Vr-PRE-ETS

Applicant Eligibility

1.Project Description

The Division of Rehabilitation Services requires the timely execution of all initial and amended contractual agreements. Vendors will have 14 business days to sign and return the required contract documents issued by the State, which may include one or more of the following: initial contract signature page, amendment page, Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest, and the Taxpayer Identification Page. Non-compliance may result in a modified start date of the contract to align with the vendor's submission of the required execution documents. Vendors will not be reimbursed for services provided in advance of the modified start date. When a contract amendment is issued to reduce the value of the contract, non-compliance may result in the full de-obligation of the contract balance regardless of the amended amount.

The Final Reconciliation of a contractual agreement will follow prescribed timeframes communicated annually to community providers.

This contract is for purchase of care services related to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

The Pre-employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) contract with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is called Pre-ETS VR-CPS. This program is provided under the direction of the Illinois Department of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services' (IDHS- DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Chicago Public Schools offers the Pre-ETS which includes a variety of services, including evaluation and training, designed to prepare students with disabilities for transition to employment and optimum community participation during and after high school. Services are provided to students who qualify under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as a student with a disability. Individuals participating will be at least 14 1/2 and not older than 21 years of age or fall under Public Act 102-0172 which extends eligibility to the end of the regular school year for students whose 22nd birthday falls within a regular school term. The individual must be in a secondary education program and must be eligible for, and receiving special education or related services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and who is an individual with a disability according to section 504 of the Federal Register.

Pre-ETS are viewed as critical services provided to students to prepare them for employment and transitioning from school to work. Pre-ETS available under this contract include evaluation, training, and workplace readiness components designed to prepare students with disabilities for transition to employment and optimum community participation during and after high school. Individuals participating in these services, will have been found eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services. They will then be put into Plan Status.

Students participating in the Pre-ETS VR-CPS contract, are identified as Secondary Transitional Experience Program (STEP) customers in WebCM and on the billing forms.

To promote this emphasis, DHS-DRS requires: customized services that are responsive to the individual support needs and learning styles of students and include linkages to education, other agencies, and adult services; with Department of Education 34 CFR based on the Rehabilitation ACT of 1973 as amended by WIOA; and compliance with all state and federal Department of Labor (DOL) regulations is required.

Pre-ETS

  1. Job Exploration Counseling: This can be offered individually or within a group setting: career exploration for in-demand occupations, as well as nontraditional employment; labor market trends; career interest inventories and identifying careers of interest to the student.
  2. Counseling on Post-Secondary Education: This can be offered individually or within a group setting. Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or post-secondary education programs at institutions of higher education. This would include advising students and parents or representatives on academic curriculum, career options, providing information about college applications and admission processes, completing the FAFSA, advising on the types of academic and occupational training needed to succeed in the workplace, or providing disability support services.
  3. Workplace Readiness Training: This can be provided individually or within a group setting. These are skills received beyond that received in a work-related class. This typically provides training in skill areas other than vocational development that students will need to function independently within the community. Skill areas may include, but are not limited to, use of public transportation, meal preparation, money management, household management, communication and interpersonal skills, job seeking skills, understanding employer expectations, and are tailored to the individual's needs.
  4. Instruction in Self-Advocacy: This can be offered individually or within a group setting. Learning about rights, responsibilities, and how to request accommodations or services as well as being able to communicate any thoughts, concerns or needs while seeking services. Conducting informational interviews, mentoring with educational staff, employers, individuals in the community, or other areas and participating in youth leadership activities are all examples.

Vendors are required to comply with all provisions outlined in 2 CFR 200.327 Contract Provisions, Appendix II to Part 200 - Contract Provisions for Non- Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards.

2.Deliverables

Chicago Public Schools will provide and participate in the following under this contract. Students participating in the Pre-ETS VR-CPS contract, are identified as Secondary Transitional Experience Program (STEP) customers in WebCM and utilize the STEP Flow Chart for billing purposes.

1. Referral information for IDHS-DRS to determine student eligibility for services and approve participation in Pre-ETS VR-CPS contract. Referrals will include at a minimum:

  1. Social security number
  2. Consent for services
  3. Release of information-guardian signature as needed
  4. Most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  5. Existing medical documentation, most recent psychological and record reviews. If applicable, social history will also be included; or
  6. Any other verification that the student has been determined by another educational or governmental agency to be an individual with a disability.

2. Develop and monitor a coordinated educational (IEP), vocational (IPE) plan with students, parents, multi-disciplinary school personnel, DRS counselor, and adult service providers. DRS counselor must be involved in any decisions that would alter previously agreed upon programming for individual students. A copy of the students' most recent IEP must be sent annually to IDHS-DRS while a student is in Pre-ETS VR-CPS programming.

3. Maintain communication with the DRS counselor to ensure continuity of services.

4. Invite IDRS counselor to annual IEP staffing at least ten (10) days in advance.

5. Enter case notes in WebCM on customer's progress at least quarterly.

6. Identify potential participants for IDHS-DRS referrals.

7. Inform parents and students of the availability of IDHS-DRS services, and of their rights and responsibilities in transition planning.

8. Encourage active participation on the local Transition Planning Committee(s).

The school district agrees that it will provide Pre-ETS services only to individuals who are applicants for DRS Vocational Rehabilitation services or individuals who have been found eligible for DRS Vocational Rehabilitation services. All questions about the potential eligibility of an individual will be referred to DRS before any services are provided under this agreement.

The following reporting requirements apply:

  1. The Pre-ETS VR-CPS provider must submit to both the DRS Local Office(s) and Contract Advisor the STEP Flow Chart either by fax, e-mail and/ or regular mail at least quarterly by the 15th of the month, following services.
  2. If there is no billing for that month, an e-mail can be sent stating that to the Contract Advisor. Local DRS Office cc'd as requested.
  3. Match must be submitted to the Contract Advisor quarterly, by the 15th of the month, following the quarter.
  4. On Site reviews of contractual requirements, including Provider files, will be performed no less than once every three years, or more often as needed.
  5. Final Reconciliation will be submitted to the Contract Advisor by the 5th working day of July.

The following information is critical to ensure timely payments and program operations:

  1. Billings are to be completed on a quarterly basis.
  2. Match expenditure reports are submitted at least quarterly.
  3. Incomplete, inaccurate forms required for payment will result in delayed payments.
  4. Non-compliance per Provider Responsibilities/Assurances may result in suspension of payments until IDHS/DRS is satisfied that compliance concerns have been addressed.
  5. The final billing should be clearly marked as such on all forms required for payment.

3.Performance Measures

Performance measures will be reported at least quarterly to the DRS Contract Advisor.

  1. Number and percentage of customers that participated in Job Exploration Counseling activities.
  2. Number and percentage of customers that participated in Counseling on Post-Secondary Education activities.
  3. Number and percentage of customers that participated in Workplace Readiness Training activities.
  4. Number and percentage of customers that participated in Instruction in Self-Advocacy activities.

4.Performance Standards

  1. 100% of the customers served will be at least in Eligibility status.
  2. At least 70% of the customers referred for Job Exploration counseling, participated in at least one activity related to this service.
  3. At least 70% of customers referred for Counseling on Post-Secondary Education, participated at least in one activity related to this service.
  4. At least 70% of customers referred for Workplace Readiness Training, participated in at least one activity related to this service.
  5. At least 70% of customers referred for Self-Advocacy, participated in at least one activity related to this service.
  6. At least 90% of customers referred, received services under at least one Pre-ETS category.