ESBD_548201_1786394597923_Attachment 10 – Chapter 18 and Sample Forms.pdf

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10

Joe Esparza, Chairman and Commissioner

Representing Employers

Alberto Treviño III, Commissioner

Representing Labor

Brent Connett, Commissioner

Representing the Public

Steve Pier, Executive Director

Attachment 10 – Chapter 18 and Sample Forms

For

3202600194 Employment Services

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 2 of 27

Contents Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services

18.1 Supported Employment Overview

18.2 Staff Qualifications

18.3 Referral to Supported Employment Services

18.4 Supported Employment Plan

18.4.1 Supported Employment Plan Service Description

18.4.2 Supported Employment Plan Process and Procedure

18.4.3 Supported Employment Plan Outcomes Required for Payment ... 9

18.5 Supported Employment Job Development and Placement Benchmark

18.5.1 Supported Employment Job Development and Placement

Benchmark Service Description

18.5.2 Supported Employment Job Development and Placement

Benchmark Process and Procedure

18.5.3 Supported Employment Job Development and Placement

Benchmark Outcomes Required for Payment

18.6 Supported Employment Job Retention Benchmark

18.6.1 Supported Employment Job Retention Benchmark Service

Description

18.6.2 Supported Employment Job Retention Benchmark Process and

Procedure

18.6.3 Supported Employment Job Retention Benchmark Outcomes

Required for Payment

18.7 Supported Employment Job Stability Review

18.7.1 Supported Employment Job Stability Review Service Description

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18.7.2 Supported Employment Job Stability Review Process and

Procedure

18.7.3 Job Stability Review Outcomes Required for Payment

18.8 Supported Employment Closure Benchmark

18.8.1 Supported Employment Closure Benchmark Service Description

18.8.2 Supported Employment Closure Benchmark Process and

Procedure

18.8.3 Supported Employment Closure Benchmark Outcomes Required for Payment

18.9 Benchmark and Service Fees

18.10 SE Resources

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VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION STANDARDS

FOR PROVIDERS MANUAL

CHAPTER 18: SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

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.

18.1 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT OVERVIEW

Supported Employment (SE) services are based on a “Place, Then Train” model, designed to provide customers with the most significant disabilities the supports they need to achieve competitive integrated employment. SE services include individualized job development and placement services, ongoing supports such as intensive job skills training, and arrangement of extended services (funded, paid, and/or natural supports) to help customers sustain meaningful long-term employment.

For additional information about SE, refer to VR-SFP 18.10: SE Resources.

SE is an all-inclusive service. Therefore, the following Vocational Rehabilitation

(VR) services may not be purchased while a customer is receiving SE services from an Employment Services Provider:

• Bundled Job Placement

• Job Skills Training*

• Non-bundled Job Placement

• On-the-Job Training (OJT)

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• Personal Social Adjustment Training (PSAT)

• Vocational Adjustment Training (VAT)

• Environmental Work Assessment

• Vocational Evaluation

• Project SEARCH

• Work Adjustment Training (WAT)

• Work Experience Services (WE)

*Under special circumstances, VR may purchase job skills training as an extended service for VR customers who are youth with disabilities. For information on how job skills training can be used as an extended service for

VR customers who are youth with disabilities, refer to VR-SFP 18.7.1.1: Youth with Disabilities and VR-SFP Chapter 17, Section 17.5.1.1 Purchasing Job Skills

Training for Extended Services for Youth with Disabilities.

Any request to change any SE 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 Job

Placement, Job Skills Training, and Supported Employment Services, before the change is implemented. 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 18.9

Benchmark and Service Fees.

18.2 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

Before services are provided to customers, the service provider's director must approve the VR3455, Provider Staff Information, completed by each staff member and submit approved forms to the provider's assigned VR regional quality assurance specialist or designee. The staff member's qualifications must be documented on VR3455 and provide evidence, such as transcripts, 3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 6 of 27 diplomas, reference letters, credentials, and/or licenses, of meeting all qualifications. For more information, refer to VR-SFP 3.4.4 Staff Required

Documentation.

It is preferred, but not required, that the provider staff has a varied and successful work history and experience working with individuals with disabilities.

An SE specialist must have:

• a current University of North Texas Workplace Inclusion & Sustainable

Employment (UNTWISE) Supported Employment Specialist credential;

and

• a high school diploma or GED; however, a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation, business, marketing, or related human services is preferred.

Note: If an UNTWISE Supported Employment Specialist credential was obtained before February 1, 2022, then TWC-VR Supported Employment

Training administered by UNTWISE must be successfully completed before the delivery of SE services.

A job skills trainer must have:

• a current UNTWISE Job Skills Training credential; and

• a high school diploma or GED.

