DVR & W-2 Collaboration Training

1. DVR & W-2 Collaboration Training

2. *Due to differences in terminology across programs, the term participant/consumer will be used throughout this training when referring to individuals who are co-enrolled in both DVR and W-2.

3. Vision/Training Objectives

4. Objectives • Explain the services offered by both DVR and W-2. • Discuss a model of collaboration between DVR and W-2. • Explain how to use the Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) on DVR/W-2 Collaboration.

5. Objectives • Explain the benefits of DVR and W-2 working collaboratively to serve their mutual participants/consumers. • Demonstrate collaborative strategies to manage a case effectively through the use of the TAG.

6. How do you view collaboration?

7. History of Collaboration and Pilot • On February 29, 2008 DVR and the W-2 Program signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). • The TAG was developed and piloted by a workgroup of members from DVR, W-2, and Wisconsin Rehabilitation Council (WRC).

8. History of Collaboration and Pilot The TAG was designed to: • Work with individuals with disabilities who are currently co-enrolled in DVR and W-2 or who may potentially be served by both programs • Develop successful practices for serving mutual consumers

9. History of Collaboration and Pilot • Develop strategies and processes to better understand each other’s program • Coordinate services to assist the participant/consumer in reaching his or her employment goals

10. DVR Program Introduction • The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is within the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). • DVR assists individuals with disabilities to gain, retain, or advance in employment.

11. DVR Eligibility • An individual may be eligible for DVR services if s/he has… • A physical or mental impairment that makes it difficult to get and keep a job, • Limitations to employment as a result of the impairment and • Needs DVR assistance to address those limitations to employment.

12. DVR Eligibility • DVR reviews medical, psychological and educational records to document the disability and severity of limitations on the consumer’s ability to work. • SSI/SSDI recipients are presumed eligible for DVR services. • DVR has 60 days to determine eligibility unless an extension is approved.

13. DVR Order of Selection (OOS) • Required when DVR resources are not sufficient to serve all eligible consumers • Functional limitations: -Mobility -Interpersonal skills -Self-care -Work tolerance -Communication -Work skills -Self-direction

14. DVR Order of Selection (OOS) • First priority to individuals with most significant disabilities • Category 1- Most significant (3 or more significant limitations) • Category 2- Significant (1-2 significant limitations) • Category 3- No significant (no significant limitations)

15. DVR Order of Selection (OOS) • SSI/SSDI at least category 2 • Waitlist

16. DVR Informed Choice • Voluntary program • Consumer actively involved in all decisions throughout the DVR process • Evaluation and Assessment services and providers • Employment goal and responsibilities • Services • Service providers • Progress measures • Appeal Process

17. DVR Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) • Jointly developed • Identifies a specific goal to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment • Includes services that are activities or supports that help the consumer obtain and maintain employment • Includes progress measures that are indications of the consumer’s vocational activity

18. DVR Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) • Includes responsibilities that are the consumer’s commitments to follow through with the plan such as: • Conduct job search • Manage the disability • Appropriately use goods and services • Report to DVR monthly • Must be written within 90 days unless an extension is approved

19. DVR Services Services depend on the consumer’s job goal and what s/he needs to reach that goal.

20. DVR Services • Contract with vendors for many services • Must determine if comparable benefits exist and are available under any other program • Financial contribution by the consumer is not required for most services • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) is required for post-secondary education

21. DVR Follow-Along • Once employed a consumer is followed for a minimum of 90 days. • SSI/SSDI beneficiaries who are pursuing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) are followed for 9 out of 12 consecutive months. • There is not a limit for the number of times an individual can apply for services.

22. DVR Closure • Reasons for closure • Working at a job related to job goal, • Disability or personal matters keeping consumer from working with DVR, • Failure to cooperate, • Not making satisfactory progress in their plan for employment,

23. DVR Closure • No longer eligible, • DVR services are no longer necessary or appropriate, or • Not possible to develop a plan for employment.

24. DVR Process Chart Demonstrates the DVR process and consumer choices throughout the DVR program

25. W-2 Program Introduction • The Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program is administered by The Department of Children and Families (DCF). • The Department’s mission is to promote the economic and social well-being of Wisconsin's children and families. • The Department is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building communities.

26. W-2 Basic Assumptions • Work is the best way for parents to support their families. • Family income should improve when parents work. • Consistent work is essential for parents to achieve economic stability • W-2 participants are parents as well as job seekers.

