Source: http://www.dars.state.tx.us/DRS/providermanual/ch2.htm
Timestamp: 2013-05-22 17:55:43
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DRS Standards for Providers Chapter 2: Standards for Work-Oriented CRPs
General Community Rehabilitation Program Fees
2.2 Staff Qualifications
Personal-Social Adjustment (PSA) Trainer
Personal-Social Adjustment Aide
Work Adjustment (WA) Trainer
Work Adjustment Aide
Vocational Adjustment (VA) Trainer
2.3 Vocational Evaluation
"No Show" Payment
Comprehensive Evaluation Time Frame
Formal Follow-up
2.4 Work Adjustment Training (WAT)
Individualized Adjustment Plan (in WAT)
Programs Hours Per Week Requirement
2.5 Personal-Social Adjustment Training (PSAT)
Individualized Adjustment Plan (in PSAT)
2.6 Job Quest Training (JQT)
2.7 Job Placement
Benchmark A: Job Placement—After First Day of Paid Employment
Benchmark B: Job Placement—After 45 Days of Paid Employment
Benchmark C: Job Placement—After 90 days of Paid Employment
2.8 Vocational Adjustment Training (VAT)
Description of Service or Outcome
Documentation/Fees
2.9 Job Coaching
2.10 Driver Education
Community Rehabilitation Program Certification
2.11 Standards for Supported Employment Services
Supported Employment (SE) Services Overview
Supported Employment (SE) Definitions
Supported Employment (SE) Process
Benchmark 1: Career Community Support Analysis (CCSA) and Supported Employment Services Plan (SESP) Part 1
2.12 Supported Self-Employment Services
Supported Self-Employment (SSE) Overview
Supported Self-Employment (SSE) Definitions
Staff Qualifications	Supported Self-Employment Process	Benchmark 1A: Discovery and the Career and Community Support Analysis (CCSA)
Benchmark 1B: Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP)
Benchmark 4: Supported Self-Employment Business Start-Up
Benchmark 5: Supported Self-Employment Business Maintenance Benchmark 6: Supported Self-Employment Business Stability
Benchmark 7: Supported Self-Employment Service Completion
Capital/Equity Self-Employment Premium 2.13 Social Security Administration/Vocational Rehabilitation (SSA/VR) Ticket to Work Partnership Plus—EN Employment Advancement Payments
EN Employment Advancement Payments
EN Employment Advancement Payment 1
EN Employment Advancement Payment 2
(Revised 1/07)
(Revised 12/08,
Table 2-1 shows fees for all types of Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP).
Personal-Social Adjustment Training
$17.50 per hour for up to 5 hours per calendar week
Benchmark A: Job Placement—1 day, $900
Benchmark B: Job Placement—45 days, $250
Benchmark C: Job Placement—90 days, $900
Professional Placement Premium—$500
EN Employment Advancement Payment 1—$450
EN Employment Advancement Payment 2—$450
Benchmark A: Job Placement —1 day, $1,100
Benchmark B: Job Placement—45 days, $350
Benchmark C: Job Placement—90 days, $1,200
EN Employment Advancement Payment 1—$600
$685.25 for 20 to 40 hours of consumer participation
$6.75 per hour for up to 25 hours per calendar week
Negotiated up to $37.50 per hour, for a maximum of 200 hours, for either an individual or group
$1,880 for a minimum of 8 days of testing
Vocational Assessment (1-8 days)
$235 per day, with maximum of $1,880
Benchmark 1A: Discovery, Career and Community Support Analysis (CCSA), and the CCSA Review Meeting—$625
Benchmark 1B: Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 1 (SESP Part1)—$125
Benchmark 2: Job Placement and SESP Part 2—$1,650
Benchmark 3: Four-Week Job Maintenance—$1,100
Benchmark 4: Eight-Week Job Maintenance—$550
Benchmark 5: Job Stability—$550
Benchmark 6: VR Closure—$1,650
EN Employment Advancement Payment 1—$825
EN Employment Advancement Payment 2—$825
Benchmark 1B: Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 1 (SESP Part 1)—$125
Benchmark 2: Job Placement and SESP Part 2—$2,475
Benchmark 3: Four-Week Job Maintenance—$1,650
Benchmark 4: Eight-Week Job Maintenance—$825
Benchmark 5: Job Stability—$825
Benchmark 6: VR Closure—$2,475
EN Employment Advancement Payment 2—$1,237.50
Benchmark 1B: Supported Self-Employment Services Plan—$125
Benchmark 2: Business Concept Development and Feasibility Study—$875 Benchmark 3: Business Plan—$1,600 Benchmark 4: Business Start-Up—$1650 Benchmark 5: Business Maintenance—$825 Benchmark 6: Business Stability—$825
Benchmark 7: Employment Service Completion—$2475 Capital/Equity Self-Employment Premium—$950
Note: The Community Rehabilitation Program will not collect money from a DARS DRS consumer or the consumer's family for any service charge in excess of DARS DRS fees. If DARS DRS and another resource are paying for a service for a consumer, the total payment must not exceed the fee specified in the DARS DRS Standards for Providers.
(Revised 03/07, 01/12,
Refer to Chapter 1: Basic Standards, 1.8 Service Provider Qualifications for information about staff qualifications and the use of the DARS3455, Community Rehabilitation Program Staff Information form.
The Vocational Evaluator (VE) must have the following qualifications:
a master's degree in vocational evaluation;
a master's degree in a related field (for example, psychology, sociology, industrial arts, etc.) and one year of full-time experience as a VE; or
a bachelor's degree in a related field (for example, psychology, sociology, industrial arts, etc.) and two years of full-time experience as a VE.
The Vocational Evaluator Aide must have one year of actual work experience in vocational areas directly related to vocational evaluation. Postsecondary education in a related field may be substituted for actual work experience. The aide must be able to follow instructions, establish rapport with rehabilitation consumers, and work under supervision. Aides are not authorized to sign reports. The CRP Director must approve the DARS3455, Community Rehabilitation Program Staff Information form completed by the aide.
The PSA Trainer performs the following functions:
identifies areas of appropriate and inappropriate personal-social functioning (using existing resources, personal observation, conversations with the DARS DRS counselor, consumer, family members, and others);
develops (in coordination with the consumer and the DARS DRS counselor) a DARS3484, Community Rehabilitation Program Individualized Adjustment Plan (IAP), for each consumer;
implements each	DARS3484 through formalized classroom activities or practical training, using approved course outline and lesson plans;
monitors the DARS3484 to determine progress toward identified goals and to determine whether modification of the DARS3484 is appropriate; and
reports to the DARS DRS counselor on progress toward planned goals and objectives.
The PSA Trainer must have the following qualifications:
a master's degree in rehabilitation, counseling and guidance, or psychology;
a bachelor's degree in a related field (for example, education, sociology, social services, or liberal arts) and one year of full-time experience performing adjustment services or similar duties in a rehabilitation agency or organization (two years may be substituted for one year of college with eight years of experience being equivalent to a college degree); or
The Personal-Social Adjustment Aide must have one year of work experience in vocational areas directly related to Personal-Social Adjustment Training. Postsecondary education in a related field may be substituted for actual work experience. The aide must be able to follow instructions, establish rapport with rehabilitation consumers, and work under supervision. Aides are not authorized to sign reports. The CRP Director must approve the DARS3455, Community Rehabilitation Program Staff Information form completed by the aide. Work Adjustment (WA) Trainer
The WA Trainer performs the following functions:
identifies appropriate and inappropriate work behaviors using existing records, personal observation, and conversations with the DARS DRS counselor, consumer, family members, and others);
develops (in coordination with the consumer and the DARS DRS counselor) an Individual Adjustment Plan (IAP) for each consumer, including behaviors or conditions to be modified, methods, and timelines;
implements each IAP, including assignment of work station and of any development of a behavior modification plan;
monitors the IAP to determine progress toward identified goals;
determines whether modification of the IAP is appropriate;
reports to the DARS DRS counselor on progress toward planned goals and objectives; and
coordinates WAT with other services provided by the CRP.
The Work Adjustment Trainer must possess the following:
The CRP Director must approve the DARS3455, Community Rehabilitation Program Staff Information form completed by the trainer.
The Work Adjustment Aide must have one year of work experience in vocational areas directly related to Work Adjustment Training. Postsecondary education in a related field may be substituted for actual work experience. The aide must be able to follow instructions, establish rapport with rehabilitation consumers, and work under supervision. Aides are not authorized to sign reports. The CRP Director must approve the DARS3455, Community Rehabilitation Program Staff Information form completed by the aide. Vocational Adjustment (VA) Trainer
The VA Trainer must have the following:
a bachelor's degree in a related field (for example, education or sociology) and one year of full-time experience performing adjustment services or similar duties in a rehabilitation agency or organization; or
a combination of training and experience with a minimum of two years' successfully providing services that are similar to the services provided in VAT to people with disabilities.
(Added 03/11)
See Chapter 1: Basic Standards, 1.8 Staff for qualifications for directors of CRP services.
As of December 1, 2011, DARS purchases job placement services only when they are provided by staff members who have Job Placement Specialist credentials from the University of North Texas (UNT). DARS may pay for the services of a noncredentialed Job Placement Specialist after December 1, 2011, only when
that person was providing job placement services to a particular consumer before that date, and
DARS will pay for services provided by a noncredentialed provider, under the above circumstances, for not more than 90 days after December 1, 2011.
Job Placement Specialists who provided services to DARS consumers before December 1, 2011, cannot be "grandfathered," although UNT does offer a "test-out" option. For additional information about the UNT credentialing process, see UNT's Texas CRP Provider Training page.
The required qualifications for a Job Placement Specialist are a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation, business, marketing, or related human services; and one year of documented experience providing employment services to individuals; or an associate degree in rehabilitation, business, marketing, or related human services; and two years of documented experience providing employment services to individuals; or a high school diploma or GED, and at least three years of documented experience providing employment services to individuals; and (if providing service to consumers who are deaf) proficiency in expressive and receptive sign language communication with people who are deaf.
The CRP Director must approve the DARS3455, Community Rehabilitation Program Staff Information form completed by the Job Placement Specialist.
The CRP must ensure that any of its employees who transport consumers has the appropriate driver's license (class B or C), appropriate liability insurance, and a good driving record.
As of September 1, 2011, DARS purchases job coaching only when the coaching is provided by staff members who have Job Coach and Job Skills Trainer credentials from the University of North Texas (UNT). DARS may pay for the services of a noncredentialed Job Coach after September 1, 2011, only when
that person was providing job coaching services to a particular consumer before that date, and
DARS will pay for services provided by a noncredentialed provider, under the above circumstances, for not more than 90 days after September 1, 2011.
Job Coaches who provided services to DARS consumers before September 1, 2011, cannot be "grandfathered," although UNT does offer a "test-out"	option. For additional information about the UNT credentialing process, see UNT's Texas CRP Provider Training page.
The Job Coach must have
the ability to analyze a job and reduce it to manageable components; and
(if providing services to consumers who are deaf) proficiency in expressive and receptive sign language communication with people who are deaf.
The CRP Director must approve the DARS3455, Community Rehabilitation Program Staff Information form completed by the Job Coach.
The Driver Training Instructor must be licensed by the Texas Education Agency (based on the requirements of State Board of Education Rules and the Texas Driver and Traffic Safety Education Act).
The classroom Driver Education Instructor must have:
a Supervising Teacher license, or
a Driver Education Teacher license.
The behind-the-wheel Driver Education Instructor must have:
a Supervising Teacher license,
a Driver Education Teacher license,
a Teaching Assistant license,
a Teaching Assistant - Full license, or
a Rehabilitative Driver Education In-Car Instructor license (this license should have the name of the CRP on the license itself).
The vocational evaluation must be conducted by the Vocational Evaluator. The final report (see 2-0195) submitted to the referring counselor must contain the original signature of the vocational evaluator who conducted the evaluation.
DARS3480, Referral for Vocational Evaluation (or equivalent) indicates the reasons for referral and provides for specific questions concerning the consumer.
If a DARS DRS consumer is a "no show" for a scheduled appointment for a Vocational Evaluation or Vocational Assessment under DARS DRS sponsorship, the CRP may claim a service fee of 50% of the normal one-day fee (see Fee Schedule 2-0005). The CRP must notify the DARS DRS counselor within one working day of the consumer's failure to appear in order to claim the service fee. A "no show" is defined as an applicant or consumer who fails to appear for a scheduled appointment without giving prior notice of cancellation to the CRP.
After the first "no show", if the counselor, consumer, and provider all agree, a second appointment may be made. If the consumer does not show for the second appointment, payment may be made for the second "no show". No further payments for "no shows" may be made after the second.
The evaluation process must include techniques to determine consumer employment assets and liabilities, potential for training, and overall work adjustment. Appropriate measures and devices must be used to determine the following:
case history, including personal, education, employment, medical histories, and daily living activities;
physical and psychomotor capacities (may include work samples, observation, medical reports, etc.);
academic achievement—reading, writing, spelling, mathematics;
psychological and emotional stability (medical records, interview data, behavioral observation, consumer self report);
work habits including attitudes;
The CRP's staff-to-consumer ratio must not exceed 1 to 6. A competent aide (technician) under the supervision of the Vocational Evaluator may be used when consumers exceed 6 but not more than 12. The ratio of evaluator aides to the evaluator must not exceed 2 to 1.
The length of a comprehensive vocational evaluation must include a minimum of eight working days testing and work assignment.
