dvr & w-2 collaboration training. *due to differences in terminology across programs, the term...

DVR & W-2

Collaboration Training

*Due to differences in terminology across programs, *Due to differences in terminology across programs, the term participant/consumer will be used the term participant/consumer will be used throughout this training when referring to throughout this training when referring to

individuals who are co-enrolled in both DVR and individuals who are co-enrolled in both DVR and W-2. W-2.

Vision/Training ObjectivesVision/Training Objectives

ObjectivesObjectives

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.

ObjectivesObjectives

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.

How do you view collaboration?How do you view collaboration?

History of Collaboration and PilotHistory of Collaboration and Pilot

On February 29, 2008 DVR and the W-2 On February 29, 2008 DVR and the W-2 Program signed a Memorandum of Program signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).Understanding (MOU).

The TAG was developed and piloted by a The TAG was developed and piloted by a workgroup of members from DVR, W-2, and workgroup of members from DVR, W-2, and Wisconsin Rehabilitation Council (WRC).Wisconsin Rehabilitation Council (WRC).

The TAG was designed to:The TAG was designed to:

Work with individuals with disabilities who are Work with individuals with disabilities who are currently co-enrolled in DVR and W-2 or who currently co-enrolled in DVR and W-2 or who may potentially be served by both programsmay potentially be served by both programs

Develop successful practices for serving Develop successful practices for serving mutual consumersmutual consumers



Develop strategies and processes to better Develop strategies and processes to better understand each other’s programunderstand each other’s program

Coordinate services to assist the Coordinate services to assist the participant/consumer in reaching his or her participant/consumer in reaching his or her employment goalsemployment goals

DVR Program IntroductionDVR Program Introduction

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is within the Department of Workforce Development within the Department of Workforce Development (DWD).(DWD).

DVR assists individuals with disabilities to gain, DVR assists individuals with disabilities to gain, retain, or advance in employment.retain, or advance in employment.

DVR EligibilityDVR Eligibility An individual may be eligible for DVR services if An individual may be eligible for DVR services if

s/he has…s/he has…

A physical or mental impairment that makes it A physical or mental impairment that makes it difficult to get and keep a job,difficult to get and keep a job,

Limitations to employment as a result of the Limitations to employment as a result of the impairment andimpairment and

Needs DVR assistance to address those Needs DVR assistance to address those limitations to employment.limitations to employment.

DVR EligibilityDVR Eligibility

DVR reviews medical, psychological and DVR reviews medical, psychological and educational records to document the disability educational records to document the disability and severity of limitations on the consumer’s and severity of limitations on the consumer’s ability to work.ability to work.

SSI/SSDI recipients are presumed eligible for SSI/SSDI recipients are presumed eligible for DVR services.DVR services.

DVR has 60 days to determine eligibility DVR has 60 days to determine eligibility unless an extension is approved.unless an extension is approved.

DVR Order of Selection (OOS)DVR Order of Selection (OOS) Required when DVR resources are not sufficient to Required when DVR resources are not sufficient to

serve all eligible consumersserve all eligible consumers

Functional limitations: Functional limitations:

-Mobility -Mobility -Interpersonal skills-Interpersonal skills

-Self-care-Self-care -Work tolerance-Work tolerance

-Communication -Communication -Work skills -Work skills

-Self-direction-Self-direction

DVR Order of Selection (OOS)DVR Order of Selection (OOS)

First priority to individuals with most significant First priority to individuals with most significant disabilitiesdisabilities

Category 1- Most significant (3 or more Category 1- Most significant (3 or more significant limitations)significant limitations)

Category 2- Significant (1-2 significant Category 2- Significant (1-2 significant limitations)limitations)

Category 3- No significant (no Category 3- No significant (no significant limitations)significant limitations)

DVR Order of Selection (OOS)DVR Order of Selection (OOS)

SSI/SSDI at least category 2SSI/SSDI at least category 2

WaitlistWaitlist

DVR Informed ChoiceDVR Informed Choice Voluntary programVoluntary program

Consumer actively involved in all decisions throughout the Consumer actively involved in all decisions throughout the DVR processDVR process Evaluation and Assessment services and providersEvaluation and Assessment services and providers Employment goal and responsibilitiesEmployment goal and responsibilities ServicesServices Service providersService providers Progress measuresProgress measures