18.3 REFERRAL TO SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

A Career Planning Assessment (CPA) must be completed before referring a customer to SE. If an Environmental Work Assessment (EWA) was conducted, then payment for the CPA may be prorated. When payment for the CPA is prorated, the work skills assessment is not completed on the CPA. For more information on EWAs and CPAs, refer to VR-SFP Chapter 4: Employment

Assessments.

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VR staff sends VR5000, Referral for Provider Services, and a service authorization (SA) to the SE specialist before the SE Plan meeting. The VR counselor should provide relevant documentation, such as a Benefits Planning

Query (BPQY); case notes; psychological, vocational, or medical evaluations;

and a copy of the CPA and EWA (if done by a different provider), to prepare the provider to work with the customer.

18.4 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PLAN

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Supported Employment Plan service.

18.4.1 Supported Employment Plan Service Description

The SE Plan provides the framework for how the SE specialist will help the customer achieve competitive integrated employment. The SE Plan is completed during the SE Plan meeting by the VR counselor, using person-centered approaches, in collaboration with the customer, the customer’s circle of support, and the SE specialist. The SE Plan must align with the customer’s interests, preferences, potential job tasks, and identified employment conditions. The SE Plan also identifies the customer’s resources, support needs, extended services (both available and needed), and any available premiums. VR1632, Supported Employment Plan and Employment Report, must be reviewed and agreed upon by the customer, the SE specialist, and the

VR counselor.

18.4.2 Supported Employment Plan Process and Procedure

When developing or amending the SE Plan, a meeting is conducted in person or remotely.

18.4.2.1 Developing the Supported Employment Plan

When developing the SE Plan, the VR counselor must:

• review VR1630, Career Planning Assessment;

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• complete VR1632 with the customer, SE specialist, and circle of support;

• maintain a signed version of VR1632 in the VR case file;

• provide a signed copy of VR1632 to the customer and SE specialist;

• provide an electronically fillable copy of VR1632 to the SE specialist; and

• request that VR staff issue SAs to the SE specialist for:

o supported employment job development and placement benchmark; and o any relevant premiums.

18.4.2.2 Amending the Supported Employment Plan

The SE Plan is amended when supported by the VR counselor and based on the customer’s informed choice and decision to change the preferences, interests, potential job tasks, and employment conditions listed on VR1632, Supported

Employment Plan and Employment Report.

To amend the SE Plan, the VR counselor must:

• contact the customer to determine whether an update to the SE Plan is needed;

• request that VR staff issue an SA to the SE specialist for the SE Plan

Update Meeting;

• schedule the meeting to update the SE Plan;

• revise VR1632 with the customer, SE specialist, and circle of support;

• obtain new signatures;

• file the updated, signed copy of VR1632 in the customer’s VR case file;

• provide an updated, signed copy of VR1632 to the customer and SE specialist;

• provide the updated, electronically fillable copy of VR1632 to the SE

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 9 of 27 specialist; and

• ensure all required SAs are up to date.

The SE specialist must follow the procedures in VR-SFP 18.4.3 to invoice for any additional SE Plan meetings.

18.4.3 Supported Employment Plan Outcomes Required for Payment

During the development or amendment of the SE Plan, the SE specialist must participate in and contribute to the discussion during the meeting as indicated by his or her signature on VR1632.

After any SE Plan meeting, the provider submits an invoice for participation in the meeting. The date of the SE Plan meeting is used as the date of service on the invoice.

18.5 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT JOB DEVELOPMENT AND

PLACEMENT BENCHMARK

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Supported Employment Job Development and Placement

Benchmark service.

18.5.1 Supported Employment Job Development and Placement Benchmark

Service Description

The SE specialist conducts job development and placement activities consistent with the customer’s preferences, interests, potential job tasks, and employment conditions identified in the SE Plan.

18.5.2 Supported Employment Job Development and Placement Benchmark

Process and Procedure

During the job development and placement benchmark process, the SE specialist contacts employers that may have job opportunities for the customer that are consistent with the SE Plan. The SE specialist contacts employers that are within the customer’s preferred geographic region, including businesses

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 10 of 27 known to the customer and his or her circle of support, previous employers, and networking communities. The SE specialist conducts job preparation activities with the customer, such as interview preparation, application completion, and résumé development.

The provider ensures the customer is placed in competitive integrated employment consistent with the preferences, interests, at least two potential job tasks, and all nonnegotiable conditions identified on VR1632. The job development and placement benchmark is not achieved until the customer works a minimum of five shifts on five different days.

Once the customer is placed, VR counselor must request that VR staff issue

SAs to the SE specialist for one or two job retention periods, based on the customer’s needs.

The SE specialist completes a job analysis to identify the:

• customer’s essential and episodic work tasks and responsibilities;

• physical, environmental, and work pace demands of the job;

• social interactions in the workplace;

• supervision at the worksite;

• employer’s orientation, training and supports;

• customer’s response to the job; and

• training and supports needed for ongoing supports and extended services.