All comprehensive evaluations require situational assessments. A situational assessment is a real job task that exists in industry (whether or not it is for pay). It should demonstrate the consumer's ability to do the task successfully. The situational assessment could be on a production line, on a job site outside the CRP, or within the CRP using job samples with carefully documented industrial norms. The amount of time for the situational assessment is determined by the vocational evaluator. Elements of the evaluation include the following:
Six hours per day are required for standardized testing of consumers. There must be a minimum of six work samples for the comprehensive evaluation.
Prestaffing, interim staffing, and poststaffing are required.
The vocational evaluation must result in recommendations for placement or training in real jobs to be identified by the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.
Alternatives for the vocational objective must be included in the final report.
The vocational assessment must be done in fewer than two weeks, depending on counselor and consumer needs, and can range from one day to eight days. The number of days is negotiated between the evaluator and the referring counselor. A standard daily fee is paid for this service (see Fee Schedule 2-0005).
Six hours per day of assessment must be accomplished.
The final report must cover items 11 through 16 as found in Final Report, Section 2-0195 (see below), and need not reflect items 1 through 10.
The final written report, which is the cumulative findings of a vocational evaluation, must be submitted no later than 10 working days after the evaluation ends. It must contain specific information in behavioral terms and must stress vocational implications of relevant factors outlined below:
Work Adjustment Training (WAT) must be flexible so activities can be modified to meet consumer needs.
The WAT must be conducted by the WA Trainer, who must sign or initial the training records and activity sheet.
An Individualized Adjustment Plan (IAP), identifying behavioral changes that will be addressed in the course of the Work Adjustment Training (WAT) must be developed jointly by the WA Trainer and the consumer within the first 10 days of training. Payment may be made for WAT during this initial period. The IAP must specify measurable goals and objectives, methods for changes, persons responsible, and target dates for completion of each goal and objective. (DARS3484, Community Rehabilitation Program Individualized Adjustment Plan, may be used or any other format that includes all the same information.)
The IAP is signed by the WA Trainer, the consumer, and the DARS DRS Counselor. Signature by each of these individuals documents understanding of and agreement with the goals and objectives established in the IAP. If the DARS DRS Counselor is not available for personal signature when the IAP is developed, fax the IAP to the counselor and request the counselor's signature before initiating the services on the IAP.
IAP goals and objectives must be reviewed periodically by the trainer, the consumer, and the DARS DRS Counselor and amended as appropriate.
The CRP must provide a minimum of 25 hours per calendar week of work adjustment training. When the CRP offers more than 25 hours per week, DARS DRS sponsorship is limited to 25 hours per week. It is recommended that the program be increased to 40 hours per week during the last one-fourth of the training period for the following purposes:
to motivate the consumer to do productive work, to be self-reliant, to accept supervision, and to relate properly to co-workers; and
to develop work tolerance, good work practices (including safety and speed), and job readiness based on community standards.
Work Adjustment Training must be conducted a minimum of 25 hours per week utilizing "real" work — that is, work that produces revenue for the CRP and compensation for the consumer.
The CRP's staff-to-consumer ratio must not exceed 1 to 10 without an aide. An aide under the supervision of the Work Adjustment Trainer may be used when consumers exceed 10 but not more than 15. The ratio of aides to the Work Adjustment Trainer must not exceed 2 to 1.
Personal - Social Adjustment Training (PSAT) must be flexible so activities can be modified to meet the consumer's needs.
PSAT must be conducted by the PSA Trainer. The trainer must sign or initial the training record or activity sheet.
An Individualized Adjustment Plan (IAP), identifying behavioral changes that are addressed in the course of PSAT must be developed jointly by the PSA Trainer and the consumer within the first 10 days of training. Payment may be made for PSAT during this initial period. The IAP must specify measurable goals and objectives, methods for change, persons responsible, and target dates for completion of each goal and objective. (DARS3484, Individualized Adjustment Plan, may be used or any other format that includes all the same information.)
The IAP is signed by the PSA Trainer, the consumer, and the DARS DRS Counselor. Signature by each of these individuals documents understanding of and agreement with the goals and objectives established in the IAP. If the DARS DRS Counselor is not available for personal signature when the IAP is developed, fax the IAP to the counselor and request the counselor's signature before initiating the services on the IAP.
A PSAT course outline and lesson plan(s) must be developed. The lesson plans must include a description of specific resources used, such as guest speakers, books, films, field trips, etc.
A minimum of five hours per calendar week of PSA training must be offered. If the CRP offers more than five hours per week, DARS DRS sponsorship is limited to five hours per week.
The instruction must assist the consumer in:
developing socially acceptable behavior;
developing or restoring confidence in self and others; and
understanding motivation and behavior in self and others.
These five hours of training must be documented for each consumer receiving services.
The CRP's staff-to-consumer ratio must not exceed 1 to 10. An aide under the Personal-Social Adjustment Trainer may be used when consumers exceed 10 but not more than 15. The ratio of aides to the Personal-Social Adjustment Trainer must not exceed 2 to 1.
Effective December 1, 2008, the DARS Division for Rehabilitation Services no longer purchases Job Quest Training.
The Job Placement provider supplies the necessary assistance or training for the consumer to conduct the job search and/or be placed in competitive employment, and maintain the employment for 90 days. There are no minimum or maximum hours for this assistance, training, or support.
Description of Service and Outcome
As a result of the services rendered by the provider, the consumer is adequately prepared to seek employment and is placed in a job that is consistent with his or her
unique strengths, interests, abilities, and capabilities; desired employment conditions, and employment goal. There is a reasonable expectation that the job is permanent rather than temporary.
The DRS counselor and the consumer discuss and determine the consumer's support and assistance needs, identify a Job Placement Services Provider, and complete the DARS3430, Job Placement Services—Referral.
DARS3430, Job Placement Services—Referral identifies the type and amount of assistance the DRS counselor anticipates a consumer may need to gain and maintain employment. This may include
helping or training the consumer to accurately complete job applications,
helping or training the consumer in developing a r�sum�,
reinforcing essential skills and teaching new skills necessary for conducting a successful job interview,
helping the consumer develop skills necessary to conduct a job search, and
providing support necessary for the consumer during the job-seeking process and the first 90 days of employment.
The DRS counselor sends a copy of the DARS3430, Job Placement Services—Referral, and other pertinent information, reports, and testing to the provider before the Job Placement Services planning meeting.
The Job Placement Services planning meeting with the consumer, counselor, and provider can be held in person or through phone conference, video relay, or any method that allows all parties to actively participate in the discussion. The purpose of the meeting is to
review and clarify the employment training needs identified in the referral;
identify skills, abilities, experiences, training, and/or education that may relate to the placement;
identify employment conditions that will need to be considered when helping the consumer find employment;
identify potential positions and/or employers related to the placement; and
verify the employment goal.
During the meeting, the DRS counselor completes the
DARS3431, Job Placement Services—Plan, which will then serve as a "blueprint" of the requirements for the placement.
The DARS3431, Job Placement Services—Plan must be updated as needed based on follow-up meetings with the counselor, consumer, and provider, especially if the consumer identifies different or additional employment conditions or a new employment goal.
Each benchmark payment is made only once to a job placement services provider for the consumer, even if the consumer loses a job after the completion of a benchmark and continues to receive services with that same provider. If the consumer chooses a new job placement services provider, the new provider and the DARS counselor negotiate the benchmark at which the consumer begins.
Diagram of the Job Placement Services Benchmarks for Providers or read the text summary of the Diagram of the Job Placement Services Benchmarks for Providers.
DARS pays for job placement only if the consumer is placed in an organization or business that is not owned, operated, controlled, or governed by the Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) providing the service.
Because it is more challenging to find employment and support for some consumers than others, there are two payment schedules, based on the amount of assistance that the consumer requires. Some consumers learn through time how to customize the job search, applications, r�sum�s, and interviews to particular jobs. Others require repeated assistance throughout the job search and require some additional supports to maintain the job.
The payment schedules are based on a combination of factors and are determined by the VR Counselor. The following represent some of the factors used in determining the most appropriate tier.
Tier I—Consumer Characteristics:
has transferable skills that link directly to other jobs;
needs initial assistance completing applications, but is able to generalize learning;
needs initial assistance learning how to tailor skills and abilities to jobs for which he or she is applying, but is able to generalize learning; and/or
must have access to a provider to problem-solve or address work or work-related issues if they arise.
Tier II—Consumer Characteristics:
has no work history or very limited work history;
has limited transferable skills;
requires repeated direct assistance in completing applications;
requires repeated direct assistance to tailor skills and abilities to jobs for which he or she is applying;
requires frequent and ongoing contact with the provider to address work or work-related issues (such as conflict resolution, motivation, social issues, co-worker issues, etc.);
has other life factors negatively impacting work prospects (such as family issues, living, economic, or Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) below 50.
Assistance, training, or supports provided may include
writing r�sum�s and proposals to assist in placement;
contacting employers from target lists and developing consumer jobs;
assisting the consumer with job applications, preemployment forms, practice interviews, and preemployment testing or physicals;
accompanying the consumer to interviews and company visits;
assisting the employer with the Work Opportunity Tax Credit; and
training the consumer to travel to and from the job.
Activities related to obtaining a placement can be taught to the consumer, completed with the consumer, or done for the consumer based on the consumer's abilities.
The placement obtained must meet the employment conditions and employment goal outlined on DARS3431, Job Placement Services—Plan to the consumer's satisfaction.
Documentation and Fees—Benchmark A
The DRS counselor is authorized to pay the provider when the consumer
is placed in and begins employment in a job that is consistent with the employment goal and a majority of the employment conditions outlined and agreed to on the DARS3431, Job Placement Services—Plan,
is earning at least minimum wage,
has been employed a total of 1 day, and
is satisfied with his or her job.
(See Fee Schedule 2-0005)
With the invoice, include the DARS3432A, Job Placement Services—Support Summary, Benchmark A; After First Day of Paid Employment, completing the employment information and summary of services sections for Benchmark A. This form must be signed by the provider and consumer or consumer's legally authorized representative.
Before payment is made, the counselor or designated DRS staff member verifies with the consumer or employer that the details in the form are correct.
Assistance, training, or supports may include
educating the employer and employees on disability-related issues,
setting up accommodations at the worksite,
ensuring that job accommodation(s) meet consumer's needs,
ensuring that documentation of accommodation needs are recorded in the consumer or employee's personnel file and accurately meet the needs of the consumer,
evaluating the effectiveness of accommodations at the worksite and making any adjustment to ensure the consumer's success,
advocating with and/or for the consumer to ensure that he or she maintains the hours, wage, and position hired for and is given the opportunity for advancement, and
recommending job coach services if needed to ensure that needs of the consumer and employer are met.
Providers should meet with the consumer on or off the worksite between initial placement and the 45-day benchmark to discuss and resolve any issues related to the job.
Documentation and Fees—Benchmark B
is placed in and maintains employment in a position that is consistent with the employment goal and a majority of the employment conditions outlined and agreed to on the DARS3431, Job Placement Services—Plan,
has been employed a total of 45 cumulative calendar days, and
Along with the invoice, include the DARS3432B, Job Placement Services—Support Summary, Benchmark B; After 45 Days of Paid Employment, completing the employment information and summary of services sections for Benchmark B. This form must be signed by the provider and consumer or consumer's legally authorized representative.
Note: Employment is considered "cumulative" so long as any gaps are not due to the consumer's disability. If a consumer loses a job before the 45 days benchmark and it is not due to the disability, the consumer's progression within the 45 days benchmark is "frozen" until he or she becomes employed again, at which time the progression towards completion of the benchmark begins again.
Any gap in employment greater than eight weeks results in a new employment period.
assisting the employer and its employees on disability related issues;
setting up accommodations at the worksite;
ensuring that job accommodation(s) meet consumer's needs;
evaluating the effectiveness of accommodations at the worksite and making any adjustment to ensure the consumer's success;
advocating with and/or for the consumer to ensure that he or she maintains the hours, wage, and position hired for and is given the opportunity for advancement; and
Providers should meet with the consumer on or off the work site between the 45-day and 90-day benchmarks to discuss issues related to the job.
Documentation and Fees—Benchmark C
has been employed a total of 90 cumulative calendar days, and
With the invoice, include the DARS3432C, Job Placement Services—Support Summary, Benchmark C; After 90 Days of Paid Employment, completing the employment information and summary of services sections for Benchmark C.
Note: Employment is considered "cumulative" so long as any gaps are not due to the consumer's disability. If a consumer loses a job before the 90-day benchmark and it is not due to the disability, the consumer's progression within the 90-day benchmark is "frozen" until he or she becomes employed again, at which time the progression towards completion of the 90-day benchmark begins again.
A professional position is defined as a position that requires the completion of at least a bachelor's degree. This requirement must be stated in the employee's job description or job posting.
The decision to pursue a professional position is made at the time of the initial Job Placement Services planning meeting with the counselor, consumer, and provider and documented on the DARS3431, Job Placement Services—Plan for the provider to be eligible for the Professional Placement Premium.
Documentation and Fees—Professional Placement Premium
The DRS counselor is authorized to pay the provider when the consumer is placed in a professional job that matches the employment goal, (one that requires at least a bachelor's degree) and has otherwise achieved the requirements for Benchmark C.
Along with the invoice for Benchmark C, complete the information required on the DARS3432C, Job Placement Services—Support Summary, Benchmark C; After 90 Days of Paid Employment, Professional Placement Premium Section. Include with the form a copy of the job posting or the job description documenting the educational requirement.
Vocational Adjustment Training (VAT) is designed to increase an individual's interpersonal skills related to basic worker traits and attitudes necessary to participate in job search activities.
VAT can be provided one-on-one or in a group setting, as determined by the trainer.
