Vr-PRE-ETS-CRP

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) program with Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP) working with students at Chicago Public Schools is referred to as the Pre-ETS VR-CRP Program. This is a unique program for Chicago Public School students under the direction of the Illinois Department of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services' (IDHS- DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation Program. CRP's provide the Pre-ETS identified to this group of students to include Job Exploration Counseling, Workplace Readiness, and Work-Based Learning Experiences. This program facilitates work-based learning experiences through, career exploration and relevant job- skills training that leads to competitive integrated employment. The goal for each student participant is competitive, integrated employment.

Services provided are a collaboration between the student/guardian, the school district, the CRP, and DRS. Providers are expected to employ a variety of techniques and services necessary in obtaining and maintaining community based competitive employment consistent with the employment outcome goal identified on the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). To promote this emphasis, IDHS-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; compliance 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.

Services under this contract include the three Pre-ETS below.

  1. Job Exploration Counseling: Services that could include: 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: Work-based learning experiences, which may include in-school or after school opportunities, or experience outside the traditional school setting (including internships), that is provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible. These will include: On Campus OJE-OJT, Community OJE-OJT, 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. Workplace Readiness Training: Classroom or community-based instruction 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.

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

Pre-ETS services provided under this contract, are for Chicago Public Schools students in high school.

  1. Referrals for this program will come from the local DRS office. The DRS counselor will determine eligibility of the students and develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that includes the CRP to provide job placement services. A Notification of Services (NOS) must also be included.
  2. Ensure program accessibility to all students with disabilities including students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind that includes:
  1. Opportunities to work, with or without individualized supports, in community integrated employment prior to school exit.
  2. A minimum of 10 hours a week in competitive, integrated employment as able. If there is a need for less hours, the DRS Counselor can approve with a case note.

3. Obtain appropriate wage compensation for students participating in the Work-Based Learning Employment Outcome in accordance with state and federal labor laws.

Competitive Integrated Employment means work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis and for which the customer is compensated with the customary wage and level of benefits, but not less than minimum wage and meets the additional criteria below:

  1. Is not less than customary rate paid by the employer for the same or similar work performance performed by other employees who are not individuals with disabilities in similar occupations.
  2. In the case of an individual who is self-employed, yields an income that is comparable to the income received by other individuals who are not individuals with disabilities and who are self-employed in similar tasks.
  3. Is eligible for the level of benefits provided to other employees.
  4. Is in a location in the community where the individual with a disability interacts with individuals who are not individuals with disabilities.
  5. Presents as appropriate opportunities for advancement that are similar to those for other employees who are not individuals with disabilities with similar positions.

Wages must be paid in full by the employer. There are no wage reimbursements from any source, i.e., DHS/DRS, WIOA, etc. Students must work for 2 or more hours per workday. If there is a need for less hours, the DRS counselor can approve with a case note.

Work can be with or without support.

Only one Work-Based Learning Employment Outcome can be billed per student per school year. This does allow for the possibility of multiple outcomes on the same student when served during different school years if all other criteria are met. It also allows for a carry-over of days from one contract period to the next contract period to count towards an outcome credit if all other criteria are met. If the student graduates, there is no carryover. The burden of proof for outcome credits lies with the provider and will be documented.

The CRP is responsible for job development and placement of DRS customers into competitive integrated employment, and for completion of group billing sheets and monthly progress reports.

The provider must submit to both the DRS Local Office(s) and Contract Advisor a Monthly Group Billing either by fax, e-mail and/ or regular mail within 5 working days of the beginning of the month. Group Billing Sheet must include all required information.

The CRP agrees that it will provide services only to individuals who have been approved for participation by DRS. DRS staff is exclusively responsible for determination of eligibility of an individual for the vocational rehabilitation program and for placement of an individual into a category under the order of selection policy. All questions about the participation of an individual will be referred to DRS before any services are provided under this agreement. CRP personnel may provide DRS with diagnostic and evaluative information concerning individuals disabling condition and functional capacities, with the understanding that the certification of eligibility is to be made by DRS staff.

The DRS customers participating in Pre-ETS VR-CRP cannot be closed until the student exits high school, due to receiving additional Pre-ETS through Chicago Public Schools.

For Telecommunication and Interpreter Compliance, refer to the Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) Manual located on the IDHS webpage.

The following reporting requirements apply:

  1. The provider must submit to both the DRS Local Office(s) and Contract Advisor a Group Billing Sheet either by fax, e-mail and/ or regular mail by the 5th working day of the month. Group Billing Sheet 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 monthly 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 monthly.
  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 reviewed monthly to the DRS Contract Advisor on the Group Billing Sheet.

  • and % of customers maintaining competitive employment for 15 days.
  • and % of customers maintaining competitive employment for 45 days.
  • and % of customers maintaining competitive employment for 90 days.

Wage records, as requested on 90 day placements, will be submitted to the Local Office, the Contract Advisor and DRS Quality Assurance no later than 30 days after the request by DRS.

4.Performance Standards

At least 70% of students referred, obtain competitive integrated employment.

At least 70% of customers served will maintain competitive employment for 15 days. This will be measured monthly by comparing the total customers served from the master list to the number of customers completing a 15-day employment outcome.

At least 80% of customers achieving a 15-day employment outcome will maintain competitive employment for 45 days. This will be measured monthly by comparing the customers who reached both a 15 day and a 45-day employment outcome.

At least 80% of customers achieving a 45-day employment outcome will maintain competitive employment for 90 days. This will be measured monthly by comparing the customers who reached both a 45 day and a 90-day employment outcome.

100% of the wage records submitted will depict competitive integrated employment.