OPWDD Prevocational Services New York State Association of Day Service Providers November 8, 2017

Overview OPWDD’s Vision for Employment Services 10/23/17 Overview OPWDD’s Vision for Employment Services Overview of OPWDD Employment Services Community Prevocational Services Site-Based Prevocational Services Prevocational Services and the ISP Discussion and Questions

OPWDD’S Vision for Employment Services 10/23/17 OPWDD’S Vision for Employment Services OPWDD’s goal is to increase the number of people gaining and retaining employment, earning minimum wage or more, and working in community, integrated jobs. OPWDD has re-designed employment-related services based on best practices to include the following outcomes: Increased Discovery Enhanced person-centered, employment planning Improved job matching Increased community employment experiences Improved employment-related social skills Increased vocational skills and experience Public benefits and financial planning Flexible and comprehensive job coaching supports

Tools in the Toolbox Community Pre-Voc Pathway to Employment 10/23/17 Tools in the Toolbox Community Pre-Voc Pathway to Employment Employment Training Program (ETP) Supported Employment (SEMP) Prepares people for paid/unpaid employment in 2 years or more Prepares people for paid work approximately 1 year Discovery, job development and Intensive SEMP Services - 1 year or less Job Coaching, Job Development and Life-Long Supports on a Job Discovery, community work experiences, volunteer opportunities and career planning Discovery, community work experiences, and develop a vocational goal Internship opportunity at a community business Community based, competitive, integrated employment Unpaid/ Volunteer Work Experiences Volunteer Experiences Wages paid by OPWDD until business hires if successful Paid by business at minimum wage or higher Presenter Point: Looking at the all the different programs, or tools, from OPWDD will help us determine what is the best program, for this person, at this time. Discussion: Talk about each service and program listed about to further clarify the differences. Emphasize the way to help determine the best choice is the first row across: How long and then why a person may go to ETP vs. PTE. Discuss the importance of ensuring you are putting people into the right program, or to say another way….the right tool for the job. Discuss the Discovery Process for each program: Comm Pre-voc is ongoing PTE is approx. 200 of Discovery with recommendation moving forward. ETP includes 40-60 hours of Discovery SEMP is where people will end up AFTER the Discovery Processes are completed and a clear job goal is present. EX: If you have a toolbox with a wrench and a screwdriver, which are you going to use to hang a picture? You’re not going to get far or be successful using the wrench. Match the tool or program to the persons needs. How do you know?? Consider the time frames allotted to each. If you're not sure, start in Community Pre-voc. If a person displays excellent skills in a work setting, then you can discuss moving to ETP or PTE. Remember, these time frames are not a rule, just a guideline to get started. Community Pre-voc, PTE and SEMP are all waiver services. What about ETP? ETP is a PROGRAM that is offered and the supports provided while attending ETP are via SEMP Waiver services. ETP is a good marriage with SEMP. ALL of these services should be available to people receiving services. Transition: Before we go on let’s look at… Next Slide: History of ETP

Which Services Fit the Person’s Skills, Experience and Support Needs? OPWDD Career and Employment Services Options

What are Community Prevocational Services? 10/23/17 What are Community Prevocational Services? Experiences that prepare individuals for jobs that pay minimum wage in an integrated setting Opportunities to participate in volunteer and vocational community experiences for an extended period of time Other activities include Discovery, job readiness skill development, etc. Utilizes person-centered, employment planning services

Community Prevocational Service Features 10/23/17 Community Prevocational Service Features Primarily in community, integrated settings such as volunteer sites, community businesses, etc. Groups are limited to a maximum of 8 individuals per group

What are the Benefits of Community Prevocational Services? 10/23/17 What are the Benefits of Community Prevocational Services? Services are hourly, and therefore, may wrap around or blend with other services Employment planning and real work experiences improve job matches Community work experiences increase informed choice Improved social and vocational skills Proactive public benefits and financial planning Flexible and comprehensive staff supports

Community Prevocational Services May Include 10/23/17 Community Prevocational Services May Include Following directions Attending to tasks Multi-tasking Problem-solving Work safely Understanding the work culture Being flexible Development of social and natural supports Learning about various job requirements Travel training Experience a variety of employment and/or volunteer options within the community

What are Site-Based Prevocational Services? 10/23/17 What are Site-Based Prevocational Services? Prepares individuals for jobs that pay minimum wage in an integrated setting Includes support and training related to adjusting to the productive and social demands of the work place Prevocational services are provided to persons not expected to join the general work force within one year (excluding supported employment and Pathway to Employment)  

Site-Based Prevocational Service Features Site-based prevocational services are provided in non-residential facilities certified by OPWDD In site-based prevocational services where the individual earns wages, the person must have an assessed earning capacity of less than 50 percent minimum or prevailing wage [whichever is greater]

Site-Based Prevocational Services May Include 10/23/17 Site-Based Prevocational Services May Include following directions attending to task task completion problem solving safety skills adjusting to workplace demands The purpose of the service is habilitative rather than teaching a specific job task skills.

Prevocational Services Documentation in the ISP 10/23/17 Prevocational Services Documentation in the ISP Community Based Prevocational Services Frequency – Hour or Hourly Duration – Ongoing as authorized Site Based Prevocational Services Frequency - Day

Site Based Prevocational Services Pathway to Employment 10/23/17 Participating in Community Based Prevocational Services does not Preclude Participation in Other Services such as: Site Based Prevocational Services Pathway to Employment Supported Employment Day Habilitation Community Habilitation

Prevocational Services Annual Assessment 10/23/17 Prevocational Services Annual Assessment An annual assessment must determine whether services: continue to meet the individual’s pre-employment and/or job readiness needs assist the individual in obtaining competitive employment The form and format prescribed by OPWDD is located at: https://opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_regulations_guidance/adm_m emoranda/documents/sifl/annual_assessment_prevoc To participate in paid prevocational services, the individual must have an assessed earning capacity of less than 50 percent of minimum wage or prevailing wage (according to DOL regulations)

Assistant Director of Employment and Meaningful Community Activities 10/23/17 Thank You! Lynne Thibdeau, MPA Assistant Director of Employment and Meaningful Community Activities Lynne.Thibdeau@opwdd.ny.gov 518-402-2332