Through training offered by the provider, the consumer receives an opportunity to acquire the personal and social adjustment skills necessary to participate in job search activities. The consumer outcomes are described below.
Transportation Training—consumer demonstrates ability to use appropriate transportation to access one or more specific locations.
Socially Appropriate Behavior Skills Training—consumer demonstrates appropriate behavior in selected settings on a routine basis.
Daily Living Skills—consumer demonstrates skills necessary to function independently (food preparation, homemaking, etc.).
Communication Skills—consumer communicates honestly and clearly; relates to authority figures, co-workers, and peers; demonstrates appropriate phone etiquette; and interacts and cooperates appropriately with groups.
Grooming—consumer demonstrates appropriate grooming skills and hygiene for work setting.
Problem Solving—consumer provides appropriate solutions to identified work-related barriers.
Goal Setting—consumer demonstrates understanding of realistic goals or objectives.
Time Management—consumer demonstrates effective time scheduling; understands the importance of punctuality and attendance; and meets deadlines, schedules, and appointments appropriately.
Self-Concept and Self-Motivational Skills Training—consumer demonstrates understanding of personal assets, skills, and abilities.
Banking and Financial or Money Management—consumer demonstrates an understanding of basic budgeting, banking services, and the responsible use of credit.
Work Traits and Work Ethics—consumer demonstrates an appropriate attendance or tardiness record, relates well with co-workers and supervisors, recognizes "quality" work, and competes appropriately.
Conflict Resolution—consumer demonstrates ability to cope with and appropriately resolve work-related conflicts.
Disability Awareness—consumer demonstrates ability to explain one's disability and offer solutions to disability-related problems in an employment setting.
Other—consumer performs as defined in the purchase order comment line or in the referral form.
The DARS DRS counselor is authorized to pay the provider (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) upon receipt of an invoice and a signed narrative statement that includes the following:
the numbers of hours participated in VAT, and
the training has provided the consumer an opportunity to acquire the interpersonal skills necessary to participate in job search activities.
A DARS DRS staff member
verifies with the consumer that these services were provided, and
documents the DARS DRS casefile prior to payment.
For the VR program, a job coach provides on-site job training for consumers needing
The DARS DRS counselor negotiates a fee for job coaching. A job coach may work with multiple consumers at one negotiated group fee, as long as the quality of the service is not compromised (see Fee Schedule 2-0005).
A job coaching time log report signed by provider and consumer and an invoice must be submitted for payment. (DARS3458, Job Coach Service(s) Time Log is an example of a time log.)
The counselor or designated DARS DRS staff verifies with consumer the essential elements of the time log and documents in the DARS DRS case record. If, in the counselor's judgment, the consumer cannot reliably verify the provision of services, verification is made with the employer or another individual who can verify that services were provided.
The Driver Education curriculum used must be one of the following Texas Education Agency publications: "Driver Education Classroom and In-Car Instruction" or "Driver Education Simulation and In-Car Instruction."
The Driver Training program must have a vehicle with appropriate specialized equipment, such as hand controls, etc., to properly meet consumer training needs.
(Revised 1/07, 6/07, 10/08,
Supported Employment (SE) enables consumers with the most significant disabilities to enter competitive employment by providing
individualized assistance finding an appropriate job match, and
ongoing supports within the work environment.�
Supported Employment services are for consumers who have not been able to find or maintain employment through traditional vocational rehabilitation approaches and training programs.
Consumers in Supported Employment need assistance to
compete in the open market,
meet potential employers, and
receive ongoing supports to maintain a job.
Often, these consumers have been
excluded from community services,
institutionalized, or
in segregated work programs such as sheltered workshops for long periods.
A Supported Employment Specialist seeks the best possible match between a consumer's skills, interests, abilities, and support needs and the employer's unmet business needs. The Supported Employment Specialist or Job Skills Trainer addresses any barriers to employment the consumer might have and may provide short-term support, while natural supports (such as peers or co-workers) are being arranged to meet the consumer's long-term needs. An employer who hires a consumer in Supported Employment should provide training for the consumer just as he or she would for other new employees, with help and support from the DARS counselor and the Supported Employment Specialist.
Supported Employment follows a "place then train" model, which is a two-part process:
Unlike the traditional vocational rehabilitation model, which provides job readiness and other training activities to prepare a consumer for employment, this model is more appropriate for consumers with the most significant disabilities. Because the focus is on finding the best job match and providing training for that particular job, problems in transferring knowledge from an artificial training environment to a real job are eliminated.
Consumers determined by a DARS counselor to be eligible for Supported Employment services are those
who have a most significant disability, and consequently, competitive employment has not occurred, or has been interrupted or intermittent;
who have not benefited from traditional vocational rehabilitation services;
for whom Supported Employment has been identified as the appropriate employment outcome by the consumer and the DARS counselor;
who require considerable assistance competing in the open job market;
who have had difficulty finding an appropriate job match;
who can maintain competitive employment with necessary supports in place; and
for whom another person, organization, or other resource agrees to provide the extended services after the VR-funded services end.
Benchmarks are specific employment outcomes for which payments are made to the provider during the course of the Supported Employment process.�
Benchmark 1A: Discovery, Career and Community Support Analysis (CCSA), and the CCSA Review Meeting;
Benchmark 1B: Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 1 (SESP Part 1);
Benchmark 2: Job Placement and SESP Part 2;
Benchmark 3: Four-Week Job Maintenance;
Benchmark 4: Eight-Week Job Maintenance;
Benchmark 5: Job Stability; and
Benchmark 6: Service Closure.
See the DARS Provider Diagram of Supported Employment for an illustration of the Supported Employment Outcome-Based System, or read a
text summary of the DARS Provider Diagram of Supported Employment. For a diagram comparing Supported Employment and Supported Self-Employment, see the Diagram Comparing Supported Employment and Supported Self-Employment Benchmarks or read a text summary of the Diagram Comparing Supported Employment and Supported Self-Employment Benchmarks. Competitive Employment
*Competitive employment is work in the competitive labor market
that is performed full-time (or the maximum number of hours possible) in an integrated work setting; and
for which a person is compensated at or above the minimum wage, but not less than the customary wage paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by people who do not have disabilities.*
*Based on 34 CFR Section 363.6(c)(2)(i)
Information about the consumer is collected through interviews and observations of the consumer's abilities in multiple settings on multiple occasions during the discovery process. Research indicates that the discovery process may take as many as 20 to 30 hours per consumer (The Job Developer's Handbook, Griffin, Hammis, Geary).
After a consumer's VR case has been closed, extended services and supports may be necessary to maintain the employment outcome. Extended services and supports involve either on- or off-site monitoring (as requested by the consumer or legal representative) for as long as needed to ensure the consumer's job stability; and are provided and funded by sources other than DARS, including the employer. Extended services and supports are identified on the DARS1613, Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 1 (SESP Part 1) and updated as needed throughout the VR case. Extended services and supports begin no later than Benchmark 5: Job Stability, continue beyond Benchmark 6: Service Closure, and are provided as long as the consumer needs them. Examples of extended services and supports in SE provided by natural supports or service providers not funded by DARS include
consulting with the consumer's supervisor about problem areas or training needs such as training the consumer in new skills or routines, monitoring work performance, and
implementing supports or strategies to improve work performance;
identifying and getting help from natural supports on and off the worksite;
reporting earned income to the Social Security Administration;
accommodations; transportation; and
providing any other needed services such as medication management, hygiene, dress, and
social needs at worksite(s).
*An integrated work setting provides an environment where consumers with disabilities regularly interact with nondisabled employees and/or the general public.
*Based on 34 CFR Section 363.6(c)(2)(ii)
needs extended services to maintain employment following successful DRS case closure, and
can maintain competitive employment with necessary supports. Natural Supports
The following are examples of using natural supports:
The supervisor or co-worker provides the supported employee with the same initial training as everyone else, with the Job Skills Trainer available to offer suggestions on accommodations and help any with additional training.
The supported employee rides to work with a co-worker instead of with the Job Skills Trainer.
Generally, there are five types of natural supports:
employer-provided or -facilitated,
personal and independent living, and
Negotiable employment conditions are preferences for working conditions and the things that a consumer would like the Supported Employment Specialist to consider when looking for suitable employment.
Nonnegotiable Employment Conditions
Nonnegotiable conditions are those conditions that a consumer has indicated must or must not be present in an employment placement. The Supported Employment Specialist must always consider these conditions when looking for an employment placement for the consumer. Nonnegotiable conditions may include
job duties the consumer is not willing to perform; or workplace conditions that are unacceptable even with supports (for example, the consumer must use the bus for transportation but the bus does not run on Sunday, so a job requiring Sunday hours is not acceptable). Person-Centered Planning
In person-centered planning, the person (consumer) owns and controls the planning process and its products. Person-centered planning brings together all the people who are important to the person including family, friends, neighbors, support workers, and other professionals to create a comprehensive portrait of the person and what he or she wants to do with his or her life. This team identifies the skills and abilities that can help the person achieve his or her goals for competitive employment, independent living, continuing education, and full inclusion in the community. The team also identifies areas in which the person may need assistance and support and decides how the team can meet those needs.
Quality criteria are points of reference used by DARS counselors when reviewing provider documentation and services rendered to determine whether certain conditions or outcomes have been achieved by the consumer or the provider and effectively documented on the appropriate DARS reporting forms. Quality criteria must be met before the DARS counselor may authorize payment to the provider.
A significant disability is a severe physical or mental impairment that seriously limits one or more functional capacities such as mobility, communication, self-care, self-direction, interpersonal skills, work tolerance, or work skills as they relate to achieving and/or maintaining competitive employment. Supported Employment
Supported Employment is competitive employment in an integrated work setting, consistent with the consumer's
Supported Employment services are appropriate for consumers with the most significant disabilities who meet all the following criteria:
have not worked, or have worked only intermittently, in competitive employment;
have been determined eligible for VR services based on a comprehensive assessment, including consideration of Supported Employment as an employment outcome;
need extended services to maintain employment following successful VR closure; and
can maintain competitive employment with necessary supports.
This definition includes transitional employment for people with the most significant disabilities caused by chronic mental illness.
Support Needs Tiers
Because the challenges in finding employment and support are unique to each consumer, there are two payment schedules, or tiers, based on the combination of factors collected from CCSA information and summarized in the SESP Part 1 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005).
Factors considered include the
amount and extent of negotiable and nonnegotiable conditions,
number of potential job tasks the consumer can perform,
availability of potential employers, and
anticipated level of support the consumer needs to reach employment stability.
The DARS counselor determines the consumer's tier with input from the SE provider.
Transitional Employment for Consumers with Chronic Mental Illness
*Transitional employment is a series of temporary job placements in competitive employment in integrated work settings for consumers needing support services on or off the worksite. In transitional employment, the Supported Employment services must include continuing job placements until a suitable employment outcome is achieved.*
*Based on 34 CFR Sections 363.6(c)(1)(ii) and 361.5(b)(56)
In order to ensure that CRP providers in Texas are fully equipped to provide the highest quality services to Texans with disabilities, DARS has partnered with the University of North Texas (UNT) to develop a training and credentialing process for staff members of CRPs who provide employment-related services to DARS consumers.
CRP Directors
As of April 1, 2012, all CRP directors who supervise staff members who provide direct services to consumers in DARS Supported Employment Services must possess CRP Director Credentials from UNT. Directors supervising staff members providing services before that date cannot be "grandfathered," although UNT does offer a "test-out" option.	For additional information about the UNT credentialing process, see UNT's Texas CRP Provider Training page.
As of April 1, 2012, Supported Employment Specialists (formally referred to as Employment Specialists) providing direct service to a DARS consumer must possess Supported Employment Specialist credentials from UNT, and DARS must purchase Supported Employment services only when such services are provided by staff members who have met this requirement. DARS may pay for the services of a noncredentialed Supported Employment Specialist after April 1, 2012, only when
that individual was providing supported employment services to a particular consumer before that date, and
DARS will pay for services provided by a noncredentialed provider, under the above circumstances, for not more than 90 days after April 1 2012. The CRP Director must submit the DARS3490, Temporary Waiver of CRP Credentials to the DARS counselor to initiate the DARS approval process.
Supported Employment Specialists who provided services to DARS consumers before April 1, 2012, cannot be "grandfathered," although UNT does offer a "test-out" option.
A Supported Employment Specialist must meet the education and experience qualifications in one of the following three options.
The Supported Employment Specialist has
one year's documented experience in a professional or personal setting routinely working with people with disabilities.
two years' documented experience in a professional or personal setting routinely working with people with disabilities.
three years' documented experience in a professional or personal setting routinely working with people with disabilities.
As of April 1, 2012, DARS purchases Supported Employment Services only from CRPs whose Job Skills Trainers providing direct service to the DARS consumer possess Job Coach and Job Skills Trainer credentials from UNT. DARS may pay for the services of a noncredentialed Job Skills Trainer after April 1, 2012, only when
that individual was providing job skills training to a particular consumer before that date, and
DARS will pay for services provided by a noncredentialed provider, under the above circumstances, for not more than 90 days after April 1, 2012. The CRP Director must submit the DARS3490, Temporary Waiver of CRP Credentials to the DARS counselor to initiate the DARS approval process. For additional information about the UNT credentialing process, see UNT's Texas CRP Provider Training page.
Job Skills Trainers who provided services to DARS consumers before April 1, 2012, cannot be "grandfathered," although UNT does offer a "test-out" option.
A Job Skills Trainer must have
one year of experience of working with people who have disabilities.