Appeal ProcessAppeal Process

DVR Individualized Plan for DVR Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)Employment (IPE)

Jointly developedJointly developed

Identifies a specific goal to obtain, maintain, or advance Identifies a specific goal to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment in employment

Includes services that are activities or supports that help Includes services that are activities or supports that help the consumer obtain and maintain employmentthe consumer obtain and maintain employment

Includes progress measures that are indications of the Includes progress measures that are indications of the consumer’s vocational activityconsumer’s vocational activity

DVR Individualized Plan for DVR Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)Employment (IPE)

Includes responsibilities that are the consumer’s Includes responsibilities that are the consumer’s commitments to follow through with the plan commitments to follow through with the plan such as:such as: Conduct job searchConduct job search Manage the disabilityManage the disability Appropriately use goods and services Appropriately use goods and services Report to DVR monthlyReport to DVR monthly

Must be written within 90 days unless an Must be written within 90 days unless an extension is approved extension is approved

DVR ServicesDVR Services

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

DVR ServicesDVR Services Contract with vendors for many servicesContract with vendors for many services

Must determine if comparable benefits exist and are Must determine if comparable benefits exist and are available under any other program available under any other program

Financial contribution by the consumer is not required for Financial contribution by the consumer is not required for most services most services

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) is The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) is required for post-secondary educationrequired for post-secondary education

DVR Follow-AlongDVR Follow-Along

Once employed a consumer is followed for a minimum of Once employed a consumer is followed for a minimum of 90 days. 90 days.

SSI/SSDI beneficiaries who are pursuing Substantial SSI/SSDI beneficiaries who are pursuing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) are followed for 9 out of 12 Gainful Activity (SGA) are followed for 9 out of 12 consecutive months.consecutive months.

There is not a limit for the number of times an individual There is not a limit for the number of times an individual can apply for services. can apply for services.

DVR ClosureDVR Closure

Reasons for closureReasons for closure

Working at a job related to job goal,Working at a job related to job goal,

Disability or personal matters keeping consumer from Disability or personal matters keeping consumer from working with DVR,working with DVR,

Failure to cooperate,Failure to cooperate,

Not making satisfactory progress in their plan for Not making satisfactory progress in their plan for employment,employment,

DVR ClosureDVR Closure

No longer eligible,No longer eligible,

DVR services are no longer necessary or appropriate, orDVR services are no longer necessary or appropriate, or

Not possible to develop a plan for employment. Not possible to develop a plan for employment.

DVR Process ChartDVR Process Chart

Demonstrates the DVR process and consumer Demonstrates the DVR process and consumer choices throughout the DVR programchoices throughout the DVR program

W-2 Program IntroductionW-2 Program Introduction

The Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program is administered by The Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program is administered by The Department of Children and Families (DCF). The Department of Children and Families (DCF).

The Department’s mission is to promote the economic and The Department’s mission is to promote the economic and social well-being of Wisconsin's children and families. social well-being of Wisconsin's children and families.

The Department is committed to protecting children, The Department is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building communities.strengthening families, and building communities.

W-2 Basic AssumptionsW-2 Basic Assumptions

Work is the best way for parents to support their families. Work is the best way for parents to support their families.

Family income should improve when parents work. Family income should improve when parents work.

Consistent work is essential for parents to achieve Consistent work is essential for parents to achieve economic stabilityeconomic stability

W-2 participants are parents as well as job seekers. W-2 participants are parents as well as job seekers.

W-2 Basic AssumptionsW-2 Basic Assumptions

Eligible parents must be willing to participate in Eligible parents must be willing to participate in exchange for W-2 benefits.exchange for W-2 benefits.

Families benefit from participating in W-2.Families benefit from participating in W-2.

W-2 matches the needs of working parents with W-2 matches the needs of working parents with the needs of local employers. the needs of local employers.

W-2 Program Services W-2 Program Services

Wisconsin’s W-2 agencies combine job search, job Wisconsin’s W-2 agencies combine job search, job opportunities, education, and training in one opportunities, education, and training in one

location. They also promote integrated access to location. They also promote integrated access to many related services.many related services.

