OVRS Job Placement Services Contract overview Presented by Joe Miller And Cheryl Furrer for Mental Health Supported Employment Programs

Fundamentals to Remember VR pays milestone payments for job placement services Programs must have a job placement services contract to receive milestone payment from VR. Clients must be actively enrolled and in plan with VR in order for MH agency to received milestone payments.

Steps to Enroll Clients in VR Client must apply for services with VR, complete application, eligibility, and assessment and be in plan status before AFP’s can be written for payments. If a client is documented as being an SSA beneficiary they are presumed eligible for services.

Steps to Enroll Clients If clients are not SSA beneficiaries, advance documentation of the disability will speed up the eligibility process if it is available A recent assessment by either a medical/psychological provider (or both) is often adequate documentation of disability If more than one disability is present then that should be documented too

Once a Client Becomes Active with VR SE staff can accompany client to meeting with clients approval An orientation to VR is sometimes a routine requirement; however VR counselors can help with accommodations to orientations, especially if the client is anxious in group settings

Client Must have VR Plan Once the client is determined eligible and the job goal is established, a plan for employment is created (IPE) VR staff, SE staff and client can give input for VR plan The plan will include SE services that identify long term supports

Milestone Payment Structure Milestone payments are based on the client gaining work; Referral – $100 Proposal - $200 Job Placement - $1,500 after three days on the job Job Retention - $2,000 after 90 days of employment and eligible for case closure. SE program must submit monthly progress reports

Authorization for Purchase (AFP) In the job placement services; supported or customized employment track, SE programs are reimbursed by the mechanism of the VR counselor producing an AFP for milestone payments, plus SE program submits invoices Prior approval is required for reimbursement Invoices go to local state VR office

How to Administer Contract Meet with VR manager to clarify Ask Cheryl to attend meeting if needed Understand that contract is intended for clients that are actively and dually served by the SE program and by VR Review contract documentation and submit in timely manner

How to Help the System Work Make sure you refer clients to VR soon after receiving SE referral. Meet and communicate regularly with VR Learn what VR needs to document disability, establish eligibility and open clients in plan Develop positive working relationship with VR- SE staff

How to Help the System Work Understand VR staff are busy- prioritize requests Focus on job placements! Advocate and explain reason if asking for exception for client Present SE model to VR staff who may not be familiar with model

Questions ??

Contract Questions: Cheryl Furrer Job Development Programs Coordinator