Provider Standards of Service
All provider staff members must maintain effective and professional consumer and employer relations; provide services as outlined in the Standards for Providers manual; document consumer-related and employment-related information and services as outlined in the standards manual; achieve the quality criteria for all services rendered; and maintain effective verbal and written communications with the DARS staff, employers, and consumers. DARS staff members are responsible for overseeing services provided to DARS consumers. If service standards are not being met, the DRS CRP regional specialist or the DBS regional program support specialist reviews staff concerns and may require that the provider develop an action plan to address them. Continued failure to meet standards could result in adverse action against the provider.
The following general rules apply to the Supported Employment process:
The SE provider must receive written authorization in the form of a purchase order from the DARS counselor before providing the Supported Employment services. DARS purchases supported employment services only from providers who have contracts with DARS to provide these services. Job placement must be in an organization or a business that is not owned, operated, controlled, or governed by the community rehabilitation program (CRP) providing SE services. The provider must submit required documentation of services provided along with an invoice. The DARS counselor verifies that services were delivered and completed, and reviews the documentation to ensure that all quality criteria have been addressed and achieved. The DARS counselor may return incomplete documentation to be completed before authorizing payment. If, at any point in the process, the consumer loses the job, the consumer's progression within the benchmark is "frozen" until the consumer becomes reemployed. Benchmark progression continues when the consumer becomes employed in a new position, and a new SESP Part 2 is completed to reflect the new position. If, at any point in the process, the consumer wants to change his or her targeted job tasks, negotiable employment conditions, or nonnegotiable employment conditions, a new SESP Part 1 must be completed in an additional SESP Part 1 meeting. If the consumer loses his or her job and requires placement in a new job, the counselor, the consumer, and the SE provider meet to
discuss the reasons the consumer lost the job, review the SESP Part 1 and create a new SESP Part 1 if needed, and determine the plan for gaining another placement. Any gap in employment greater than eight weeks results in a new employment period; therefore, the consumer must complete a minimum of 30 cumulative calendar days of employment in the new job before job stability can be established. If the consumer changes jobs between Benchmarks 3 and 4, or loses a job during Benchmark 5, a minimum of 30 cumulative calendar days of employment in the new job is required before job stability can be established. The consumer must be performing the job to the expectation of the employer, and extended services and supports identified on the DARS 1616 must be in place and working before the counselor can determine that the consumer is stable in the job. Each benchmark payment is made only once to an SE provider for the consumer, even if the consumer loses a job after the completion of a benchmark and continues to receive services with that same SE provider. If the consumer chooses a new SE provider, the new SE provider and the DARS counselor negotiate the benchmark at which the consumer begins. The Supported Employment Outcome-Based System is a comprehensive service package that may encompass a variety of services traditionally purchased separately. Therefore, the following vocational rehabilitation services cannot be purchased when a consumer is receiving Supported Employment services: vocational assessment, job readiness, job development, job placement, on-the-job training, vocational adjustment training, work adjustment training, personal social adjustment training, or job coaching. Benchmark 1A: Discovery, Career and Community Support Analysis (CCSA), and the CCSA Review Meeting
Discovery. If a consumer has an SE goal, discovery is conducted by the Supported Employment Specialist. If a supported self-employment (SSE) goal is identified during discovery, the consumer must be assigned to a Supported Self-Employment Specialist (SSES) before the completion of the Supported Self-Employment Services Plan, and will work with the SSES as long as there is an SSE goal. Benchmark 1A can be completed by a Supported Employment Specialist if the goal of SSE is not the goal directly related to the purchase order. While there is no set standard for how much time a provider spends with a consumer during discovery, research suggests that the process may take as many as 20 to 30 hours and should include observing the consumer's abilities, challenges, and resources, as well as collecting information from professional and nonprofessional supports in the consumer's life. Discovery includes exploring
options related to wages and employment outcomes (including self-employment outcomes); the consumer's interests, capabilities, preferences, and ongoing support needs; and the extended services and supports required at and away from the job site that will be necessary for employment success.
Discovery activities include
observing the consumer's work skills and behaviors at home and in the community and touring current or potential work environments with the consumer; collecting personal and employer reference information; assessing the consumer's learning style and needs for adaptive technology, accommodations, and on-site supports; and assessing the consumer's strengths, challenges, and transferable skills from previous job placements. Career and Community Support Analysis (CCSA). The discovery process enables the provider to gather the information necessary to answer all the questions on the DARS1612, Career and Community Support Analysis (CCSA). The CCSA narrative report must describe the consumer so that someone reading the report has a "clear picture" of who the consumer is and what the consumer's employment goals are. DARS recommends that the person-centered planning process be used when collecting information for the CCSA.
The CCSA must focus on the consumer's
support needs that may be necessary for successful employment, including self-employment; interests, skills, and functional abilities related to daily living, employment, and recreation; and
support needs that family, friends, and professionals provide to help the consumer maintain a quality life at home and in the community (for example, financial assistance, room and board, supervision for safety, and transportation).
The CCSA must be submitted to the DARS counselor at least one week before the CCSA review meeting. The DARS counselor reviews the CCSA in accordance with the quality criteria. If the quality criteria are not achieved, the CCSA is returned to the provider so the needed information can be added before the CCSA review meeting.
CCSA information and recommendations are used to develop the DARS1613, Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 1 or the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP).
CCSA Review Meeting
The CCSA review meeting, which includes the DARS counselor, consumer, and Supported Employment Specialist or Supported Self-Supported Employment Specialist, follows the completion of the discovery process and CCSA. This meeting may happen in conjunction with Benchmark 1B. The purpose of the meeting is to determine whether the best employment outcome for the consumer can be achieved through Supported Employment, or Supported Self-Employment—or if no employment outcome will be pursued—and to identify the next steps that must take place. The meeting also helps determine whether the DARS1614, Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 1 or DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan must be completed.
Required Documentation. The CCSA (DARS1612, Career and Community Support Analysis) is required documentation and must
include supporting documentation to determine a support-needs tier in the planning meeting; provide enough information to determine one or more appropriate job matches, or to support the consumer's pursuit of a self-employment outcome; identify specific support needs and/or interventions; demonstrate that interests, assets, and abilities in work and nonwork areas were explored, identified, and appropriately summarized to enable the Supported Employment Specialist to market the consumer to potential employers or to enable the pursuit of a self-employment outcome; and be signed by the Supported Employment Specialist or SSES who actually completed the discovery with the consumer and completed the CCSA form. See the quality criteria for the CCSA.
Outcome. Benchmark 1A is complete when the DARS1612, Career and Community Support Analysis has been completed by the Supported Employment Specialist or SSES and approved by the DARS counselor, and the CCSA Review meeting has been held and documented by the DARS counselor in the case management system noting the outcome of the meeting.
Payment. Payment for Benchmark 1A (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made when the DARS counselor receives and approves
the CCSA, the DARS1612, Career and Community Support Analysis report; and an invoice. The CCSA review meeting must have been completed before payment of invoice.
Benchmark 1B: Supported Employment Services Plan (SESP) Part 1
The SESP Part 1 (DARS1613, Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 1) is completed after the CCSA and the CCSA review meeting. The DARS1613 must be completed during an SESP Part 1 meeting and signed by all parties at the conclusion of the meeting. SESP meetings are planning meetings with the consumer, counselor, provider, and other team members, if any. They should be held in person to allow all parties to actively participate in the discussion. The provider should not bring a completed DARS1613 to the meeting or complete the DARS1613 after the meeting.
The SESP Part 1 (DARS1613) is a tool that identifies interests, preferences, and skills that will help determine the long-term placement goal. It is team-developed with the consumer leading or assisted by team members, and both the DARS counselor and Supported Employment Specialist ensure that group discussions during the SESP Part 1 meeting include recommendations and strategies outlined in the CCSA. The SESP Part 1 meeting typically lasts one to two hours and is facilitated by the Supported Employment Specialist. The SESP Part 1 identifies
the members of the SESP team, the consumer's preferences and interests, the consumer's assets and abilities, negotiable and nonnegotiable employment conditions, potential extended services and support needs of the consumer,
targeted job tasks the consumer can perform or potentially perform, and potential employers. Team Members
Members of the consumer's SESP team must include the
consumer; consumer's representative, if any; Supported Employment Specialist; and
DARS counselor. The team may include other significant people the consumer wants to invite and who may support the consumer's successful employment or provide long-term extended services for the consumer. Members may include
teachers, case managers, neighbors, counselors, siblings, friends, business owners, and church members. The team maintains ongoing communication throughout the process to ensure that Supported Employment outcomes are achieved.
Team members can help identify a possible placement, provide short- and long-term supports (long-term extended services) to ensure employment success, and motivate the consumer. Preferences and Interests. Preferences and interests are specific types of work or activities the person would like to pursue and should be consistent with the CCSA. Examples of preferences include
working in an office, working with children, teaching others, or working with computers. Preferences and interests can also be stated in negative terms (for example, "no fast food restaurant employment"). Not all preferences and interests are required to be in the final job placement; however, they should be prioritized during the SESP Part 1 meeting.
Assets and Abilities. Assets and abilities are the skills and traits the consumer offers a potential employer, which may include
personality traits, interests, skills, and talents. Assets and abilities information on the SESP must be consistent with the CCSA.
Employment Conditions. Employment conditions are characteristics of any job that are important to the consumer and relevant to support needs. Employment conditions include
environmental considerations (for example, indoors, outdoors, crowded); learning and training considerations; safety issues; transportation; work hours (number of hours, shift days); physical considerations (for example, work tolerance or lifting limitations); anticipated support needs (for example, medications, toileting, redirecting); and social and communication considerations. Employment conditions on the SESP must be consistent with information provided in the CCSA.
In the SESP Part 1, the consumer and the team members identify which employment conditions are negotiable and nonnegotiable. Employment conditions should be written in measureable terms so that each team member has a clear understanding of each employment condition to be addressed. The placement must meet all nonnegotiable employment conditions and the majority (50 percent or more) of the negotiable employment conditions.
Potential Extended Services and Support Needs of the Consumer. Extended services and supports (sometimes referred to as long-term supports or services) may involve either on-site or off-site monitoring or delivery of services necessary for the consumer to maintain employment after DARS case closure. The extended services and supports are provided for as long as the consumer needs them and as long as the consumer or legal representative requests them. Extended services and supports identified must be consistent with the CCSA and are updated throughout the consumer's employment.
Some examples of extended services and supports include job performance monitoring;
job skill training (short-term) for new job tasks added to job duties or to improve performance;
earned income reporting to the Social Security Administration;
services such as medication management, attendant care, and counseling;
business venture supports such as bookkeeping, marketing, and managing data or inventories; and
Frequency of extended services and supports can be daily, weekly, monthly, or as identified.
Extended services and supports are rendered and funded by sources other than DARS. These sources may include Social Security Employment Networks; Social Security PASS, property essential to self-support (PESS), or IRWE; Medicaid Waiver; parents; family; friends; churches; and nonprofits.
Possible resources for extended services and supports must be identified as part of the SESP Part 1 and updated throughout the process. When all other resources to pay for extended services and supports have been exhausted, a provider may offer to provide the supports on a fee-for-service basis. Such supports may be funded through a PASS or IRWE or may be paid by the consumer or family. The cost of these supports must be disclosed to the consumer, and the consumer must agree to the cost as part of the SESP Part 1 process and be added to the consumer's IPE. The CRP provider must not attempt to collect any fees from the consumer or his or her family for services provided before DARS case closure.
Targeted job tasks identified by the team are tasks the consumer can currently or potentially perform. Job task Information on the SESP must be consistent with the
employment conditions, and
consumer's preferences and interests.�
Job tasks are not the same as job titles. Job titles are names given to a group of duties (for example, administrative assistant), and job tasks describe specific activities (for example, filing, greeting customers, and stocking shelves). A vague description such as "kitchen helper" is not specific enough for a job task.
Potential Employers. Potential employers are specific employers or industries in the consumer's preferred or desired geographical boundaries where the identified job tasks might be performed. The list should be prioritized. If a member of the SESP Part 1 team has a potential job lead or contact, include this information.
Required Documentation. The DARS1613, Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 1 (SESP Part 1)
is required and must include
potential extended services and support needs;
targeted job tasks;
signatures of the consumer (or the signature of the consumer's legal representative), the Supported Employment Specialist, and the DARS counselor. See Quality Criteria for SESP Part 1.
The consumer's support needs tier is determined by the DARS counselor and documented.
Outcome. Benchmark 1B is complete when the DARS1613, Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 1 (SESP Part1)
has been completed by the Supported Employment Specialist, signed by the appropriate parties, and approved by the DARS counselor. Payment. Payment for Benchmark 1B is made upon receipt of the completed and signed DARS1613, Supported Employment Services Plan— Part 1 (SESP Part1) and an invoice. Benchmark 2: Job Placement and SESP Part 2
Job placement is complete when the consumer has begun work and completed at least one workday in a job consistent with job matches identified in the SESP Part 1.
The job does not have to be an exact match from the employer list or job task list. However, the job match must meet identified nonnegotiable conditions to be considered an acceptable job.
Activities related to obtaining job placement may include
assisting the consumer with job applications, pre-employment forms, practice interviews, and pre-employment testing or physicals;
developing the consumer's transportation plan;
training the consumer on how to travel to and from the job; and
evaluating the job placement to collect information needed to complete the SESP Part 2.
SESP Part 2
The SESP Part 2 (DARS1614, Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 2) is a written report that acts as a "blueprint" of the placement and short- and long-term training and/or supports needs of the consumer. It includes the following job details:
date the consumer began paid employment,
supervisor's phone number,
essential work duties of the job and needed accommodations,
episodic work duties of the job and needed accommodations,
physical and environmental demands and needed accommodations,
analysis of work culture and training or support issues,
description of initial and ongoing training provided by the employer and needed accommodations, and
consumer's support plan.