27. W-2 Basic Assumptions • Eligible parents must be willing to participate in exchange for W-2 benefits. • Families benefit from participating in W-2. • W-2 matches the needs of working parents with the needs of local employers.

28. W-2 Program Services Wisconsin’s W-2 agencies combine job search, job opportunities, education, and training in one location. They also promote integrated access to many related services.

29. W-2 Program Services Program Services may include: • Employment Search • Education/Training • Job Readiness Activities • Work Experience

30. Supportive Services Supportive Services may include: - Child Care - Child Support - DVR Services - Energy Assistance - FoodShare - Healthcare - Housing Assistance - Transportation Assistance - Emergency Assistance - Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

31. Resource Sharing W-2 agencies have developed working relationships with many area community resources including: • Domestic Violence Shelters • Faith-based Groups • Food Pantries • Homeless Shelters

32. W-2 Eligibility Who may be eligible to receive W-2 services? • Custodial Parents • Non-Custodial Parents • Single Pregnant Women with no other born minor children living with them • Minor Teen Parents

33. W-2 Eligibility Only custodial parents may be placed in an employment position and receive a cash payment. An exception to this is the At Risk Pregnancy (ARP) Placement.

34. W-2 Eligibility All other categories may be provided case management services.

35. W-2 Eligibility Participants must: • Cooperate with Child Support Agency • Cooperate with the requirement to search for employment (if appropriate) • Not be receiving SSI or SSDI

36. W-2 Eligibility Income Limits: Countable income must be less than 115% of the Federal Poverty Level for family size. Group SizeMonthly Income Limit 1 $1,038 2 $1,396 3 $1,755 4 $2,113

37. W-2 Eligibility What income is counted? Examples: • SSI and SSDI Payments • Alimony • Earned Income • Unemployment • Worker’s Compensation

38. W-2 Eligibility What income is disregarded? Examples: • Child Support • Family Support • Educational Aide • Kinship Care • Foster Care Payments

39. W-2 Eligibility Asset Limits: $2,500 or less in countable assets What assets are countable? Examples: • Checking Accounts • Savings Accounts • Equity value of a vehicle that exceeds $10,000

40. W-2 Eligibility What assets are disregarded? Examples: • Homestead Property • Irrevocable Trusts • Assets that can’t be accessed for at least 31 days

41. W-2 Eligibility Participants will be asked to provide: • Verification of citizenship (or Qualified Alien Status) and date of birth for all W-2 group members, • Verification of income and assets,

42. W-2 Eligibility • Social security numbers for all W-2 group members and • Verification of address and living arrangement.

43. W-2 Application Flow An applicant must be scheduled to meet with a Resource Specialist (RS) on either the day they apply for W-2 or the next business day. The RS will: • Assess the individual’s situation and discuss W-2 Program options, • Discuss resources within the W-2 agency, community resources, and supportive services and • Assess the individual’s level of job readiness.

44. W-2 Application Flow By business day five (5), the applicant must be scheduled to meet with a Financial & Employment Planner (FEP). The FEP will: • Collect and record information to determine W-2 eligibility, • Discuss job search efforts (if assigned by the RS) and • Continue the upfront job search assignment (if appropriate).

45. W-2 Application Flow By business day twelve (12), W-2 eligibility must be determined and, if the individual is eligible, an appropriate placement must be made. Activities are assigned based on the individual’s assessment information, his/her employment goals, and the requirements of the W-2 program.

46. W-2 Employment Positions

47. Unsubsidized Employment Position Unsubsidized employment is the highest and most desirable rung on the W-2 employment ladder. Individuals in unsubsidized employment • Are employed, • Are not receiving a W-2 cash payment, and • Their employer is not receiving a subsidy. These individuals are eligible for case management services.

48. Trial Job Employment Position Individuals who are unemployed and • Capable of working and have a willing attitude • Have basic skills and/or education, but lack sufficient skills to meet employer needs • Have little or poor work history may be placed in a Trial Job with an employer willing to provide an opportunity and train the participant.

49. Trial Job Employment Position Trial Jobs are contracted between the W-2 agency and an employer with an expectation that if the W-2 participant performs satisfactorily the employer will offer that participant permanent employment. Trial Job positions are generally 40 hours per week placements. A Trial Job employer will receive a wage subsidy not to exceed $300 per month for full-time employment.

50. CSJ Employment Position Community Service Job (CSJ) Individuals who are unemployed due to: • Little or no work history • Lack of skills and/or work habits needed to gain and maintain employment may be placed in a Community Service Job(CSJ).