W-2 Program ServicesW-2 Program Services

Program Services may include:Program Services may include:

Employment SearchEmployment Search

Education/TrainingEducation/Training

Job Readiness Activities Job Readiness Activities

Work ExperienceWork Experience

Supportive ServicesSupportive Services

Supportive Services may include:Supportive Services may include:

- Child Care- Child Care - Child Support- Child Support- DVR Services - DVR Services - - Energy AssistanceEnergy Assistance- FoodShare- FoodShare - Healthcare- Healthcare- Housing Assistance- Housing Assistance - Transportation Assistance- Transportation Assistance- Emergency Assistance - Emergency Assistance - Workforce Investment Act (WIA) - Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

Resource SharingResource SharingW-2 agencies have developed working W-2 agencies have developed working relationships with many area community resources relationships with many area community resources including:including:

Domestic Violence SheltersDomestic Violence Shelters

Faith-based GroupsFaith-based Groups

Food PantriesFood Pantries

Homeless Shelters Homeless Shelters

W-2 EligibilityW-2 EligibilityWho may be eligible to receive W-2 services?Who may be eligible to receive W-2 services?

Custodial ParentsCustodial Parents

Non-Custodial ParentsNon-Custodial Parents

Single Pregnant Women with no other born minor children Single Pregnant Women with no other born minor children living with themliving with them

Minor Teen ParentsMinor Teen Parents

W-2 EligibilityW-2 Eligibility

OnlyOnly custodial parents may be placed in an custodial parents may be placed in an employment position and receive a cash employment position and receive a cash

payment. An exception to this is the At Risk payment. An exception to this is the At Risk Pregnancy (ARP) PlacementPregnancy (ARP) Placement. .


All other categories may be provided case All other categories may be provided case management servicesmanagement services. .


Participants must:Participants must:

Cooperate with Child Support AgencyCooperate with Child Support Agency

Cooperate with the requirement to search for employment Cooperate with the requirement to search for employment (if appropriate)(if appropriate)

Not be receiving SSI or SSDINot be receiving SSI or SSDI


Income Limits:Income Limits:

Countable income must be less than 115% of the Federal Countable income must be less than 115% of the Federal Poverty Level for family size. Poverty Level for family size.

Group SizeGroup Size Monthly Income LimitMonthly Income Limit11 $1,038 $1,03822 $1,396$1,39633 $1,755$1,75544 $2,113$2,113


What income is counted?What income is counted?

Examples:Examples: SSI and SSDI PaymentsSSI and SSDI Payments AlimonyAlimony Earned IncomeEarned Income UnemploymentUnemployment Worker’s Compensation Worker’s Compensation


What income is disregarded?What income is disregarded?

Examples:Examples: Child SupportChild Support Family SupportFamily Support Educational AideEducational Aide Kinship CareKinship Care Foster Care PaymentsFoster Care Payments


Asset Limits:Asset Limits:$2,500 or less in countable assets$2,500 or less in countable assets

What assets are countable?What assets are countable?

Examples:Examples: Checking AccountsChecking Accounts Savings AccountsSavings Accounts Equity value of a vehicle that exceeds Equity value of a vehicle that exceeds

$10,000$10,000


What assets are disregarded?What assets are disregarded?

Examples:Examples: Homestead Property Homestead Property Irrevocable TrustsIrrevocable Trusts Assets that can’t be accessed for at least 31 daysAssets that can’t be accessed for at least 31 days


Participants will be asked to provide:Participants will be asked to provide:

Verification of citizenship (or Qualified Alien Verification of citizenship (or Qualified Alien Status) and date of birth for all W-2 group Status) and date of birth for all W-2 group members, members,

Verification of income and assets,Verification of income and assets,


Social security numbers for all W-2 group Social security numbers for all W-2 group members andmembers and

Verification of address and living arrangement.Verification of address and living arrangement.

W-2 Application FlowW-2 Application FlowAn applicant must be scheduled to meet with a An applicant must be scheduled to meet with a Resource Specialist (RS) on either the day they Resource Specialist (RS) on either the day they apply for W-2 or the next business day.apply for W-2 or the next business day.

The RS will:The RS will: Assess the individual’s situation and discussAssess the individual’s situation and discuss W-2 Program options,W-2 Program options,

Discuss resources within the W-2 agency, community Discuss resources within the W-2 agency, community resources, and supportive services andresources, and supportive services and

Assess the individual’s level of job readiness.Assess the individual’s level of job readiness.

W-2 Application FlowW-2 Application Flow

By business day five (5), the applicant must beBy business day five (5), the applicant must bescheduled to meet with a Financial & Employment scheduled to meet with a Financial & Employment Planner (FEP).Planner (FEP).