The SESP Part 2 (DARS1614, Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 2) is required. Details in the report should describe the consumer so that someone reading the report has a "clear picture" of the job duties the consumer will be performing, the work culture and any short- or long-term accommodation and supports the consumer will need related to employment. The form must include the signatures of the consumer (or legally authorized representative) and the Supported Employment Specialist.
For more information, see Quality Criteria for SESP Part 2.
Benchmark 2 is complete when the following has been completed by the provider and approved by the DARS counselor:
Benchmark 2 is complete when the SESP Part 2 (DARS1614, Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 2) has been completed by the provider and approved by the DARS counselor. The SESP Part 2 documents that the consumer has begun working and completed one day in a job that is in an integrated work setting, is compensated at or above the minimum wage but not less than the customary wage paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by people who do not have disabilities, is consistent with SESP Part 1 by meeting
all nonnegotiable employment conditions, at least half (50 percent or more) of the negotiable employment conditions, and
at least one targeted job task. Payment
Payment for Benchmark 2 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made when the DARS counselor receives and approves
DARS1614, Supported Employment Support Plan—Part 2; and
Intensive on- and off-job-site supports are provided to help the consumer adjust to the demands of the integrated work environment. �
orienting and training the consumer in work-related tasks at the job site;
training or consulting with employers, co-workers, or advocates to maximize natural supports;
meetings with managers and supervisors to gather input and plan training;
problem-resolution meetings with company personnel or support systems to ensure job retention; and
training in work-related tasks or behaviors to ensure job retention (for example, grooming or anger management).
The DARS1615, Supported Employment Support Summary is required and should be written in positive, clear, descriptive English. Details in the report should describe the consumer so that someone reading the report has a "clear picture" of the consumer's support needs, abilities, and challenges related to the placement.
To be considered complete, the DARS1615, Supported Employment Support Summary must
verify that the consumer has been employed for four weeks (28 days) cumulatively;
verify that the consumer maintained employment consistent with the SESP Part 1 by meeting all nonnegotiable employment conditions, at least half (50 percent or more) of the negotiable employment conditions, and
at least one targeted job task
verify that the provider interacted with the consumer on or away from the job site in accordance with the support plan defined in the SESP Part 2; describe how specific support needs identified in the SESP Part 2 are being addressed; and
explain how emerging support needs are being met. The form must include signatures of the consumer (or consumer‘s legally authorized representative) and the Supported Employment Specialist. For more information, see Quality Criteria for Four-Week Job Maintenance.
Benchmark 3 is complete when the consumer has
maintained employment that is consistent with the SESP Part 1 and achieves all nonnegotiable employment conditions, 50 percent or more of negotiable employment conditions, at least one targeted job task,
integrated work, and
compensation at or above the minimum wage but not less than the customary wage paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by people who do not have disabilities;
worked successfully for four weeks (28 days) cumulatively; received the support services defined in the SESP Part 2; and had new and emerging support needs addressed as needed. If transitional employment for consumers with chronic mental illness is specified in the SESP Part 1, the benchmark is four weeks (28 days) cumulatively of employment, but not necessarily at the same job. Additionally the Supported Employment Specialist responds to any support-need changes identified by the consumer or the employer.
Payment for Benchmark 3 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made on receipt and approval of
an invoice.�
On- and off-job-site supports are provided to help the consumer adjust to integrated work environment demands.�Job support services may include
job skills training on the job site;
verify that the consumer has been employed for eight weeks (56 days) cumulatively; verify that the consumer maintained employment consistent with the SESP Part 1 by meeting
at least one targeted job task;
verify that the provider interacted with the consumer on or away from the job site in accordance with the support plan defined in the SESP Part 2; describe how specific support needs identified in the SESP Part 2 are being addressed; and explain how emerging support needs are being met as needed. The form must include signatures of the consumer, the consumer's representative (if any), and the Supported Employment Specialist. For more information, see Quality Criteria for Eight-Week Job Maintenance.
Benchmark 4 is complete when the consumer has
maintained employment that is consistent with the SESP Part 1 and achieves
all nonnegotiable employment conditions, 50 percent or more of negotiable employment conditions, at least one targeted job task,
worked successfully for eight weeks (56 days) cumulatively; received the support services defined in the SESP Part 2; and had new and emerging support needs addressed as needed. If transitional employment for consumers with chronic mental illness is specified in the SESP Part 1, the benchmark is eight weeks (56 days) cumulatively of employment, but not necessarily at the same job. Additionally the Supported Employment Specialist responds to any support-need changes identified by the consumer or the employer.
Payment for Benchmark 4 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made when the DARS counselor receives and approves
the DARS1615, Supported Employment Support Summary report; and
The Supported Employment Specialist monitors the supports set up during Benchmarks 3 and 4 as outlined in the SESP Part 2 to ensure that the consumer can maintain successful long-term employment. The Supported Employment Specialist or Job Skills Trainer should have a minimum of two contacts per month with the consumer, employer, or person providing natural supports. The Supported Employment Specialist and Job Skills Trainer should not be providing any direct service to the consumer during the 60-day period between job stability and service closure. If at any time, the Supported Employment Specialist or Job Skills Trainer must provide direct services to the consumer, stability has not been achieved, and the 60-day period starts over.
Note: If the consumer changes jobs between Benchmarks 4 and 5, a minimum of 30 cumulative calendar days of employment in the new job is required before job stability can be established..
The DARS1616, Job Stability or Service Closure Justification Summary, is required. Details should describe the consumer so that someone reading the report has a “clear picture” of the consumer's support needs, abilities, and challenges related to the placement.
To be considered complete, the DARS1616, Job Stability or Service Closure Justification Summary must verify that
the consumer maintained employment consistent with the SESP Part 1 that meets
all nonnegotiable employment conditions, 50 percent or more of the negotiable employment conditions, and
at least one targeted job task; the consumer has worked a minimum of eight weeks (56 days) cumulatively (Note: the consumer may need more than eight weeks before he or she achieves Benchmark 5: Job Stability.);
if the consumer began a new job during Benchmark 3 or 4, or loses a job during Benchmark 5, he or she has worked 30 days in the new job before the case is considered stable for the achievement of Benchmark 5;
the consumer can perform expected job duties; the supervisor reports satisfaction with consumer's job performance; the consumer and the consumer's representative, if any, are satisfied with the job and work environment; necessary modifications and accommodations have been made at the worksite; the consumer has reliable transportation to and from work, and a backup transportation plan; extended services and support needs are in place and are listed on the DARS1616; and other SESP-specified supports are present and functional. The form must be signed by the consumer (or legally authorized representative) and the Supported Employment Specialist. For more information, see Quality Criteria for Job Stability.
Benchmark 5 is complete when
the consumer has worked a minimum of eight weeks (56 days) cumulatively; (Note: the consumer may need more than eight weeks before he or she achieves Benchmark 5: Job Stability. If the consumer has begun a new job during Benchmark 3 or 4, or is placed in a new job after achieving Benchmark 5, he or she must work 30 days in the new job before the case is considered stable.)
Supported Employment services have been provided; the consumer has maintained employment that is consistent with the SESP Part 1 by achieving
employment in an integrated work setting,
compensation at or above the minimum wage but not less than the customary wage paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by people who do not have disabilities,
all nonnegotiable employment conditions, 50 percent or more of the negotiable employment conditions, and at least one targeted job task;
the consumer has available the necessary supports defined in the SESP Part 2 and/or on the DARS1616; support needs have leveled off, and transition to extended services provided by or funded by sources other than DARS (for example, SE provider, family, MHMR, or other natural supports) is possible; and the following people are satisfied: the consumer, the employer, any representative, the Supported Employment provider(s), and the DARS counselor. During the 60-day transition period between job stability and service closure, the DARS counselor may purchase only VR services that
are necessary to support the job placement and stability, and the Supported Employment Specialist would not normally be expected to provide. Examples of services that could be purchased include	replacement of prosthetic and orthotic devices, maintenance of equipment, or counseling and guidance to family members to support the consumer's job stability. Payment
Payment for Benchmark 5 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made when the DARS counselor receives and approves
the DARS1616, Job Stability or Service Closure Justification Summary; and
Benchmark 6:� Service Closure
The Supported Employment Specialist has successfully placed the consumer in a job consistent with jobs and employment conditions identified in the SESP Part 1, and the consumer has worked at least 90 days. Supports have been established as outlined in the SESP Part 2 to ensure successful placement, and monitoring of supports is the only service that the Supported Employment Specialist has performed for at least 60 days. Required Documentation
The DARS1616, Job Stability or Service Closure Justification Summary is required. Details in the report should describe the consumer so that someone reading the report has a "clear picture" of the consumer's support needs, abilities, and challenges related to the placement.
The DARS1616 must verify that the
consumer maintained employment that is consistent with the SESP Part 1 by achieving
employment in an integrated work setting, compensation at or above the minimum wage but not less than the customary wage paid by the employer for similar work performed by people who do not have disabilities,
at least one targeted job task; consumer has maintained suitable Supported Employment for 60 days or longer after job stability was reached; consumer has maintained the employment outcome for 90 days or longer;
consumer can perform the expected job duties; supervisor reports satisfaction with the consumer's job performance; consumer and the consumer's representative, if any, are satisfied with the job and work environment; necessary modifications and accommodations have been made at the worksite; consumer has reliable transportation to and from work, and a backup transportation plan; extended services and supports are in place; and other supports specified in the SESP Part 2 are present and functional. The form must include signatures of the consumer (or legally authorized representative) and the Supported Employment Services Specialist. For more information, see Quality Criteria for Service Closure.
Benchmark 6 is complete when
the consumer has achieved an employment outcome that is consistent with the consumer's
the consumer has maintained employment that is consistent with the SESP Part 1 by achieving
all nonnegotiable employment conditions,
50 percent or more of negotiable employment conditions, and
the consumer has maintained suitable Supported Employment for 60 days or longer after job stability was reached;
the consumer has maintained the employment outcome for 90 days or longer;
the consumer is being compensated at or above the minimum wage, but not less than the customary wage paid by the employer for similar work performed by a person who does not have a disability;
there is evidence that the needed support systems including those in the SESP Part 2 and on the DARS1616 are in place and working; and
the consumer, consumer's representative, if any, and the DARS counselor
consider the employment outcome satisfactory,
are satisfied with the supports, and
agree that the consumer is performing well on the job.
Payment for Benchmark 6 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made when the DARS counselor receives and approves
(Added 12/10, revised 11/11)
means the consumer solely owns, manages, and operates a business and is not considered an employee of another person, business, or organization; exists when the service or product is actively marketed to other potential customers; and includes home-based businesses and telecommuting businesses. Self-employment allows for
choice and control, the use of natural skills and talents, expanded work opportunities, accumulation of wealth, and independence and creative freedom. Supported self-employment (SSE) is competitive employment in which the consumer solely owns, manages, and operates a business and is not considered an employee of another person, business, or organization, and the supported self-employment business is consistent with the consumer's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice. SSE is similar to self-employment but incorporates many of the concepts of the Supported Employment Program, including the provision of ongoing supports throughout the VR case and transitioning to extended services and supports, not funded by DARS, after case closure. Supports may include long-term job coaching supports, ongoing case management, peer supports, natural supports, family supports, or ongoing paid professional services for the business. SSE businesses are typically small and require a team approach to planning and support. A business team assists in exploration, feasibility determination, development of the business plan, and business launch and addresses the person's long-term support needs. The SSE process combines person-centered planning strategies with the development of a business plan. The goal of the planning process is to develop an individualized, profitable, and sustainable microenterprise. This process focuses on the talents, interests, and assets of the consumer. For many consumers with disabilities, including consumers who need ongoing supports throughout their careers, SSE can be a viable option to meet their employment needs. SSE services are provided by the supported self-employment specialist (SSES), who helps the consumer (the potential business owner) develop a plan by coordinating planning activities and facilitating the team planning process. The SSES also takes the lead in developing business ideas, conducting feasibility studies, and writing the business plan with the consumer. DRS purchases SSE services only from Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) that have staff members who have been certified as Certified Business Technical Assistance Consultants (CBTAC) by The Center for Social Capital. Consumers determined by a DARS counselor to be appropriate for Supported Self-Employment Services are consumers
who are eligible for VR services; who have a most significant disability and will need extended services and supports to maintain the self-employment outcome once DARS closes the case; for whom SSE has been identified as the appropriate employment outcome by the consumer and the DARS counselor; who require considerable help to develop an individualized, profitable, and sustainable microenterprise; who can maintain a self-employment outcome with necessary supports in place; and for whom another person, organization, or other resource agrees to provide the extended services and supports after VR-funded services are complete. Supported Self-Employment (SSE) Definitions
Note: The definitions for titles followed by an asterisk (*) are from "Making Self-Employment Work for People with Disabilities," Cary Griffin and David Hammis, 2006. Benchmarks Benchmarks are defined outcomes for which payments are made to the provider during the course of the SSE process. These include
See the DARS Provider Diagram of the Supported Self-Employment Benchmarks or read a text summary of the DARS Provider Diagram of the Supported Self-Employment Benchmarks.