After the job analysis is complete, the SE specialist identifies goals on the training plan to be used in the delivery of ongoing supports during job retention.

There are times when providing ongoing supports at a jobsite may not be possible or preferred. A customer with a disability may not wish to have an

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 11 of 27 onsite job skills trainer, for example, because they do not want to draw attention from fellow coworkers or be the subject of a stigmatizing belief of coworkers. At times, an employer may not accommodate onsite training and support due to security requirements or safety. When these situations occur, and onsite training and support is not ideal, remote training and support may be a solution. Any remote training and support should align with a customer’s goals on the training plan and be designed to:

• meet the support and communication needs of the customer;

• be suitable for the customer's work environment;

• fit within the customer's work environment (can include telework environments);

• allow for "normal" work routines without disruption;

• allow for observation of interactions (verbal and non-verbal) between customer, coworkers, and supervisors; and

• allow for training, use of natural supports and foster the customer's acceptance in the work environment.

For additional information about remote services, refer to VR-SFP 18.10: SE

Resources.

Any remote training must be in compliance with VR-SFP 3.4.8 Remote Service

Delivery and 3.2.7 Confidentiality.

When the customer’s situation requires remote service delivery and the VR counselor supports the delivery of remote training, as indicated on the

VR1632, the SE specialist evaluates the customer's and employer's training needs during the job analysis. The SE specialist must coordinate the equipment and software necessary to facilitate remote service delivery during job retention.

Once the customer is placed, the SE specialist and/or the job skills trainer

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 12 of 27 provides ongoing supports at or away from the jobsite. Ongoing supports may include a variety of support activities chosen by the provider to help the customer maintain employment, such as:

• job orientation and assessment;

• transportation or travel training;

• evaluating the customer’s training and support needs;

• intensive job skills training;

• developing and maintaining production levels as expected by the employer;

• advocating for the acceptance of the worker and his or her integration into the workplace;

• advocating in support of the customer’s employment to his or her support network, treatment service providers, and benefits program coordinators;

• helping the customer understand employment benefits (for example, vacation, sick leave, and insurance);

• discussing reasonable accommodations with the employer;

• developing a support network that accommodates and positively reinforces the customer’s role as an employee; and

• communicating with the VR counselor regarding the job development and placement.

The SE specialist completes VR1632, Supported Employment Plan and

Employment Report; VR1633, Supported Employment Job Development and

Job Analysis Report; and the training plan section on VR1634, Supported

Employment Training Plan and Job Retention Report.

18.5.3 Supported Employment Job Development and Placement Benchmark

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Outcomes Required for Payment

The SE specialist documents all information require on VR1632, VR1633, and

VR1634, as well as verifies that the customer:

• has worked a minimum of five shifts on five different days; and

• is working in competitive integrated employment that meets the preferences, interests, at least two potential job tasks, and all nonnegotiable employment conditions identified in the SE Plan.

The VR counselor must verify that the customer is working in competitive integrated employment and meeting the preferences, interests, at least two potential job tasks, and all nonnegotiable employment conditions on the

VR1632 before payment of a benchmark.

For payment, the provider submits:

• a signed, accurate, and complete VR1632, VR1633, and VR1634; and

• an invoice.

18.6 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT JOB RETENTION BENCHMARK

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Supported Employment Job Retention Benchmark service.

18.6.1 Supported Employment Job Retention Benchmark Service Description

The job retention benchmark begins the day after the customer has achieved the job development and placement benchmark. During the job retention benchmark, the customer receives ongoing supports provided by the SE specialist and/or job skills trainer, under the supervision of the SE specialist, including intensive job skills training and the development of extended supports.

Ongoing supports are provided at or away from the jobsite through the least intrusive method possible and should be gradually reduced when the customer

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 14 of 27 becomes better adjusted and more independent.

Ongoing supports address the goals in the training plan and may be provided in a relatively informal way or with specific structured interventions covering topics such as:

• identifying accommodations and supports the employee can use to be successful, such as job aids and natural supports;

• providing onsite training that reinforces the employer's expectations and procedures;

• supporting the customer in acclimating to the workplace culture and etiquette;

• addressing interpersonal skills necessary to be accepted as a worker at the jobsite and in related community contacts;

• facilitating communication between coworkers and supervisors;

• identifying cost effective assistive technology or other aides that will help the employee perform job functions;

• training natural and extended support providers who will provide long-term supports to the customer to foster long-term employment;

• addressing travel training and other work issues related to maintaining the employment;

• helping the customer understand employment benefits (e.g., vacation, sick leave, insurance);

• advocating in support of the customer’s employment to his or her support network, treatment service providers, and benefits program coordinators; and

• communicating with the VR counselor regarding the job development and placement.

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Each job retention benchmark consists of 28 cumulative calendar days during which the SE specialist must:

• visit the customer in person a minimum of two times at or away from the jobsite, however, the provider should visit multiple times to:

o provide ongoing supports;

o ensure that the customer is meeting the employer’s expectations;

and o ensure that extended supports have been identified.