The FEP will:The FEP will: Collect and record information to determine W-2 eligibility,Collect and record information to determine W-2 eligibility,

Discuss job search efforts (if assigned by the RS) andDiscuss job search efforts (if assigned by the RS) and

Continue the upfront job search assignment Continue the upfront job search assignment (if appropriate).(if appropriate).

W-2 Application FlowW-2 Application Flow

By business day twelve (12), W-2 eligibility must be By business day twelve (12), W-2 eligibility must be determined and, if the individual is eligible, an appropriate determined and, if the individual is eligible, an appropriate

placement must be made.placement must be made.

Activities are assigned based on the individual’s Activities are assigned based on the individual’s assessment information, his/her employment goals, and assessment information, his/her employment goals, and

the requirements of the W-2 program.the requirements of the W-2 program.

W-2 Employment PositionsW-2 Employment Positions

Unsubsidized Employment PositionUnsubsidized Employment Position

Unsubsidized employment is the highest and mostUnsubsidized employment is the highest and mostdesirable rung on the W-2 employment ladder. desirable rung on the W-2 employment ladder.

Individuals in unsubsidized employmentIndividuals in unsubsidized employment Are employed, Are employed, Are not receiving a W-2 cash payment, andAre not receiving a W-2 cash payment, and Their employer is not receiving a subsidy.Their employer is not receiving a subsidy.

These individuals are eligible for case These individuals are eligible for case management servicesmanagement services..

Trial Job Employment PositionTrial Job Employment PositionIndividuals who are unemployed and Individuals who are unemployed and

Capable of working and have a willing attitudeCapable of working and have a willing attitude

Have basic skills and/or education, but lack sufficient skills Have basic skills and/or education, but lack sufficient skills to meet employer needsto meet employer needs

Have little or poor work history Have little or poor work history

may be placed in a may be placed in a Trial JobTrial Job with an employer with an employer willing to provide an opportunity and train the willing to provide an opportunity and train the participant.participant.

Trial Job Employment PositionTrial Job Employment Position

Trial Jobs are contracted between the W-2 agency and an Trial Jobs are contracted between the W-2 agency and an employer with an expectation that if the W-2 participant employer with an expectation that if the W-2 participant

performs satisfactorily the employer will offer that performs satisfactorily the employer will offer that participant permanent employment. participant permanent employment.

Trial Job positions are generally 40 hours per week Trial Job positions are generally 40 hours per week placements. A Trial Job employer will receive a wage placements. A Trial Job employer will receive a wage

subsidy not to exceed $300 per month for full-time subsidy not to exceed $300 per month for full-time employment. employment.

CSJ Employment PositionCSJ Employment Position

Community Service Job (CSJ)Community Service Job (CSJ)Individuals who are unemployed due to:Individuals who are unemployed due to:

Little or no work historyLittle or no work history

Lack of skills and/or work habits needed to gain and Lack of skills and/or work habits needed to gain and maintain employmentmaintain employment

may be placed in a may be placed in a Community ServiceCommunity ServiceJobJob (CSJ).(CSJ).

CSJ Employment PositionCSJ Employment Position

Unemployed individuals placed in a Unemployed individuals placed in a Job SearchJob SearchCSJCSJ may have some of these characteristics: may have some of these characteristics:

No barriers to work other than those addressed through No barriers to work other than those addressed through supportive servicessupportive services

Capable of working and a steady and/or recent work Capable of working and a steady and/or recent work historyhistory

An education or training background that allows the An education or training background that allows the individual to compete for available jobs individual to compete for available jobs

CSJ ActivitiesCSJ Activities

A A CSJCSJ participant may be required to participant may be required to participate up to 40 hours/week in work participate up to 40 hours/week in work

training activities and/or educational training activities and/or educational activities.activities.

A A CSJCSJ payment is $673/month. payment is $673/month.