For a diagram comparing Supported Employment and Supported Self-Employment, see the Diagram Comparing Supported Employment and Supported Self-Employment Benchmarks or read a text summary of the Diagram Comparing Supported Employment and Supported Self-Employment Benchmarks. Note: Capital/Equity Self-Employment Premium is an outcome of payment that may be made to a provider after the achievement of Benchmark 7: Supported Self-Employment Service Completion if all criteria have been achieved. Business Feasibility Study* A business feasibility study assesses the likelihood that a business will succeed through the use of research tools such as surveys or statistical analyses. A consumer in the Supported Self-Employment Services program must complete the DARS1801, Concept Development and Feasibility Study Worksheet to determine the feasibility of his or her proposed business. Business Plan A business plan is a formal and detailed written description of a proposed business. The business plan helps the business owner to consider all the details of the venture and to plan accordingly. It also provides information to funding sources about the type of proposed business, how much funding is needed, why this amount is needed, how funding might be used, how the business will be run and marketed, and other details. (See the planning resources page from the Small Business Administration). A consumer in the Supported Self-Employment Services program must develop a business plan using the DARS1803-1, Business Plan Support Summary Report and the DARS1803-2, Business Plan forms. Business Team* A business team is a working collection of friends, colleagues, and experienced business people assembled to help the consumer formulate an enterprise idea, launch the business, and support the venture's growth. Typically, the business team includes four to eight people. DARS requires that at least two business team members be current or past business owners, excluding the self-employment specialist. The DARS counselor must be invited to all business team meetings. Competitive Employment *Competitive employment as used in the definition of supported employment is work in the competitive labor market performed full-time or the maximum number of hours possible in an integrated work setting; and for which a person is compensated at or above the minimum wage, but not less than the customary or usual wage paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by people who do not have disabilities.* *Based on 34 CFR Section 363.6(a)(2)(i)
Discovery Discovery is the process of collecting information about the consumer through interviews and observations of the consumer's abilities in multiple settings on multiple occasions. Research indicates that the discovery process may take as many as 20 to 30 hours per consumer (The Job Developer's Handbook, Griffin, Hammis, Geary). Extended Services and Supports (Revised 03/11)
Extended services and supports are ongoing support services necessary to support and maintain the employment outcome, including self-employment, following VR case closure that
are provided or funded by sources other than DARS; and involve either on-site or off-site monitoring (as requested by the consumer or legal representative) for as long as needed to ensure the consumer's job stability. Necessary extended services and supports are identified in the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP) and updated as needed throughout the VR case. Extended services and supports begin at Benchmark 6: SSE Business Stability, continue beyond Benchmark 7: SSE Service Completion, and are provided as long as the consumer needs them. Examples of extended services and supports in SSE provided by natural supports or service providers not funded by DARS include consulting with the consumer and the business team about problem areas or training needs such as training the consumer in new job skills or routines, monitoring of consumer's work performance, implementation of supports or strategies to improve work performance of the consumer; identifying and obtaining the help of natural supports on and off the worksite; reporting earned income to Social Security; mentoring; accommodations; transportation; providing other services the consumer needs such as medication management, hygiene, dress, and
social needs at worksite(s). Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)* Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE) is an SSI and SSDI work incentive that allows the Social Security Administration to deduct the cost of certain impairment-related items and services that the consumer needs in order to work from the consumer's gross earnings when Social Security Administration is determining a consumer's "countable earnings." Integrated Work Setting An integrated work setting under federal law is an environment in which people with disabilities regularly interact with nondisabled people and/or the general public. Most Significant Disability
is eligible for supported employment services, needs extended services and supports to maintain employment following successful service closure, and can maintain competitive employment with necessary supports. Natural Supports
Natural supports are supports that exist naturally in the workplace and the community. Primary consumer supports should occur naturally, with professional supports (training or consultation) being used only when the consumer needs additional support or accommodations. Examples of natural supports include
a parent of the consumer assists the consumer with income reporting for Social Security; the consumer uses one of his or her employees to set up the working station daily for the consumer to complete his or her duties; the consumer has a "jig" and pictures to remind him or her of the steps necessary to complete nonroutine tasks within the business; a business owner mentor serves as a peer for discussing topics related to business ownership; and
the consumer can use the community public bus system for transportation needs to reach customers of the business within the community setting. Negotiable Employment Conditions
Negotiable employment conditions are conditions that a consumer would like the supported self-employment specialist to consider when helping the consumer establish a business. Negotiable conditions are preferences for working conditions. Nonnegotiable Employment Conditions
Nonnegotiable employment conditions are conditions that a consumer has indicated must be, or not be, present in the work situation. The supported self-employment specialist must always consider these conditions when helping the consumer establish a business. Nonnegotiable conditions may include
job duties the consumer is not willing to perform; or workplace conditions that are unacceptable, even with supports. Person-Centered Planning
In person-centered planning, the process and the products are owned and controlled by the person (consumer). The process creates a comprehensive portrait of who the person is and what the person wants to do with his or her life, and brings together all the people who are important to the person, including family, friends, neighbors, support workers, business professionals, and other professionals. This team then identifies the person's skills, preferences, and abilities that can help achieve the person's goals for supported self-employment, independent living, continuing education, and full inclusion in the community. The team also identifies areas in which the person may need assistance and support and decides how the team can meet those needs. Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)*
The Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) is an SSI-only work incentive. A PASS allows a consumer to set aside income or resources other than SSI for a specified period so that the consumer may pursue a work goal. When the Social Security Administration calculates an SSI payment, it does not count the income set aside under a PASS. Money set aside under a PASS does not count toward the consumer's resource limit. Staff Qualifications
For All Staff Members All provider staff members must meet the following general standards of service provision: maintain effective and professional relationships with consumers, DARS staff members, and the community; provide services as described in the DRS Standards for Providers; document consumer-related and employment-related information and services as described in the DRS Standards for Providers; and maintain regular and effective verbal and written communication with the DARS staff, employers, and consumers. DARS staff members are responsible for overseeing services provided to DARS consumers. If the above general standards are not being met, the CRP specialist reviews staff concerns and may require that the CRP provider develop an action plan to address them. Continued failure to meet these general standards could result in adverse action against the provider. Supported Self-Employment Specialist
A Supported Self-Employment Specialist (SSES) must meet the qualifications of a Supported Employment Specialist and, in addition, be certified by The Center for Social Capital
as a Certified Business Technical Assistance Consultant (CBTAC). Job Skills Trainer
A Job Skills Trainer must meet the qualifications outlined for a
Job Skills Trainer under
2.11 Standards for Supported Employment Services/Staff Qualifications. It is a best practice for the Job Skills Trainer to work under the direction of the Supported Self-Employment Specialist. Supported Self-Employment Process
The following general rules apply to the supported self-employment (SSE) process: The SSE provider must receive written authorization in the form of a purchase order from the DARS counselor before providing the SSE services. The provider must submit required documentation of services provided along with an invoice. The DARS counselor verifies that services were delivered and completed, reviews the documentation, and may return incomplete documentation to be updated to include the required information before authorizing payment. If, at any point in the process, the consumer decides that supported self-employment is not working, the consumer can request the DARS counselor to review the case, and end participation in the SSE process. If the consumer switches to traditional Supported Employment Services, the counselor and consumer may choose a different provider. A DARS1613, Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 1 must be completed before any supported employment services are provided. If, at any point in the process, the consumer wants to change any of the negotiable or nonnegotiable employment conditions, a new SSESP must be completed in an additional SSESP meeting. The counselor, the consumer, and the SSES meet, as determined in the SSESP, to discuss the business outcome, review the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP), creating a new SSESP if needed, and determine the plan(s) to continue the progression through the benchmarks. Before the counselor can determine that the consumer is stable in the job,
the consumer must meet all nonnegotiable employment conditions and meet at least 50 percent of negotiable employment conditions on the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP); the consumer must be performing the duties outlined in the business plan, and extended services and supports identified in the Business Plan must be in place and working; the consumer's business must have been operating a minimum of 168 days; the consumer must achieve "minimum wage" as calculated on the DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet for at least one month; and the consumer's business must have ending cash equal to or greater than one month of operating expenses as calculated on DARS1805. Each benchmark payment is made only once to an SSE provider for an individual consumer. If the consumer switches from Supported Employment Services to Supported Self-Employment Services, the DARS counselor negotiates the benchmark at which the consumer continues, with approval from the regional or state office program specialist assigned to Supported Self-Employment Services. The DARS1802 Planning Meeting Record
must be completed every time the business team meets to advise and assist the consumer with his or her business. A minimum of two meetings must be held for each benchmark, after the completion of the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP). The Supported Self-Employment Outcome-Based System is a comprehensive service package that may encompass a variety of services traditionally purchased separately. Therefore, the following vocational rehabilitation services cannot be purchased when a consumer is receiving supported self-employment services: vocational assessment, job readiness, job development, job placement, on-the-job training, vocational adjustment training, personal social adjustment training, or job coaching. Benchmark 1A: Discovery, Career and Community Support Analysis (CCSA), and CCSA Review Meeting
Service Description for Benchmark 1A
Discovery. If a consumer has an SSE goal, discovery is conducted by the Supported Self-Employment Specialist. If a supported employment (SE) goal is identified during discovery, the consumer may work with either a Supported Self-Employment Specialist (SSES) or a Supported Employment Specialist (SES). If a consumer has an SSE goal, the consumer must be assigned to an SSES, and work with the SSES as long as there is an SSE goal. While there is no set standard for how much time a provider spends with a consumer during discovery, research suggests that providers should spend as many as 20 to 30 hours on the discovery process, observing the consumer' abilities, challenges, and resources, as well as collecting information from professional and nonprofessional supports in the consumer's life. The process includes exploring options related to wages, employment outcomes, and self-employment outcomes; including interests, capabilities, preferences, ongoing support needs, and extended services and supports required at and away from the job site that will be necessary for employment success. Discovery activities include
observing the consumer's work skills and behaviors at home and in the community environment and/or touring with the consumer in current or potential work environments; collecting personal and employer reference information; assessing the consumer's learning style and needs for adaptive technology, accommodations, and on-site supports; and assessing the consumer's strengths, challenges, and transferable skills from previous job placements. Career and Community Support Analysis (CCSA). The discovery process enables the provider to gather information necessary to answer all the questions on the DARS1612, Career and Community Support Analysis. Details in the CCSA narrative report must describe the consumer so that someone reading the report has a "clear picture" of who the consumer is and what the consumer's employment goals are. DARS recommends that the person-centered planning process be used when collecting information for the CCSA. The CCSA must focus on the consumer's
support needs that family, friends, and professionals provide to help the consumer maintain a quality life at home and in the community (for example, financial assistance, room and board, supervision for safety, and transportation). The CCSA must be submitted to the DARS counselor at least one week before the CCSA review meeting. The DARS counselor reviews the CCSA in accordance with the quality criteria (under construction). If the quality criteria are not achieved, the CCSA is returned to the provider so the needed information can be added before the CCSA review meeting. CCSA Review Meeting
The CCSA review meeting is a meeting with the DARS counselor, consumer, and SSES or Supported Employment Specialist following the completion of the discovery process and CCSA. The purpose is to determine whether the best plan of action for the consumer to gain employment is Supported Employment or Supported Self-Employment. The team members determine during the meeting whether the SESP Part 1 or the SSESP will be completed. If Supported Employment is the service chosen, see Benchmark 1B: Supported Employment Services Plan (SESP)—Part 1; otherwise, continue with the SSE Benchmark 1B. CCSA information and recommendations are used to develop the DARS1613, Supported Employment Services Plan—Part 1 or the DARS1800, SSESP. Required Documentation. The CCSA (DARS1612, Career and Community Support Analysis) is required documentation and must
include supporting documentation to determine the support-needs tier (for Supported Employment) in the planning meeting; provide enough information to determine one or more appropriate job matches, or to support the consumer's pursuit of a self-employment outcome; identify specific support needs and/or interventions; demonstrate that interests, assets, and abilities in work and nonwork areas were explored, identified, and appropriately summarized to enable the Employment Specialist to market the consumer to potential employers or to enable the pursuit of a self-employment outcome; and be signed by the SSES or Supported Employment Specialist who actually performed the discovery work with the consumer and completed the CCSA form. See the quality criteria for the CCSA. Outcome. Benchmark 1A is complete when the
DARS1612, Career and Community Support Analysis has been completed by the SSES or Supported Employment Specialist and approved by the DARS counselor. The CCSA review meeting must be facilitated and documented by the counselor.
Payment. The provider is paid for Benchmark 1A (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) after the DARS counselor
receives and approves the DARS1612, Career and Community Support Analysis report; receives and approves an invoice; and
holds the CCSA review meeting.
