark A services may be provided, either in person at or away from job site, remotely, or combination, in person and remotely. The method services are delivered may be updated by the counselor using the VR1845B or SA.

In-person services may be provided at or away from the job site. Remote services must follow VR-SFP 3.4.8 Remote Service Delivery.

17.4.1.3 BUNDLED JOB PLACEMENT—BENCHMARK A PROCESS AND

PROCEDURE

The Employment Services Provider (ESP) receives the VR5000, Referral for

Provider Services. The referral form includes any documentation that will prepare the job placement specialist to better work with the customer, such as medical or psychological reports, case notes, vocational testing results, and employment data collected by VR staff. The referral establishes the date and time for the Job Placement planning meeting, if known. When developing or amending the VR1845A or VR1845B a meeting is conducted in person or remotely.

The Job Placement planning meeting is held so that the customer, the VR counselor, and the job placement specialist can complete the:

• VR1845A, Bundled Job Placement Services Placement Plan–Part A; and

• VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan–Part B and Status

Report.

VR staff:

• complete each form electronically

• print the forms to obtain required signatures from the job placement specialist and the customer, and:

• provide signed copies to the customer and Job Placement Specialist and electronic fillable (Microsoft Word) form to the Job Placement Specialist.

VR1845A, Bundled Job Placement Services Placement Plan–Part A, determines whether the customer will receive Basic or Enhanced Job Placement

Services and identifies the customer’s skills, abilities, experience, training, and education that relate to the training and job to be obtained.

VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan–Part B and Status Report, determines:

• negotiable and non-negotiable employment conditions;

• when resume training is required;

• when mock interviews must be video recorded;

• up to three (3) employment goals, each including a six-digit SOC code and O’Net description of the job tasks and responsibilities; and

• any premiums that the ESP may be eligible to receive on completion of

Benchmark C.

VR staff members and the customer will make the final decisions related to the employment goal, non-negotiable conditions, and Support Needs Assessment results found on the VR1845A, Bundled Job Placement Services Placement

Plan–Part A, and the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan–Part B and Status Report.

If, at any time, the customer's employment goal changes or non-negotiable conditions become negotiable or do not match the current VR1845B on file, an updated VR1845B must be completed via a meeting with the VR counselor, customer, and provider before the customer obtains employment.

If the customer obtains employment before the VR1845B is updated and the

VR counselor determines the job is appropriate for the customer, the VR counselor, customer, and job placement specialist will update and sign the

VR1845B in a Job Placement plan meeting. The day after the date of the VR counselor's signature on the updated VR1845B will be used as the first date of employment.

The job placement specialist provides services to the customer meeting or exceeding the requirements in the Bundled Job Placement—Benchmark A service description.

It is expected that the job placement specialist will:

• network with businesses to identify employment opportunities;

• provide potential job leads to the customer; and

• assist the customer in pursuing job leads as the individual customer's needs dictate, and, when necessary, represent the customer to the business.

The customer may obtain the job on their own or through networking with friends, family, and other contacts using the skills obtained in training from the job placement specialist.

The job placement specialist completes the VR1846, Bundled Job Placement

Services Benchmark A Training Report, and records the customer's status at

Benchmark A completion on the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services

Plan–Part B and Status Report.

The job placement specialist is responsible for communicating all successes and challenges to the VR counselor. The job placement specialist also maintains routine communications as defined on the VR1845B, Bundled Job

Placement Services Benchmark Service Plan–Part B and Status Report.

When the customer requires additional services from VR to ensure long-term employment success, such as Job Skills Training or uniforms, the job placement specialist assists the customer in requesting the service from the VR counselor.

The job placement specialist documents the achievement of outcomes on the required forms using a computer and secures the required signatures, on or after the fifth day worked, before submitting a complete and accurate invoice.

17.4.1.4 BUNDLED JOB PLACEMENT—BENCHMARK A OUTCOMES REQUIRED

FOR PAYMENT

To meet Benchmark A, the customer:

• must work five shifts on five different days, achieving the following as identified on the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan-Part B and Status Report:

o the employment goal on the form by matching one of the six-digit

SOCs based on the job tasks the customer is performing which are included in the O’Net description (not based on the customer’s job title), o 100 percent of the non-negotiable employment conditions; and o 50 percent or more of the negotiable employment conditions identified on the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan-

Part B and Status Report.

