California Department of Rehabilitation
2009 State Plan Update

ATTACHMENT 6.3 

QUALITY, SCOPE, AND EXTENT OF 
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

6.3 Quality, Scope, and Extent of Supported Employment Services
CFR 363.11(c)
Describe the quality, scope, and extent of supported employment services to be provided to individuals with the most severe disabilities under this program.  Section 625 b) 3) of the Act. 

The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) provides the full scope of Supported Employment (SE) services to those Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) eligible individuals with the most significant disabilities, who are in a priority category currently being served under Order of Selection, require extended services to maintain employment, and have at least a reasonable expectation that a source of extended services will be available at the time of transition.  SE includes, if necessary, situational assessments through trial work experiences (TWE) to assess the individual’s interests and abilities.  TWE is also used to determine the techniques best suited to assist the individual to learn the work skills and the work behaviors necessary for employment.

The DOR provides those services that facilitate successful job matches and lead to successful job placements, primarily through community rehabilitation programs (CRPs), educational institutions and county mental health providers.  In areas where provider organizations are not available, or an individual has needs beyond those that can be met by a CRP, an individual service provider approved by the district to provide job placement or job coaching services may be authorized.

Once an appropriate supported employment position is identified for an individual, the DOR provides supported employment job coaching services for a period up to 18 months.  The services can be extended beyond 18 months, when appropriate, upon agreement of the consumer and counselor.  The job coaching services vary from one-to-one support on the job, to one-to-eight support on the job when individuals with disabilities are working together in a small group in the community.  Job coaching services may also be provided off the job as necessary when working with employers, care providers, advocacy groups, or in the provision of other services necessary to assist the individual in maintaining employment.  The VR Program funds Job coaching until the individual is determined to be stable and has maintained that stability for at least 60 days.

Once the individual has maintained stability on the job for at least 60 days, the funding for, or provision of, job coaching transitions to the extended services provider.  The Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (SVRC) continues to track the individual’s progress and job stability during the transition period.  If the individual maintains their job stability after 60 days of service by the extended service provider, the case is closed successfully.

Sources of extended services for SE consumers are detailed in Attachment 4.8(b)(4) Evidence of Collaboration Regarding Supported Employment and Extended Services.