Service Description for Benchmark 1B
The SSESP is completed after the CCSA is completed. The DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP) is a tool that is team-developed and -implemented during a meeting with the consumer leading or assisted by team members. The plan identifies interests, preferences, and skills related to setting the long-term employment goal. Both the DARS counselor and SSES ensure that group discussions include recommendations and strategies outlined in the CCSA. The SSESP meeting typically is one to two hours long and is facilitated by the SSES. The SSESP meeting must be held face-to-face to allow all parties to actively participate in the discussion. The provider should not bring a completed SSESP form to the meeting or complete the form after the conclusion of the meeting. The completed SSESP should be developed during the meeting and signed by all parties at the conclusion of the meeting. The SSESP identifies
members of the SSESP team, the consumer's preferences and interests, the consumer's assets and abilities, negotiable and nonnegotiable employment conditions, potential extended services and supports needed by the consumer, potential business idea for a small business, potential products or services to be provided by the small business, potential business team members, and
potential resources to be used to study the small business ideas for feasibility. SSESP Team Members. Members of the consumer's SSESP team must include, at a minimum
the consumer; the consumer's representative, if any; the SSES; and the DARS counselor. The team may include other significant people who are invited by the consumer and who may potentially help achieve a successful employment outcome or be a provider of extended services and supports for the consumer after VR case closure. Significant persons may include
parents, teachers, case managers, neighbors, counselors, siblings, friends, business owners, and church members. The SSESP team maintains ongoing communication throughout the process to ensure that SSE outcomes are achieved. SSESP team members may become members of the business team for the consumer. The SSESP team members can help identify possible business ideas, identify or provide extended services and supports to ensure self-employment success, and motivate the consumer. Preferences and Interests. Preferences and interests are specific types of work or activities in which the consumer would like to engage. Preferences and interests may include
working in an office, preparing baked goods, teaching others, or working with computers. Preferences and interests can also be stated in negative terms (for example, "no fast food restaurant employment"). Information must be consistent with the CCSA. Although not all the listed preferences and interests are required to be present in the final self-employment venture, they should be prioritized during the meeting. Assets and Abilities. Assets and abilities are the skills and traits the consumer offers to a self-employment venture. Assets and abilities may include
personality traits, interests, skills, and talents. Employment Conditions. Employment conditions are characteristics of a job, including self-employment, that are important to the consumer and relevant to support needs. Employment conditions may include
environmental considerations (indoors, outdoors, crowded, etc.); learning and training considerations; safety issues; transportation needs or availability; work hours (number of hours, shift days); physical considerations (for example, work tolerance, or lifting limitations); specific anticipated support needs (medications, toileting, redirecting, etc.); and social and communication considerations. SSESP information must be consistent with information in the CCSA. The SSESP identifies which employment conditions are "negotiable" and "nonnegotiable" as identified by the consumer and others. Employment conditions should be written in measureable terms so that each person has a clear understanding of the employment conditions that need to be addressed. The self-employment venture must meet all nonnegotiable employment conditions and the majority (50 percent or more) of identified negotiable employment conditions listed in the SSESP. Potential Extended Services and Supports Needs of the Consumer. Extended services and supports (sometimes referred to as long-term supports or services) may involve either on-site or off-site monitoring or delivery of services necessary for the consumer to maintain self-employment after DARS case closure. The extended services and supports are provided for as long as the consumer needs them and as long as the consumer or legal representative requests them. Extended services and supports identified must be consistent with the CCSA and are updated throughout the consumer's employment. Some examples of extended services and supports include job performance monitoring; job skill training; setting up compensatory strategies; earned income reporting to Social Security Administration; services such as medication management, attendant care, and counseling; business venture supports such as bookkeeping, marketing, and managing data or inventories; and
transportation. Frequency of extended services and supports can be daily, weekly, monthly, or as identified. Extended services and supports are rendered and funded by sources other than DARS. Sources may include Social Security Employment Networks; Social Security PASS, property essential to self-support (PESS), or IRWE; Medicaid Waiver; parents; family; friends; churches; and nonprofits. Possible resources for extended services and supports must be identified as part of the SSESP and updated throughout the process. When all other resources to pay for extended services and supports have been exhausted, a provider may offer to provide the supports on a fee-for-service basis. Such supports may be funded through a PASS or IRWE, or may be paid by the consumer or family. The cost of these supports must be disclosed to the consumer, and the consumer must agree to that fee as part of the SSESP process. The CRP provider will not attempt to collect any fees from the consumer or his or her family for services provided before DARS case closure. Potential Products or Services. Products and services identified by the team must take into account the consumer's skills, capabilities, and resources for extended services and supports related to establishing and maintaining a small business. The products or services should be consistent with the CCSA, employment conditions, consumer's preferences and interests, and
extended services and supports resources. Potential Business Ideas. A business idea is a brief description of a business that sells the products or services that the consumer wants to offer. It is a global statement of "the who, what, when, and where of the business." The description should be clear enough that the consumer and SSES can identify the key business idea(s) to be explored when completing the DARS1801, Concept Development and Feasibility Study. Business ideas identified by the team must take into account the consumer's skills, capabilities, preferences, interests, and resources for extended services and supports related to establishing and maintaining a small business, as well as unmet needs in the community. DARS does not sponsor businesses involving stocks, shares, or partners. Potential Business Team Members. List friends, colleagues, and experienced business people for the consumer and SSES to contact to request participation in the consumer-led process to formulate an enterprise or small business idea, to assist in launching the business, and to support the venture's growth. The members of the business team will help the consumer identify these business people through their personal contacts, Small Business Administration (SBA), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Chamber of Commerce, and networking. Required Documentation. DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP) is required and must include
preferences and/or interests; assets and abilities; employment conditions; potential extended services and long-term support needs; potential business idea for a business; potential products or services to be provided by the business; potential business team members; potential resources to be used to study the business ideas for feasibility; and
signatures of the consumer (or the signature of the consumer's legal representative), the SSES, and the DARS counselor. Outcome. Benchmark 1B is complete when the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP) has been completed by the SSES, signed by the appropriate parties, and approved by the DARS counselor. Payment. Payment for Benchmark 1B (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made upon receipt of the completed and signed DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP); and an invoice. Benchmark 2: Business Concept Development and Feasibility Study
Service Description. During Benchmark 2: Business Concept Development and Feasibility Study, the SSES helps the consumer collect data necessary for the DARS1801, Concept Development and Feasibility Study Worksheet to be completed. The SSES takes the lead in establishing the business team. At least two business team members who are experienced business owners are required (not including the SSES). The SSES ensures that all team members understand the purpose and commit to helping the consumer research, establish, and maintain a business within his or her community. Team members must exhibit commitment, solidarity, and innovation to support the consumer in this venture. At least two business team meetings must be held during the completion of this benchmark. Business Feasibility Study*. An assessment, through the use of research tools such as surveys or statistical analyses, regarding the likelihood of a business succeeding. Required Documentation. DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record must be completed every time the business team meets to advise and assist the consumer with his or her business. DARS1801, Concept Development and Feasibility Study Worksheet must be completed meeting the established quality criteria. Outcome. Benchmark 2: Business Concept Development and Feasibility Study is complete when the following documentation has been completed by the SSES, reviewed by the regional program specialist or Central Office program specialist assigned to self-employment, and approved by the DARS counselor; the DARS counselor may have to gain area manager approval: DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record for each business team meeting (at least two meetings are required); and DARS1801, Concept Development and Feasibility Study Worksheet.
Payment. Payment for Benchmark 2 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made upon receipt of
at least two completed and signed forms DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record; the completed and signed DARS1801, Concept Development and Feasibility Study Worksheet; and an invoice. Benchmark 3: Business Plan and Supporting Documentation
Service Description. A business plan precisely defines the business, identifies its goals, and serves as the business's r�sum�. The business plan includes a Business Executive Summary, Business Description, Products and Services, Market Analysis, Marketing Plan, Operations and Legal Considerations, Extended Services and Supports, and Financials. The business plan helps the business owner allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen complications, and make good business decisions. As it provides specific and organized information about the company and how the business will repay borrowed money, a good business plan is a crucial part of any loan application. Additionally, it informs sales personnel, suppliers, and others about the business's operations and goals. Note: The DARS1803-2, Business Plan is formatted to serve as both a business plan to be submitted to third parties and a report to the DARS counselor. For this reason, information about extended services and supports is also required. At least two business team meetings must be held during the completion of this benchmark. Assets*. What a business owns or is legally due, such as equipment and property, including all cash the business has currently. Balance Sheet*. A key financial document in a business plan, it lists the current assets and liabilities of the business. The result of all assets minus all liabilities of the business should always equal zero. Benefit Analysis. An analysis of a consumer's SSI and/or SSDI benefits that enables the consumer to understand the impact that a self-employment venture may have on his or her SSI and/or SSDI benefits; it also identifies any funding opportunities that may be available from SSA to support the consumer in a self-employment venture. Break-Even Analysis*. A determination of how many sales must be made before the cost of the business is paid. The relationship can also be reported in terms of how long (in months) a business must operate before paying off its debts and thereby showing a profit. Cash-Flow Analysis*. An analysis of cash needed for payroll, raw materials, and other business expenses compared with revenue received from customers. Profit and Loss Statement and Projections*. Detailed monthly and yearly income projections for a business derived from assumptions about sales and expenses; goals of the business outlined in the earlier research; the business idea and niche; and
pricing, sales, and marketing sections of the business plan. Stability and Closure Analysis. An analysis of the Profit and Loss Statement that determines when a consumer's business meets the "stability status" required for Benchmark 6: Supported Self-Employment Business Stability and the "Case Closure Status" to achieve Benchmark 7: Supported Self-Employment Service Completion. Required Documentation. The following documentation is required: DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record must be completed every time the business team meets to advise and assist the consumer with his or her business; DARS1803-1, Business Plan Support Summary Report; DARS1803-2, Business Plan must be completed and must meet the established quality criteria; and
DARS1804, Financial Projection Spreadsheet.
Outcome. Benchmark 3: Business Plan and Supporting Documentation is complete when the following documentation has been completed by the SSES, reviewed by the regional program specialist or Central Office program specialist assigned to self-employment, and approved by the DARS counselor; the DARS counselor may have to gain area manager approval: DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record for each business team meeting (at least two meetings are required); DARS1803-1, Business Plan Support Summary Report; DARS1803-2, Business Plan; and
DARS1804, Financial Projection Spreadsheet. Payment. Payment for Benchmark 3 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made upon receipt of at least two completed and signed DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record forms; the completed and signed DARS1803-1, Business Plan Support Summary Report, and DARS1803-2, Business Plan; DARS1804, Financial Projection Spreadsheet; and an invoice. Benchmark 4: Supported Self-Employment Business Start-Up
Service Description. The SSES provides necessary supports during the first two months (56 calendar days) from the day the business opens. Intensive on- and off-job-site supports that lessen as the consumer's skills and extended services and supports resources are set up are provided to help the consumer adjust to the demands of running the business outlined in the business plan. Activities may include, but are not limited to
training or consulting in work-related tasks or behaviors such as support for initial advertising, marketing, sales, all licenses, registrations, accounting initiated, and monthly reporting to DARS of net profit or loss; training or consulting with paid or natural supports (accountants, employees, etc.) who will be supporting the consumer either short-term or long-term in managing the business; transportation training; problem-resolution related to company personnel or support systems necessary to run the business effectively and efficiently; and setting up interventions and services to address extended services and support needs that will be necessary to sustain the business once DARS has closed the case. At least two business team meetings must be held during the completion of this benchmark. Required Documentation. The following documentation is required: DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record for each business team meeting (at least two meetings are required for this benchmark), DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary is required and should be written in positive, clear, descriptive English. Details in the report should describe the consumer so that someone reading the report has a "clear picture" of the consumer's support needs, abilities, and challenges related to establishing and maintaining the business. Note: To be considered complete, the DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary, must
verify that the consumer has been running the business for eight weeks (56 days) cumulatively; verify that the consumer has maintained a business that meets all nonnegotiable employment conditions and meets 50 percent or more of the negotiable employment conditions; verify that the provider interacted with the consumer at or away from the business in accordance with the support plan defined in the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan; describe how specific support needs identified in the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan are being addressed; explain how emerging support needs are being met; be signed by the consumer (or consumer's legally authorized representative) and the SSES; and
DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet.
Outcome. Benchmark 4: Supported Self-Employment Business Start-Up is complete when the consumer has maintained a self-employment outcome that
meets at least 50 percent of negotiable employment conditions; the business has been operating and open for 56 cumulative calendar days; the consumer has received intensive on- and off-job-site supports, including setting up intervention and services to address extended services and supports to help the consumer adjust to the demands of running a business as outlined in the Business Plan; and
the following documentation has been completed by the SSES, signed by the appropriate parties, and approved by the DARS counselor:
DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record for each business team meeting (at least two meetings are required); DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary; and
DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet. Payment. Payment for Benchmark 4 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made upon receipt of at least two completed and signed DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record forms;
the completed and signed DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary; DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet; and
an invoice. Benchmark 5: Supported Self-Employment Business Maintenance Service Description. The SSES provides necessary assistance and supports during the first four months (112 days) from the day the business opens. On- and off-job-site supports are provided that help the consumer adjust to the demands of running the business. These supports are reduced as the consumer's skills and extended services and supports are established. Activities may include, but are not limited to
training or consulting in work-related tasks or behaviors such as support for initial advertising, marketing, sales, all licenses, registrations, accounting initiated, and monthly reporting to DARS of net profit or loss to ensure business success; training or consulting with paid or natural supports (accountants, employees, etc.) who will be supporting the consumer either short-term or long-term in managing the business; transportation training; problem resolution related to employees or support systems necessary to run the business effectively and efficiently; and setting up interventions and services to address the consumer's individual needs for extended services and supports necessary to sustain the business once DARS has closed the case. At least two business team meetings must be held during the completion of this benchmark. Required Documentation. The following documentation is required: DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record for each business team meeting (at least two meetings are required for this benchmark); DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary is required and should be written in positive, clear, and descriptive English. Details in the report should describe the consumer so that someone reading the report has a "clear picture" of the consumer's support needs, abilities, and challenges related to establishing and maintaining the business. Note: To be considered complete, the DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary must
verify that the consumer has been running the business for four months (112 days) cumulatively; verify that the consumer has maintained a business that meets all nonnegotiable employment conditions and meets 50 percent or more of the negotiable employment conditions; verify that the provider interacted with the consumer at or away from the business in accordance with the support plan defined in the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP); describe how specific support needs identified in the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP) are being addressed; explain how emerging support needs are being met; be signed by the consumer (or consumer's legally authorized representative) and the SSES; and
DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet. Outcome. Benchmark 5: Supported Self-Employment Business Maintenance is complete when the consumer has maintained a self-employment outcome that meets all nonnegotiable employment conditions, and
meets 50 percent of negotiable employment conditions; the business has been operating and open for 112 cumulative calendar days; the consumer has received intensive on- and off-job-site supports, including setting up intervention and services to address long-term extended support needs to help the consumer adjust to the demands of running a business as outlined in the Business Plan; and
DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record for each business team meeting (at least two meetings are required);
DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary; and
DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet. Payment. Payment for Benchmark 5 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made upon receipt of at least two completed and signed DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record forms; the completed and signed DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary; DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet; and an invoice. Benchmark 6: Supported Self-Employment Business Stability
Service Description. The SSES has assisted the consumer throughout at least the first eight weeks (168 days, cumulatively) of business operations from the day the business opened. Necessary on- and off-job-site supports have been established, and the SSES no longer needs to provide those supports directly. The consumer has acquired the necessary skills to operate the business with appropriate supports. Extended services and supports are set up, are working as outlined in the business plan without any assistance from the SSES, and are working to address consumer supports that will be necessary to sustain the business once DARS has closed the case. For the business to be considered stable, the consumer must meet all nonnegotiable employment conditions and meet at least 50 percent of negotiable employment conditions on the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP);
the consumer must be performing the duties outlined in the business plan, and extended services and supports identified in the business plan must be in place and working;
the consumer's business must have been operating a minimum of 168 days;
the consumer's wage must calculate to be equal to or greater than minimum wage as calculated on the DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet for at least one month; and the consumer's business must have ending cash equal to or greater than one month of operating expenses as calculated on the DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet. At least two business team meetings must be held during the completion of this benchmark. Required Documentation. The following documentation is required: DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record for each business team meeting (at least two meetings are required for this benchmark); DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary is required and should be written in positive, clear, and descriptive English. Details in the report should describe the consumer so that someone reading the report has a "clear picture" of the consumer's support needs, abilities, and challenges related to establishing and maintaining the business.