• make a minimum of one contact with the employer to ensure employer satisfaction; and

• verify that the customer has competitive integrated employment consistent with the preferences, interests, at least two potential job tasks, and all nonnegotiable employment conditions identified on

VR1632.

The job retention benchmark may be purchased multiple times until the customer either achieves job stability or to reestablish job stability.

18.6.2 Supported Employment Job Retention Benchmark Process and

Procedure

The following outlines the procedures for the Supported Employment Job

Retention Benchmark service.

18.6.2.1 Providing Ongoing Supports

During the job retention benchmark period, the SE specialist and/or job skills trainer, under the direction of the SE specialist, continues to provide ongoing supports at or away from the jobsite and documents services provided on

VR1634, Supported Employment Training Plan and Retention Report. The goals listed on VR1634 are updated throughout job retention. Ongoing supports may include a variety of support activities identified by the provider to help the

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 16 of 27 customer retain the job, such as:

• intensive job skills training;

• establishing natural supports from supervisors, coworkers, community members, friends, or family members who provide mentoring, training, inclusion in social activities at work, transportation, skills development, and feedback on job performance; or

• coordinating a plan for transition with the customer’s extended service providers.

Note: Natural supports that are more permanent may serve as a form of long-term support needed to establish job stability.

When the SE specialist cannot contact the employer based on the customer’s informed choice, a VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request for Job

Placement, Job Skills Training, and Supported Employment Services, must be approved by the VR director.

If a customer requires more than two job retention benchmark periods, the SE specialist must request a job stability review meeting.

During the job retention benchmark, the VR counselor:

• reviews all documentation submitted by the provider;

• requests VR staff issue SAs to the SE specialist for the job stability review meeting; and

• when requested by the provider, schedules the job stability review meeting with the SE specialist and the customer.

18.6.3 Supported Employment Job Retention Benchmark Outcomes Required for Payment

During each 28-day job retention benchmark period, the SE specialist meets with the customer and employer and documents on VR1634:

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• a minimum of two in-person visits with the customer, at or away from the jobsite;

• a minimum of one contact with the employer in order to monitor the employer’s satisfaction with the customer’s performance during the SE benchmark period; and

• any updates to the training plan, additional training sessions, and the reporting period summary.

The SE specialist documents on VR1632:

• the verification that the preferences, interests, at least two potential job tasks, and all nonnegotiable employment conditions continue to be met on VR1632;

• any updates to the extended services section, if necessary; and

• any updates to the employment information section for the reported period.

For payment, the provider submits:

• a signed, accurate, and complete VR1632 and VR1634; and

• an invoice.

The VR counselor must:

• ensure that extended services (funded, paid, and/or natural supports) are arranged, as necessary; and

• verify that the customer is working in competitive integrated employment and meeting the preferences, interests, at least two potential job tasks, and all nonnegotiable employment conditions on

VR1632 before payment of a benchmark.

18.7 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT JOB STABILITY REVIEW

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 18 of 27 requirements for Supported Employment Job Stability Review service.

18.7.1 Supported Employment Job Stability Review Service Description

A job stability review is completed when the customer:

• appears he or she will be job stable at the completion of the current job retention benchmark; or

• appears to need additional job retention services after two 28-day job retention benchmark periods.

The customer must complete at least one 28-day job retention benchmark to be eligible for job stability. To establish job stability, the provider must be prepared to transition any remaining support needs to a funded, paid, and/or natural support extended service provider and notify the VR counselor.

Job stability occurs when the customer:

• is satisfied with the employment;

• continues to work in a job that meets the definition of competitive integrated employment;

• is meeting the preferences, interests, at least two potential job tasks, and all nonnegotiable employment conditions on VR1632;

• has reliable transportation to and from the jobsite with a backup plan;

• is meeting the employer’s expectations regarding job performance;

• is meeting the physical and environmental demands of the job;

• has all necessary accommodations in place and working;

• has extended services (funded by other local or state agencies or Social

Security, private pay, and/or natural supports) in place to ensure continued employment with this support; and

• has achieved all goals, unless a goal has been determined to be “no longer applicable” or is scheduled to be transferred to extended services, 3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 19 of 27 on VR1634.

The VR counselor and customer make the final determination about job stability and the purchase of any job retention benchmarks. The VR counselor must consult with the VR supervisor for six or more job retention benchmarks.

18.7.1.1 Youth with Disabilities

When all other available resources for extended services, such as Medicaid

Waiver programs, natural supports, other public agencies, and/or private nonprofit organizations are not available to the customer, TWC-VR can provide extended services to VR customers who are “youth with a disability.” When individuals are in the 14-24 age range and have a disability, they will meet the

“youth with a disability” definition. The disability must be considered “most significant” if the youth is participating in Supported Employment services.

