Youth with a Disability - an individual with a disability who is not younger than 14 years of age and not older than 24 years of age. There is no requirement that a "Youth with a disability" be participating in an education program.
The services provided by the Provider are only available to youth with disabilities who are in need of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and are eligible for the IDHS-DRS program and receiving services in accordance with an approved Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). IDHS-DRS must approve and authorize the services prior to service provision.
The POS Youth is a statewide program under the direction of the IDHS- DRS VR Program. This program assists youth with disabilities in increasing their independent living and work skills. Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living and Work-Based Learning Experiences under Pre-ETS are provided to individuals who qualify under the WIOA as a youth with a disability. Individuals ages 16 through age 24 will be served under this contract. The goal is for participants is to achieve competitive integrated employment (CIE) and maintain it for at least 90 days. Under WIOA, independent living services and work experiences are seen as valuable services that are provided to this group of youth to prepare them for employment. Within this contract, the following services will be provided to achieve the individuals' unique goals. An Independent Living Assessment, Residential Services, Job Seeking Skills Training, Transportation to work experiences, and achieving 90-days of competitive integrated employment (CIE).
The residential program is designed to promote independence, increased ability to live and work independently. The individuals that participate in this program will learn independent living skills and self-advocacy skills which are consistent with WIOA regulations.
Job Seeking Skills Training (JSST) participation will be in accordance with the service time frame listed on the IPE. Participants will learn about workplace readiness skills and participate in work-based learning experiences.
Transportation services associated with the work experiences are allowed under this contract during the residential program will be provided based on the service time frame on the IPE.
At the completion of the residential program and JSST, the goal for each participant is CIE. VR regulations established under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and subsequent guidance from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) find that there are three key components to determining whether a given job meets the criteria of competitive integrated employment: competitive wages and benefits; integrated location, which means that it is a job that is "typically found in the community"; and opportunity for advancement. CIE is integrated employment within the community which pays the Customer (employee) at least minimum wage or a wage commensurate to the prevailing wage and applicable fringe benefits. Providers use job matching techniques to assist individuals in identifying specific jobs or potential employers that are available and accessible in the community.
The payment structure is based on the following services. Rates as of 7/1/2024.
Independent Living Assessment - $500
Residential Services - $485 per week, per customer
Job Seeking Skills Training (JSST) - $293 per week, per customer
*This will be provided in accordance with the service time frame listed on the IPE. Eight-week staffing and progress notes will document the initial and continued need for this service. *
Transportation - $75 per month
*This will be provided in accordance with the service time frame listed on the IPE. Eight-week staffing and progress notes will document the initial and continued need for this service. *
90-day Employment- $3,392
Program Specific Information:
Customers will complete the Knowledge Check document after service provision, developed by IDHS-DRS, for the identified Pre-ETS are required to demonstrate progress. Results will be shared quarterly.
Provide residential services to customers that are in need of increased independence to live and work competitively.
Provide JSST services to customers that are not going into job placement with this Provider.
Monthly progress notes submitted with the billing to IDHS-DRS counselor. Progress notes will contain date of services, services provided, skills gained, and progress on goals.
An Individualized Provider Plan (IPP) will be developed on each customer at the beginning of services. This will be updated as the vocational goal changes and must match the VR IPE vocational goal. This will be submitted to IDHS-DRS counselor.
The provider must submit to both the IDHS-DRS Local Office(s), where customers are served, and the IDHS-DRS Contract Advisor the monthly Group Billing Sheet by fax, e-mail and/ or regular mail within 5 business days of the beginning of the month.