To be considered complete, the DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary must
verify that the consumer has been running the business for eight weeks (168 days) cumulatively; verify that the business meets all nonnegotiable employment conditions and meets 50 percent or more of the negotiable employment conditions; verify that the provider interacted with the consumer at or away from the business in accordance with the support plan defined in DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP); describe how specific support needs identified in the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP) were addressed; explain how the extended services and supports are working without any intervention from the SSES; and be signed by the consumer (or consumer's legally authorized representative) and the SSES; and
DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet must verify, in order for the business to be considered stable, that
the consumer's wage calculates to be equal to or greater than minimum wage. Outcome. Benchmark 6: Supported Self-Employment Business Stability is complete when the consumer has
maintained a self-employment outcome that
meets all nonnegotiable employment conditions;
meets at least 50 percent of negotiable employment conditions;
has ending cash equal to or greater than one month of operating expenses as calculated on the DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet; and
provides the consumer a wage that calculates to be equal to or greater than minimum wage as calculated on the DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet;
the business has been operating and open for at least 168 cumulative calendar days; the consumer has received intensive on- and off-job-site supports, including setting up intervention and services to address supports to help the consumer adjust to the demands of running a business as outlined in the DARS1803-1, Business Plan Support Summary Report; and
the following documentation has been completed by the SSES and signed by the appropriate parties:
DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record for each business team meeting (at least two meetings are required for this benchmark); DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary; and
DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet. Payment. Payment for Benchmark 6 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made upon receipt of at least two completed and signed DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record forms; the completed and signed DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary; DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet; and an invoice. Benchmark 7: Supported Self-Employment Service Completion
Service Description. The SSES has helped the consumer establish and implement the business as outlined in the business plan. The consumer's business has been operating at least 90 cumulative calendar days from the date Benchmark 6: Supported Self-Employment Business Stability was achieved without direct intervention by the SSES. All interventions and services to address supports that will be necessary to sustain the business once DARS has closed the case have been set up and are operating. The business must have ending cash equal to or greater than three months of operating expenses for the business for 3 months within a twelve-month period after stability, and the consumer's wage must calculate to be equal to or greater than minimum wage for three months within a twelve-month period after stability. The months of operating cost and months of consumer's wage calculated to be equal to or greater than minimum wage do not have to be consecutive or achieved simultaneously. At least two business team meetings must be held during the completion of this benchmark. Required Documentation. The following documentation is required: DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record for each business team meeting (at least two meetings are required for this benchmark); DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary is required and should be written in positive, clear, and descriptive English. Details in the report should describe the consumer so that someone reading the report has a "clear picture" of the consumer's support needs, abilities, and challenges related to establishing and maintaining the business.
verify that the consumer has been running the business for 7 months (258 days cumulatively);
verify that the consumer's business has been operating 90 cumulative calendar days from the date Benchmark 6: Supported Self-Employment Business Stability was achieved without the SSES providing any services (consulting, training, etc.) for the consumer;
verify that the consumer has maintained a business that meets all nonnegotiable employment conditions and meets 50 percent or more of the negotiable employment conditions;
explain how the extended services and supports are working without any intervention from the SSES; and
include signatures of the consumer (or consumer's legally authorized representative) and the SSES; and
Outcome. Benchmark 7: Supported Self-Employment Service Completion is complete when
the consumer has maintained a self-employment outcome that
meets all nonnegotiable employment conditions; meets at least 50 percent of negotiable employment conditions; has ending cash equal to or greater than three months of operating expenses for the business for one month within a 12-month period after stability as calculated on the DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet; and provides the consumer a wage calculated to be equal to or greater than minimum wage for three months within a twelve-month period after stability as calculated on the DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet;
Note: The months of operating costs and months of consumer's wage calculated to be equal to or greater than minimum wage do not have to be consecutive or achieved simultaneously.
the business has been operating and open for at least 258 cumulative calendar days; the business has been operating 90 cumulative calendar days from the date Benchmark 6: Supported Self-Employment Business Stability was achieved;
the SSES has not provided any services (consulting, training, etc.) for the consumer for at least 90 days; extended services and supports have been put into place and are operating; and the following documentation has been completed by the SSES and signed by the appropriate parties:
Payment. Payment for Benchmark 7 (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made upon receipt of at least two completed and signed DARS1802, Planning Meeting Record forms; the completed and signed DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary; DARS1805, Financial Actual Spreadsheet; and an invoice. Capital/Equity Self-Employment Premium Service Description. The Capital/Equity Self-Employment Premium requires the provider to work with the consumer or business owner, funders, family, and stakeholders to complete all necessary steps to establish one of the following to maintain business operations: a PASS, an Individual Development Account (IDA), a bank or nonbank loan, a family loan or investment, or other source of equity or debt capital. In order to qualify for the Capital/Equity Self-Employment Premium, the provider must document the intent to help the consumer gain the capital income in the DARS1800, Supported Self-Employment Services Plan (SSESP); DARS1803-1, Business Plan Support Summary Report; and
DARS1803-2, Business Plan. Documentation and Fees. The DRS counselor is authorized to pay the provider (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) when the consumer achieves Benchmark 7: Supported Self-Employment Service Completion and the SSES provides proof that an expected form of capital has been gained along with the DARS1806, Supported Self-Employment Support Summary. *From "Making Self-Employment Work for People with Disabilities," Cary Griffin and David Hammis, 2006. 2.13 Social Security Administration/Vocational Rehabilitation (SSA/VR) Ticket to Work Partnership Plus—EN Employment Advancement Payments
(Added 01/10, Revised 12/10)
Under the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work Partnership Plus Program, DARS and Employment Networks (ENs), as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), partner to provide a seamless system of service delivery that supports a consumer who receives either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in his or her efforts toward achieving and maintaining self-supporting employment. DARS provides vocational rehabilitation services, including job placement or supported employment, if appropriate, and, after VR case closure, an EN provides ongoing job supports and services to ensure that the consumer maintains and has opportunities to advance in employment. In order for an EN to partner with DARS under the Ticket to Work Partnership Plus option, the consumer's Ticket cannot be assigned to an EN while VR services are being provided.
DARS offers incentive payments called EN Employment Advancement Payments to DARS Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) providers under the following circumstances:
DARS purchased job placement (JP) or supported employment (SE) services from the CRP-EN for the consumer, and those services resulted in a successful case closure;
following VR case closure, the consumer assigns his or her Ticket to the CRP-EN for SE only, the CRP must be identified on the DARS1616, Job Stability or Service Closure Justification Summary as one of the primary providers who will help the consumer achieve an identified long-term support need.
Note: DARS EN Employment Advancement Payments are not available to the CRP-EN when the consumer decides to assign his or her Ticket to an EN other than the CRP-EN. In keeping with informed choice, DARS will provide the consumer with a list of all available ENs at VR case closure.
If a CRP-EN is the holder of the consumer's Ticket assignment, the Ticket must be unassigned from CRP-EN and placed in use with DARS before the CRP-EN can partner with DARS and be eligible for EN Employment Advancement payments.
CRP-EN
A provider of job placement and/or supported employment services under contract with DARS in accordance with these standards, and who is also under contract with the Social Security Administration (SSA) as an Employment Network.
Payments to those DARS CRPs who are also under contract with the SSA as an Employment Network and who partner with DARS in an effort to ensure that VR consumers participating in the SSA's Ticket to Work Program receive job retention services and other types of services that advance employment or increase earnings after the consumer's VR case is closed.
Public or private entities that enter into an agreement with the Social Security Administration to provide employment, vocational, or other support services and help Ticket holders (consumers) obtain and maintain employment. MAXIMUS
A private organization that contracts with the SSA to help manage the Ticket to Work Program. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
A level of consumer work activity and earnings defined by the SSA that includes the following concepts:
Doing significant physical or mental activities, or a combination of both (full- or part-time); and
Work performed for pay or profit
SGA is increased every January 1. Go to http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/sga.html to view the current amount.
105 percent of SGA
Amount calculated by identifying the SGA from the link above and then multiplying that amount by 1.05. Tier Level (1 or 2)
A payment level assigned by a DARS counselor to a consumer receiving job placement or supported employment services and that is used as a basis for determining the amount of an EN Employment Advancement Payment.
A paper document that is SSA's agreement to pay an EN the agreed upon payments under the Ticket to Work Program.
DARS offers a total of two EN Employment Advancement Payments to CRP-ENs who provide ongoing support services or job retention services that advance employment or increase earnings after a consumer's VR case is closed. Services provided by the CRP-EN must help the consumer meet the following outcomes:
Consumer achieves one month of gross monthly pay that meets or exceeds SGA for the year in which the income was earned. This payment is available only during the first 12 months after VR case closure; and
Consumer achieves eight of twelve consecutive months of gross monthly pay that meets or exceeds 105 percent of SGA for the year in which the pay was earned. This payment is available only during the first 18 months after the first payment.
The CRP-EN provides services necessary for the consumer to retain and advance in employment to the point that the consumer can achieve one month of gross monthly pay that meets or exceeds SGA for the year in which the income was earned. This payment is available only during the first 12 months after VR case closure. For SE only, the CRP must be identified on the
DARS1616, Job Stability or Service Closure Justification Summary as one of the primary providers helping the consumer achieve an identified long-term support need outlined in the DARS1616.
The CRP-EN must notify the VR counselor, in writing, at least 30 days before the CRP-EN anticipates that the consumer will achieve the required income level, so that appropriate purchase orders may be issued.
The DARS1050, Ticket to Work Partnership Plus, Employment Advancement Payment is required. The form must be signed by the Job Placement or Supported Employment provider. Written documentation (such as a Ticket Assignment confirmation letter from MAXIMUS or SSA Form 1365 State Agency Ticket Assignment Form completed and signed by the consumer and CRP-EN within 30 days of the invoice) must also be provided as proof that the consumer's Ticket is currently assigned to the CRP-EN.
One of the following must be attached to DARS1050, Ticket to Work Partnership Plus, Employment Advancement Payment to provide evidence of consumer gross earnings:
a copy of the consumer's pay stub,
employer-prepared and -signed earnings statement, or
records from a third-party source (for example, The Work Number) that present earnings broken down by month.
The first EN Employment Advancement outcome is achieved when
the consumer's VR case has been closed successfully following provision of either job placement services or supported employment services by the CRP-EN;
the consumer has assigned the Ticket to the CRP-EN; and
The first EN Employment Advancement Payment can be made no more than 12 months after VR case closure. Payment (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made when the DARS counselor receives and approves
The CRP-EN provides services necessary for the consumer to retain and advance in employment to the point that the consumer can achieve 8 of 12 consecutive months of gross monthly pay that meets or exceeds 105 percent of SGA for the year in which the income was earned. This payment is available only during the first 18 months after the first EN Employment Advancement Payment.
The DARS1050, Ticket to Work Partnership Plus, Employment Advancement Payment is required. The form must be signed by the JP or SE provider. Written documentation (such as a Ticket Assignment confirmation letter from MAXIMUS) must also be provided as proof that the consumer's Ticket is currently assigned to the CRP-EN.
One of the following must be attached to the
DARS1050, Ticket to Work Partnership Plus, Employment Advancement Payment to provide evidence of consumer gross earnings for 8 of 12 consecutive months:
copies of the consumer's pay stubs,
employer-prepared and -signed earnings statements, or
The second EN Employment Advancement outcome is achieved when
The second EN Employment Advancement payment can be made no more than 18 months after the first payment.
Payment for the second EN Employment Advancement (see Fee Schedule 2-0005) is made when the DARS counselor receives and approves