Services can be provided for a period not to exceed four years or until the youth reaches the age of 25 and no longer meets the definition of a "youth with a disability," whichever occurs first.

When VR sponsors extended services for youth with disabilities, the case must continue to maintain job stability status. Job skills training is how TWC-VR purchases extended services for a customer. For information on how job skills training may be used as an extended service, refer to VR-SFP Chapter 17, Section 17.5.1.1 Purchasing Job Skills Training for Extended Services for Youth with Disabilities.

18.7.2 Supported Employment Job Stability Review Process and Procedure

The provider notifies the VR counselor that the customer needs a job stability review meeting.

The VR counselor arranges for a job stability review meeting either in person or remotely to determine whether the customer has achieved job stability status or whether there is a need for an additional job retention benchmark.

The meeting is held at least one week before the current job retention

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 20 of 27 benchmark ends in order to prevent any gap in the timeline or SAs.

18.7.2.1 Supported Employment Job Stability Review Meeting

During the job stability review meeting, the VR counselor, SE specialist, customer, and circle of support discuss and review the customer’s employment and whether the customer meets the service definition of “job stability” or needs one additional job retention benchmark.

During the job stability review meeting, the VR counselor:

• evaluates the customer’s job stability status, as defined in the service definition section in 18.7.1;

• reviews and discusses the VR1632 (employment conditions, extended services, and employment information sections) and VR1634 (training plan section) for the current job retention benchmark period;

• communicates with the provider and customer regarding the need for an additional job retention benchmark;

• provides counseling and guidance, per VRSM C-1206-4;

• documents:

o one additional job retention benchmark, if approved; or o job stability status; and

• requests that VR staff issue SAs to the SE specialist for:

o either one job retention benchmark before the next job retention benchmark begins or the SE closure benchmark; and o any relevant premiums.

The job stability date is the day after the current job retention benchmark is completed.

Once job stability is determined, the customer remains in job stability status for at least 90 cumulative calendar days unless the status of job stability is

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 21 of 27 lost. When job stability status is lost, it must be reestablished.

It is a best practice to schedule the SE closure meeting at the job stability review meeting when the job stability date is set.

Reestablishing Job Stability

Loss of job stability occurs if the:

• customer requires ongoing support services, such as additional job skills training by the SE specialist;

• extended services (funded, paid, and/or natural supports) are not working and the customer requires ongoing supports, such as additional job skills training by the SE specialist;

• customer loses the job;

• customer obtains a new position or new job;

• employer is not satisfied with the customer’s performance; and/or

• job no longer meets the preferences, interests, potential job tasks, and nonnegotiable employment conditions on VR1632.

If job stability is lost, the SE specialist communicates with the VR counselor and provides the needed interventions via one or more job retention benchmarks. This intervention is necessary to ensure that the customer’s performance meets the employer’s expectations and the extended services

(funded, paid, and/or natural supports) are established and trained. It may be necessary to review and update the SE Plan and the training goals on VR1634.

Once the additional job retention benchmarks are completed and the SE specialist’s and/or job skills trainer’s services have decreased to the level necessary for the customer to maintain employment, then another job stability review meeting is held to reestablish the customer’s job stability. At least 30 cumulative calendar days must pass before job stability is reestablished with a new job stability meeting.

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To reestablish job stability, the VR counselor:

• requests that VR staff issue an SA to the provider for the SE specialist to participate in another job stability review meeting;

• schedules an job stability review meeting; and

• follows the procedures for establishing job stability listed in VR-SFP

18.7.2.1.

18.7.3 Job Stability Review Outcomes Required for Payment

During the job stability review meeting, the SE specialist participates in and contributes to the discussion.

After any job stability review meeting, the provider submits an invoice for participation in the meeting. The job stability review meeting date is used as the date of service on the invoice.

18.8 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT CLOSURE BENCHMARK

The following outlines the service description, procedures, and payment requirements for Supported Employment Closure Benchmark service.

18.8.1 Supported Employment Closure Benchmark Service Description

The SE closure benchmark is completed when the customer has maintained job stability for 90 cumulative calendar days and the SE closure meeting has been completed.

Every 30 days during the 90 days between job stability and SE closure, the SE specialist must:

• visit the customer in person a minimum of two times at or away from the jobsite to ensure the customer maintains competitive integrated employment;

• make a minimum of one contact with the employer to ensure employer satisfaction;

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• monitor the extended services (funded, paid, and/or natural supports) to ensure that the customer maintains competitive integrated employment while receiving the necessary supports, training, and accommodations outlined on VR1632; and

• verify the customer is in competitive integrated employment that is consistent with the preferences, interests, at least two potential job tasks, and all nonnegotiable employment conditions identified on

VR1632.

To establish SE closure, the provider notifies the VR counselor, and the VR counselor arranges for the SE closure meeting. The VR counselor and customer make the final determination about SE closure.

