Fast-Track-Youth

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 Fast Track Transition Program is a statewide program under the direction of the Illinois Department of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services' (IDHS- DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Services are provided to students with disabilities who qualify under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as potentially eligible individuals. To qualify, individuals must: be at least 14 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; be enrolled in an education program; have a documented disability with an IEP, 504 Plan, medical records, or documentation from a physician, and not already a participant in VR services. Individuals who have been determined eligible for the DRS VR program cannot be served under this contract. Participation can continue while all criteria are met.

Under WIOA, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are viewed as critical services provided to students to prepare them for employment and transitioning from school to work. Within this contract, the five required Pre-ETS will be provided. Services related to a student's disability, such as sign language interpreters, reader services or mobility instruction services can also be provided to the potentially eligible student. No individualized VR services, such as purchasing items needed for work, transportation, or other individualized services can be provided to these students.

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. Work-based learning experiences: This can be offered individually or within a group setting Work-based learning experiences, which may include internships and apprenticeships that are provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible. These can include On-the-job experiences and On-the-job training, Employer Paid Work experiences, Work-Site tours to learn about necessary job skills, job shadowing, mentoring opportunities in the community, internships, apprenticeships, short-term employment, or fellowships.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

The Provider will provide outreach and education about their program to students in their local coverage areas. Completion of the Fast Track Transition Services Intake form, including parental permission is required. Submission of required documentation of disability such as the IEP, 504 plan, medical records, or other documentation of disability will be submitted with the referral.

In addition, the Provider will complete the Fast Track Transition Agreement form to include the customer's name, the suggested Pre-ETS, and service dates under the Services Section. Only a qualified DRS staff can determine if the customer is potentially eligible and the Pre-ETS to be provided based on the information submitted. Upon final determination, the Qualification for Services Section will be signed by DRS and returned to the Provider. This services as the authorization for services to begin.

Progress notes on the services provided will be submitted with the billing, the Fast Track Transition Flow Chart. This will be submitted to the Local DRS Office and Contract Advisor at least quarterly, by the by the 15th of the month, following services.

If securing competitive integrated employment under the Work Based Learning Experience, obtain appropriate wage compensation for students in accordance with state and federal labor laws.

Provider will discuss students' rights and responsibilities in transition planning.

The Provider will meet with the Local DRS Office at least annually to discuss any issues or concerns. The purpose of this is to encourage and increase communication between DRS and the Provider.

The Provider agrees that services under these contracts will be provided only to individuals that meet the WIOA definition of a potentially eligible individual. Once these criteria change, or the customer needs individualized VR services, then the case must progress to Eligibility and they are no longer eligible for the Fast Track Transition contract services.

The following reporting requirements apply:

  1. The Provider must submit to both the DRS Local Office(s) and Contract Advisor the Fast Track Transition Flow Chart and progress notes either by fax, e-mail and/ or regular mail, at least quarterly, by the 15th of the month, following services. Fast Track Transition Flow Chart must include all required information.
  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. Provider will complete and submit a roster of customers being served quarterly to the Contract Advisor. Local DRS Office as requested.
  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 at least quarterly.
  2. Incomplete, inaccurate forms required for payment will result in delayed payments.
  3. Non-compliance per Provider Responsibilities/Assurances may result in suspension of payments until IDHS/DRS is satisfied that compliance concerns have been addressed.
  4. 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 on the Fast Track Transition Flow Chart.

  1. Number and percentage of customers who are verified as Potentially Eligible.
  2. Number and percentage of customers that participated in Job Exploration Counseling activities.
  3. Number and percentage of customers that participated in Work Based Learning activities.
  4. Number and percentage of customers that participated in Counseling on Post-Secondary Education activities.
  5. Number and percentage of customers that participated in Workplace Readiness activities.
  6. Number and percentage of customers that participated in Instruction in Self-Advocacy activities.
  7. Number and percentage of customers that were referred and received at least one Pre-ETS.

4.Performance Standards

  1. 100% of the students will meet the criteria for potentially eligible for VR services.
  2. At least 70% of customers referred for Job Exploration Counseling, participated in at least one activity related to this service.
  3. At least 50% of customers referred for Work-Based Learning Experiences, participated in one activity.
  4. At least 70% of customers referred for Counseling on Post-Secondary Education, participated at least in one activity related to this service.
  5. At least 70% of customers referred for Workplace Readiness Training, participated in at least one activity related to this service.
  6. At least 70% of customers referred for Self-Advocacy, participated in at least one activity related to this service.
  7. At least 90% of customers referred, received services under at least one Pre-ETS category.