Payment for Benchmark A requires that the job placement specialist does the following:

• Document in descriptive terms all the information required by the

Service Description on the VR1846, Bundled Job Placement Services

Benchmark A Training Report, demonstrating evidence that:

o all required training topics were covered;

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

o all necessary accommodations, compensatory techniques, and special needs were provided as necessary for the customer to learn the skills;

o various instructional approaches were used to meet the customer's learning styles; and o all supplies and resources were provided so that the customer could participate in the training.

• Submit required copies of the customer's completed:

o VR1850, Employment Data Sheet or equivalent that includes all topics addressed on the VR1850;

o résumé, when required on the VR1845B;

o written copy of the elevator speech; and o video-recorded mock interviews, when requested on the VR1845B.

• Provide the required training and support, as outlined in the service description and the VR1845A, Bundled Job Placement Services

Placement Plan–Part A, the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services

Plan–Part B and Status Report.

• Document, in descriptive terms, the information required on VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan–Part B and Status Report, including:

o information describing the current employer;

o information describing the customer's employment, work setting, and environment;

o date employment began;

o evidence that the customer has worked at the job site for at least five days and/or shifts;

o evidence that the placement secured meets:

▪ one of the six-digit SOCs listed within the employment goals based on the job tasks the customer is performing which are included in the O’Net description (not based on the customer’s job title);

▪ 100 percent of the non-negotiable employment conditions;

and

▪ 50 percent or more of the negotiable employment conditions;

o services delivered as indicated in the Service Delivery section of the VR1845B or SA (in person at or away from job site, remotely, or combination, in person and remotely);

o evidence that the job placement specialist assisted the customer in job development activities necessary for securing the job placement;

o any accommodations, compensatory techniques, or special training that the customer needs to increase performance, if any;

o any consultations made with the business, if any;

o customer satisfaction and service delivery as described in the VR-

SFP may be verified through either a signature on the VR1845B or by a VR staff member's contact with the customer; and

• Submit a complete and accurate invoice.

For more information, refer to VR-SFP sections 3.2.14 Documentation and

3.2.16 Signatures.

This is an outcome-based benchmark service; therefore, VR will not pay the invoice unless all outcomes in the service description are achieved.

17.4.2 Bundled Job Placement—Benchmark B

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Bundled Job Placement—Benchmark B.

17.4.2.1 BUNDLED JOB PLACEMENT—BENCHMARK B SERVICE

DESCRIPTION

To meet Benchmark B, the customer must:

• Maintain a job 45 days, with the customer working in a job with same employer in the same position, achieving the following as identified on the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan-Part B and Status

Report:

o the employment goal on form by matching one of the six-digit

SOCs based on the job tasks the customer is performing which are included in the O’Net description (not based on the customer’s job title);

o 100 percent of the non-negotiable employment conditions; and o 50 percent or more of the negotiable employment conditions identified on the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan-

Part B and Status Report.

When a customer accepts a new position with the same or new employer, the customer must work 45 days in the new position. The count begins over at day one and continues until the customer reaches 45 days of employment in the new position prior to achievement of Benchmark B. The provider must resubmit an updated VR1845B for each benchmark.

The job placement specialist must have at least two visits with the customer between the 6th day of employment and the 45th day of employment, and must monitor the customer's job placement to ensure the customer:

• continues to meet the employer's expectations; and

• receives all the necessary accommodations and training to ensure long-term employment success.

VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan—Part B and Status Report or

SA will indicate whether the visits can be done in person at or away from job site, remotely, or combination, in person and remotely.

Remote visits may be facilitated using a computer-based platform that allows for face-to-face and/or real time interaction and use video telecommunication services and software such as Video Relay Services or FaceTime.

TWC-VR does not allow use of non-video telecommunication (phone) or text messages to customers to be used to conduct visits.

For more information, refer to VR-SFP 3.4.8 Remote Service Delivery for requirements and 3.4.11 Contracted Services Modification Request.

17.4.2.2…