18.8.2 Supported Employment Closure Benchmark Process and Procedure

It is a best practice to schedule the SE closure meeting at the job stability review meeting when the job stability date is set.

The VR counselor schedules the SE closure meeting, which must occur after the customer’s 90th day of employment after job stability has been determined.

The SE specialist must provide the updated and complete VR1632 to the VR counselor without signatures before or at the meeting.

During the SE closure meeting, the VR counselor, SE specialist, customer, and circle of support discuss the customer’s employment after 90 cumulative calendar days and review the case for SE closure to ensure that the customer:

• is satisfied with the employment;

• continues to work in a job that meets the definition of “competitive integrated employment”;

• is meeting the preferences, interests, at least two potential job tasks, and all nonnegotiable employment conditions on VR1632;

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• has reliable transportation to and from the jobsite with a backup plan;

• is meeting the employer’s expectation regarding job performance;

• is meeting the physical and environmental demands of the job;

• has all necessary accommodations in place and working;

• has extended services (funded by other local or state agencies or Social

Security, private pay, and/or natural supports) in place to ensure continued employment with this support; and

• verifies that the employment information, wages, and start date recorded on VR1632 is accurate.

Note: Signatures on VR1632 are obtained at the SE closure meeting.

18.8.3 Supported Employment Closure Benchmark Outcomes Required for

Payment

Every 30 cumulative calendar days between job stability and SE closure, the

SE specialist meets with the customer and employer and documents on

VR1632:

• a minimum of two in-person visits with the customer, at or away from the jobsite;

• a minimum of one contact with the employer to monitor the employer’s satisfaction with the customer’s performance during the benchmark period; and

• the verification of the preferences, interests, at least two potential job tasks, and all nonnegotiable employment conditions continue to be met on VR1632.

For the SE closure meeting, the SE specialist must:

• provide the updated and complete VR1632 to the VR counselor without signatures before or at the SE closure meeting; and

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• contribute to the discussion during the SE closure meeting.

The VR counselor makes the determination that the case meets the SE closure benchmark by verifying that the customer has all extended services in place and is working in competitive integrated employment that meets the preferences, interests, at least two potential job tasks, and all nonnegotiable employment conditions identified in the SE Plan.

For payment, the provider submits:

• a signed, accurate, and complete VR1632; and

• an invoice.

The SE closure meeting date is used as the date of service on the invoice.

18.9 BENCHMARK AND SERVICE FEES

A provider may not collect money from a VR customer or the customer's family for any service. If VR and another resource are paying for a service for a customer, the total payment must not exceed the fee specified in the

Standards for Providers manual.

Premium Services may be available for some SE services. Premium Services are paid after all deliverables for the service have been made. For more information, refer to Chapter 20: Premiums.

Services Unit

Rate Comments

Supported Employment Plan

Meeting $184

May be purchased multiple times when authorized by an SA.

Supported Employment Job

Development and Placement

Benchmark

$1,875 May be purchased multiple times when authorized by an SA.

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Services Unit

Rate Comments

Supported Employment Job

Retention Benchmark $1,838

With SA, may be purchased multiple times and is paid every 28 cumulative calendar days.

Supported Employment Job

Stability Review $184

May be purchased multiple times when authorized by an SA.

Supported Employment

Closure Benchmark $3,675

May be purchased multiple times when authorized by an SA.

18.10 SE RESOURCES

• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Related to Supported Employment

• Extended Services: Texas Health and Human Services Medicaid Waivers

• Reference Sheet for Employers

• Reference Sheet for Natural Support

• SE Definitions

• SE Provider Diagram

• SE Provider Diagram (accessible version)

• Supported Employment FAQ

• Supported Employment Transition

• Supporting Individuals with Significant Disabilities: The Roles of a Job

Coach

• Tips and Steps for Job Skills Training

• TWS-VRS & HHS Waiver Sequencing of Services https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-cfr-se-twc%20.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-extended-services-hhs-medicaid-waivers-twc.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-sfp-ref-sheet-employers-twc.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-sfp-ref-sheet-natural-support-twc.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-se-definitions-twc.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-se-provider-diagram-twc.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-se-provider-diagram-access-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-se-faq-twc.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-sfp-se-transition-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-supporting-individuals-significant-disabilities-roles-job-coach-twc.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-supporting-individuals-significant-disabilities-roles-job-coach-twc.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-tips-steps-job-skills-training-twc%20.pdf https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-tws-vrs-hhs-sequencing-services-twc.pdf

