Supported Employment Policy Changes Effective October 1, 2013

Introduction of Speakers Kathy Hayfield Director, Division of Rehabilitative Services Donna Bonessi Manager Employment Support Services Matthew Deans Supported Employment and Project SEARCH Coordinator

Why are we changing the policy?

Overview of New SE Policy (For All Cases Receiving Supported Employment) 1.Cases will be updated to employed status based on the clients employment start date (JCTS included) 2.Removed the 20% intervention ratio when determining Stability 3.No longer requiring that stability be maintained for 30 days before case closure

Who These New Policies Effect Any client receiving the following services (Including students in secondary education): – Supported Employment Individual, Mobile Work Crews and Enclaves – Job Coach Training Services

SE Employed Status Policy Changes All SE/JCTS clients who are placed in a job with Job Site Training supports – Case Status will be changed from “Service” to “Employed” on the start date of the job. – Cases are “eligible” for closure after 90 days if… The client is stable AND they meet all “Closed-Rehab Criteria” (no longer require VR services)

Changes to How Stability is Defined No longer considering 20% Intervention Ratio 30 days prior to closure, counselor insures stability based on certain Stability Factors No longer requiring stability be maintained for a 30 day period before transition of the case Long Term Follow Along services are secured as a condition of stability

Factors to be considered when determining stability Funding for LTFA has been secured (started) JST Intervention has leveled out (plateau) Client is emotionally and behaviorally stable Client performs all expected job duties Supervisor is satisfied with job performance

More factors to be considered when determining stability Client is satisfied with the job and work environment Necessary worksite modifications or accommodations are secured Client has reliable transportation to and from work Client is paid at least min. wage but not less than other non-disabled workers

Stability Factors in Group Models Completion of at least a 60 day period of Job Site Training that is directed at maintaining a level of production, NOT major barriers to successful integration into the job site. – In other words, the job coach is mostly addressing training issues rather than behavioral issues. The consumer production level is acceptable to the employer. Once JST is no longer being provided, and stability is reached, the case may be closed 30 days later.

How This May Effect Best Practices Stability is based on expertise of counselors and job coaches with input from consumers and employers VS. Intervention Ratio < 20 %, therefore… – Increased engagement between counselors and job coaches – More emphasis on input from clients and employers Applying and securing funding for LTFA, such as LTESS, must occur after stability is reached but before the case is closed.

Client Starts Job May 15, 2013 July 19, 2013 Client reaches stability August 19, 2013November 18, 2013 Case can be closed May 15, 2013 Client Starts Job Case is moved into Employed Status July 19, 2013August 13, 2013 Case can be closed New Policy Old Policy Let’s take a look at how the timeline may change Counselor ensures stability and all closure criteria requirements are met Client maintains stability for 30 days Case is moved into Employed Status Follow Along Starts Client reaches stability Follow Along Starts 30 days of stability Employment maintained > 90 days Job Site Training (60 days)

Questions?