Employment Services provides each client with the tools necessary to prepare, advance, and succeed in work environments to the best of their ability. Specific services provided within this department include prevocational services, extended services, workplace assistance, and vocational rehabilitation services.

Population(s) served: MDS provides employment services to individuals developmental disabilities ages 14+.

Settings: These services are facility-based, as well as in the client’s place of employment depending on the specifics of the service being provided.

Hours of Services: Employment services typically take place during regular business hours Monday through Friday, however based on the clients' needs, staff may work outside of these hours. Services may also be provided on the weekends.

Days of services: Employment services typically take place Monday through Friday; however, services may also be available on the weekends.

Frequency of Services: Frequency of services is determined by the individual and their team. It is based on the individual's needs, goals, and budget. It is recommended, for consistency and progress, that client’s receive services at least 1 time per week.

Payers and Funding Sources: Employment services are typically funded through the Medicaid Waiver or the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. (OVR). However, private pay options are also available. Specific funders for specific services are listed below.

Fees: The service rates are based on the funding source. Private pay rates are available as well. Private pay rates are based on the current fee schedule.

Referral Sources: Most referrals come through word of mouth, current clients and families, and case managers. The Medicaid Waiver utilizes a "pick list" which identifies providers within a geographic area. Vocational Rehabilitation is also a common referral source.

Prevocational Services:

Treatment Modality: These services prepare a participant for paid or unpaid employment. Prevocational services include teaching concepts such as compliance, attendance, task completion, problem solving, and safety. Services are not task oriented, but instead aimed at generalized results. Services are habilitative in nature and not explicit employment objectives. This service is available at a 4:1 client to staff ratio. All prevocational services will be reflected in the client’s plan of care as directed to habilitative rather than explicit employment objectives. The participant is not expected to be able to join the general workforce or participate in sheltered employment within 1 year.

Credentialing for Staff: All staff are required to pass a criminal background check as well as a driving record check. All staff are CPR/First Aid certified and have been trained in Handle with Care.

Funding Source: Available under the FSW and CIH waiver

Extended Services

Treatment Modality: These services are ongoing employment support services that enable an individual to maintain integrated competitive employment in a community setting. Individuals must be employed in a community based competitive job that pays at or above minimum wage in order to access this service. The initial job placement, training, and stabilization may be provided by OVR. Extended services provide the additional work-related supports needed by the individual to continue to be as independent as possible in community employment. If an individual has obtained this job without the help of OVR, they are still eligible for this service, as long as they meet the qualifications. Ongoing employment support services are identified in the client’s PCISP and must be related to the client’s limitations in functional areas (i.e., self-care, understanding and use of language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, economic self-sufficiency) as necessary to maintain employment. This service is provided 1:1 client to staff ratio. Extended services are provided in integrated community settings where persons without disabilities are also employed. This does not include sheltered work or other similar types of vocational services. An individual’s PCISP should be constructed in a manner that reflects the individuals informed choice and goals relating to employment and ensures provision of services in the most integrated setting possible. Goals should be designed to support employment outcomes that lead to further independence and are consistent with the individual’s goals.

Credentialing for Staff: All staff are required to pass a criminal background check as well as a driving record check. All staff are CPR/First Aid certified and have been trained in Handle with Care.

Funding Source: Available under the FSW and CIH waiver.

Work Place Assistance

Treatment Modality: Provides a range of personal care services and or support during paid competitive employment hours and in a competitive community employment setting to enable participants to accomplish tasks that they would normally do for themselves if they did not have a disability. Assistance could take form of hands-on assistance or promoting the participant to perform a personal care task. This service may be provided on an episodic or on a continuous basis. This service is designed to ensure health, safety and welfare of the client, which will in turn assist in the retention of paid employment for the participant who is paid at or above the federal wage. This service is provided on a 1:1 client to staff ratio.

Credentialing for Staff: All staff are required to pass a criminal background check as well as a driving record check. All staff are CPR/First Aid certified and have been trained in Handle with Care.

Funding Source: Available under the FSW and CIH waiver

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

 Treatment Modality: VR services are intended to help the individual discover their strengths, interests, and abilities. During service provision, the individual will also receive assistance with job placement, job supports, and retention. Throughout the process, natural supports will be developed leading to maximum independence for the individual. This service is provided on a 1:1 client to staff ratio.

Credentialing for Staff: All staff are required to pass a criminal background check as well as a driving record check. All staff are CPR/First Aid certified and have been trained in Handle with Care.

Funding Source: OVR. See Vocational Rehabilitation tab for more information on funding.