3202600194 Employment Services - Attachment 10 Page 27 of 27

• WINTAC Core Features of Quality Supported Employment Services

• Supported Employment Extended Services Overview

SE Case Study

• SE Case Study Marsha

• 1 Case Study VR1632 SE Plan and Employment Report Marsha- Plan

• 2A Case Study VR 1632 SE Plan and Employment Report Marsha-

Placement

• 2B Case Study VR 1633 SE Job Development and Job Analysis Report

• 2C Case Study VR1634 SE Training Plan and Job Retention Report at

Plan

• 3A Case Study VR 1632 SE Plan and Employment Report Marsha 1st

Retention

• 3B Case Study VR1634 SE Training Plan and Job Retention Report 1st

Retention Period

• 3C Case Study VR1634 SE Training Plan and Job Retention Report 1st

Retention continued

• 4A Case Study VR 1632 SE Plan and Employment Report Marsha 2nd

Retention

• 4B Case Study VR1634 SE Training Plan and Job Retention Report 2nd

Retention Period

• 5 Case Study VR 1632 SE Plan and Employment Report Marsha- Closure https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/vr-wintac-core-features-quality-supported-employment-services-twc.pdf https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FZlAuF_jtz2A&data=05%7C01%7Cheather.cooke%40twc.texas.gov%7Ce23336c7eed2401e38d508dbeacf5f6f%7Cfe7d3f4f241b4af184aa32c57fe9db03%7C0%7C0%7C638361948594346082%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Uo%2BQ9u35jnmQVU%2BgyyvwyG3DGIExDvLC7kCSoZQ%2F6x0%3D&reserved=0 https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-case-study-marsha-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-1-case-study-vr1632-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-2a-case-study-vr1632-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-2a-case-study-vr1632-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-2b-case-study-vr1633-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-2c-case-study-vr1634-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-2c-case-study-vr1634-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-3a-case-study-vr1632-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-3a-case-study-vr1632-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-3b-case-study-vr1634-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-3b-case-study-vr1634-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-3c-case-study-vr1634-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-3c-case-study-vr1634-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-4a-case-study-vr1632-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-4a-case-study-vr1632-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-4b-case-study-vr1634-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-4b-case-study-vr1634-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/docs/se-5-case-study-vr1632-twc.docx

VR1630 (02/23) Career Planning Assessment Page 1 of 6

Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Career Planning Assessment VR Case Information

Customer Name: Case ID:

Service Authorization (SA) Number:

Overview of Career Planning Assessment Activities

The CPA includes multiple visits, which consist of at least 3 hours of home and community exploration (HCE) and at least 6 hours of career exploration and work skills assessment (CE-WSA). If both HCE and CE-WSA are provided in one session, record time as separate entries.

Date: Number of hours: Type of Visit Description of activities with customer:

HCE CE-WSA

HCE CE-WSA

HCE CE-WSA

HCE CE-WSA

HCE CE-WSA

HCE CE-WSA

HCE CE-WSA

HCE CE-WSA

HCE CE-WSA

Home and Community Exploration Include the customer’s guardian, parents, and any other supports, as needed Independent Living Review Customer lives in: Own Home/Apartment Parent’s Home Group Home Institution Other, describe:

Does the customer plan to live at this location once employed? Yes No To be determined

Does the customer have any responsibilities related to:

Childcare? Yes No Eldercare? Yes No If yes to either, describe:

What are the customer’s household responsibilities?

Does the customer require any monitoring or help with daily living skills at home (e.g., prompts to shower, medication management, help cooking and cleaning)?

What is the customer’s daily routine and how can employment fit into that routine?

Select any devices the customer utilizes that might help with employment:

NA-Customer does not use any Cell Phone iPad/Tablet Computer/Laptop Watch Alarm Clock Headphones Other device:

List any medical equipment used, such as hearing aids, insulin pump, wheelchair, etc.:

VR1630 (02/23) Career Planning Assessment Page 2 of 6

Is the customer involved in any community activities or have interest in participating in community activities?

What are the customer’s interests and hobbies?

Describe how the customer’s interests and hobbies might transfer to any careers:

Circle of Support Name: Relationship:

Phone: Email:

Describe what supports the individual currently provides or could provide in the future:

Name: Relationship:

Phone: Email:

Describe what supports the individual currently provides or could provide in the future:

Name: Relationship:

Phone: Email:

Describe what supports the individual currently provides or could provide in the future:

List any community resources used by the customer or any community resources the customer is interested in using:

Financial Resources Does the customer have any financial support from family or friends (e.g., assistance with housing, food)?

Does the customer live in public housing? Yes No If yes, how will the housing be impacted by earnings from a job?

Does the customer manage their own money? Yes No If no, who assists the customer with money management?

Does the customer have a bank account? Yes No Use the BPQY provided by the VR counselor when appropriate to answer the questions below.

Does the customer receive social security benefits? No Yes If yes, complete the following:

Benefits receiving:

Supplemental Security Income Social Security Disability Insurance Social Security Retirement Childhood Disability Beneficiary/Disabled Adult Child Disabled Widow/Widower

Representative Payee: No Yes, list name:

Does customer participate in any of the Social Security Administration work incentives?

