YOU

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 Youth Initiative Program is a statewide program under the direction of the Illinois Department of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services' (IDHS- DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation Program. According to the Workforce and Innovation Act, a student with a disability is defined as an individual with a disability in secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized education program who is not younger than 14 and is not older than 21 years of age, is 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.

Individuals participating in these services, will have been found eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services, and will be in Plan Status. The Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provided within this contract are intended to augment the services received from their local high school. DRS counselor writes a justification for services, enters the Pre-ETS to be provided on the plan, and makes the referral to the Provider.

Service provision is based on the identified Pre-ETS in the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and Notification of Services (NOS).

Pre-employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)- Provision of services can include any of the services listed below.

  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

Provide Pre-ETS services to students with a disability that have been found eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services and are in Plan Status, have an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and a Notification of Services (NOS). Students identified for this program have a documented need for additional Pre-ETS to achieve their transition goals.

Services will be provided from at least one of the five required areas of Pre-ETS categories. Providers are expected to employ a variety of techniques and services necessary to assist the student with a disability to increase their knowledge in the identified areas.

DRS counselor will document the need for the additional Pre-ETS services prior to referral and beginning services.

Provider will complete monthly progress notes detailing what Pre-ETS services were provided and submit with the monthly billing.

If securing competitive, integrated employment 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 following reporting requirements apply:

  1. The provider must submit to both the DRS Local Office(s) and Contract Advisor the Student Flow Chart either by fax, e-mail and/ or regular mail by the 15th of the month. Student 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 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 reported monthly to the DRS Contract Advisor.

  1. Number of customers that participated in Job Exploration Counseling activities.
  2. Number of customers that participated in Work Based Learning activities.
  3. Number of customers that participated in Counseling on Post-Secondary Education activities.
  4. Number of customers that participated in Workplace Readiness activities.
  5. Number of customers that participated in Instruction in Self-Advocacy activities.

4.Performance Standards

100% of customers will have a documented justification for the augmented skills.

At least 80% of customers referred will receive the Pre-ETS needed per justification by DRS counselor. This will be measured monthly by comparing the total customers served from the master list to the number of customers completing the Pre-ETS.