No Yes, describe details of the SSA work incentives:

For more information, refer to Social Security Administration Work Incentives.

Home and Community Based Service Waiver Information Does the customer receive one of the following HCBS Waivers? Yes No If yes, complete the following:

HCS CLASS TxHmL DBMD YES STAR+PLUS Waiver https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/workincentives.htm

VR1630 (02/23) Career Planning Assessment Page 3 of 6

Medically Dependent Children’s Waiver under STAR Kids Name and Contact Information for Service Coordinator/Case Manager:

Name and Contact Information for Waiver Provider:

For more information, refer to Home and Community Based Services Information.

Transportation Describe the customer’s options to travel to and from work (e.g., family, Uber, biking, etc.):

Describe any assistance the customer will need traveling to and from work:

Other Pertinent Information Describe any other pertinent information that could impact employment such as criminal history, substance use, etc.

Education and Learning Style List the customer’s highest educational credential(s):

List vocational, technical and/or academic (college) training (e.g., HVAC, bachelor’s degree)

Completion Date(s) Skills and/or credentials gained

Would the customer benefit from any other educational experiences to achieve their job(s) of interest?

Based on your observation, how would you describe the customer’s preferred learning style (e.g., lead by example, written instruction)?

Career Exploration and Work Skills Assessment Work and Volunteer History

NA-No past work experience to report Volunteer Paid work School program Internship Apprenticeship Other:

Name of employer or worksite:

Position title: Start Date: End date:

Describe the customer’s transferable skills, likes, and dislikes:

Volunteer Paid work School program Internship Apprenticeship Other:

Name of employer or worksite:

Position title: Start Date: End date:

Describe the customer’s transferable skills, likes, and dislikes:

Volunteer Paid work School program Internship Apprenticeship Other:

Name of employer or worksite:

Position title: Start Date: End date:

Describe the customer’s transferable skills, likes, and dislikes:

Career Exploration https://www.hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care-providers/resources/home-community-based-services-hcbs

VR1630 (02/23) Career Planning Assessment Page 4 of 6

List the career exploration activities conducted with the customer (e.g., watched video on being a baker, completed My Next Move interest profile, researched job postings for baker, reviewed labor market for baker, etc.)

List the vocational fields or industries explored with the customer:

Is the customer interested in exploring self-employment options? Yes No

List the types of jobs that interest the customer:

What does the customer like about those types of jobs?

List six job tasks the customer would like to do:

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

Describe any job task(s) or job interest(s) the customer does not want to pursue:

Customer’s preferred employment conditions (e.g., location, hours, obligations, etc.)?

Work Skills Assessment (For more than 3 settings, attach another VR1630)

NA an Environmental Work Assessment was completed Work Skills Assessment, Work Setting 1 Assessment Activities : Informational interview Worksite tour Customer completed work tasks

Customer observed other employees performing job of interest Other, describe:

Business Name:

Business Location:

Which interests brought the customer to this particular work setting?

Describe information obtained through any informational interviews or observations:

Describe any work tasks the customer performed and the customer’s functional abilities and work tolerance during the assessment:

Describe the customer’s strengths and abilities during the assessment:

Describe the customer’s support needs and challenges during the assessment:

Describe what the customer liked or disliked about the job tasks and work environment:

Work Skills Assessment, Work Setting 2 Assessment Activities : Informational interview Worksite tour Customer completed work tasks

Customer observed other employees performing job of interest Other, describe:

Business Name:

VR1630 (02/23) Career Planning Assessment Page 5 of 6

Work Skills Assessment, Work Setting 3 Assessment Activities : Informational interview Worksite tour Customer completed work tasks

Customer observed other employees performing job of interest Other, describe:

Business Name:

Provider’s Assessment This section allows the provider to list recommendations after the CPA activities are completed.

What do you believe is the best work environment for the customer?

In your opinion, what type of help or services will the customer potentially need to successfully prepare for and find competitive integrated employment?

Describe any short-term and long-term supports the customer will potentially need to maintain competitive integrated employment (e.g., job skills training, natural supports, extended services):

What accommodations might assist the customer with employment (for ideas, see the Job Accommodation Network)?

Additional comments and concerns (if none, type “None”):

Provider Signatures (See VR-SFP 3 on Signatures) Career Planning Assessment Evaluator https://askjan.org/index.cfm https://askjan.org/index.cfm

VR1630 (02/23) Career Planning Assessment Page 6 of 6

By signing below, I certify that:

• The above dates and services are accurate; and

• I personally facilitated the assessment, documented the results in this report, and met all outcomes required for payment listed in the VR-SFP and service authorization.

Typed or Printed name:

Signature:

X Date Signed:

Select all that apply:

UNTWISE Credentialed with ID: VR3490-Waiver Proof Attached Transition Educator Non-traditional

RID/BEI/SLIPI with Number: or proof attached

Director Typed or Printed name:

Signature:

VRS Use Only Any…