CSJ ActivitiesCSJ ActivitiesActivities for a CSJ may include:Activities for a CSJ may include:

Work experienceWork experience

Job search activitiesJob search activities

Specialized skills trainingSpecialized skills training

Meeting with child support staff, social workers, Meeting with child support staff, social workers, DVR, health care professionals or other meetings DVR, health care professionals or other meetings necessary to prepare a job seeker necessary to prepare a job seeker

for employmentfor employment

CSJ ActivitiesCSJ Activities

A course of study leading towards obtaining a high A course of study leading towards obtaining a high school diploma, GED, or HSEDschool diploma, GED, or HSED

Courses that provide an employment skillCourses that provide an employment skill

Employer-sponsored trainingEmployer-sponsored training

English-as-a-Second Language course of studyEnglish-as-a-Second Language course of study

W-2 T Employment PositionW-2 T Employment Position

W-2 Transition (W-2 T)W-2 Transition (W-2 T)Individuals determined to have a limitation Individuals determined to have a limitation

(temporary or permanent) or barrier to (temporary or permanent) or barrier to employment expected to last over 60 daysemployment expected to last over 60 days

ororare needed in the home to care for another W-2 are needed in the home to care for another W-2

group member who is severely incapacitated or ill, group member who is severely incapacitated or ill, may be placed into a may be placed into a W-2 Transition W-2 Transition

(W-2 T)(W-2 T) position. position.

W-2 T Employment PositionW-2 T Employment Position

A W-2 T participant may be required to A W-2 T participant may be required to participate up to 40 hours/week in work participate up to 40 hours/week in work

training activities and/or educational training activities and/or educational activities.activities.

A A W-2 TW-2 T payment is $628/month. payment is $628/month.

W-2 T ActivitiesW-2 T ActivitiesActivities for a W-2 T may include:Activities for a W-2 T may include:

Rehabilitation activitiesRehabilitation activities

Activities similar to that of a CSJ but with more supervisionActivities similar to that of a CSJ but with more supervision

Formal assessmentsFormal assessments

Court ordered activitiesCourt ordered activities

Activities related to obtaining shelter or retaining safetyActivities related to obtaining shelter or retaining safety

W-2 T ActivitiesW-2 T Activities

A course of study leading toward obtaining a A course of study leading toward obtaining a high school diploma, GED, or HSEDhigh school diploma, GED, or HSED

Courses that provide an employment skillCourses that provide an employment skill

Employer-sponsored trainingEmployer-sponsored training

English-as-a-Second Language course of English-as-a-Second Language course of studystudy

CMC PlacementCMC Placement

Custodial Parent of an Infant (CMC)Custodial Parent of an Infant (CMC)

A custodial parent of an infant who is less than 12 A custodial parent of an infant who is less than 12 weeks old may receive a weeks old may receive a Custodial Parent of an Custodial Parent of an

Infant (CMC)Infant (CMC) placement. placement.

A A CMCCMC payment is $673/month. payment is $673/month.

CMC PlacementCMC Placement

A A CMCCMC participant is not required to engage in any W-2 participant is not required to engage in any W-2 activities, however, volunteer participation is encouraged activities, however, volunteer participation is encouraged to prepare for entering the workforce after the infant has to prepare for entering the workforce after the infant has

reached 12 weeks of age.reached 12 weeks of age.

Once the child reaches 12 weeks of age, the Once the child reaches 12 weeks of age, the CMCCMC participant will be reassessed to determine the most participant will be reassessed to determine the most

appropriate placement.appropriate placement.

ARP PlacementARP Placement

At Risk Pregnancy (ARP)At Risk Pregnancy (ARP)

Eligible pregnant women my be referred to an ARP Eligible pregnant women my be referred to an ARP placement as W-2 applicants or as W-2 placement as W-2 applicants or as W-2

participants who are already placed in the Case participants who are already placed in the Case Management for Pregnant Women (CMP) Management for Pregnant Women (CMP)

placement. placement.

An An ARPARP payment is $673/month. payment is $673/month.

Additional W-2 PlacementsAdditional W-2 Placements

Non-Custodial Parents (CMN)Non-Custodial Parents (CMN) Pregnant Women (CMP)Pregnant Women (CMP) Minor Parents (CMM)Minor Parents (CMM)

Case Management services may be Case Management services may be

available to these placements.available to these placements.

W-2 Time LimitsW-2 Time Limits

Both the federal block grant (TANF) and Both the federal block grant (TANF) and the W-2 legislation include a 60-month the W-2 legislation include a 60-month

lifetimelifetime limit for eligibility limit for eligibility..

W-2 Time LimitsW-2 Time Limits

Case Management only positions Case Management only positions (non-payment) have no time limits.(non-payment) have no time limits.

Extensions to time limitations are evaluated Extensions to time limitations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.on a case-by-case basis.

W-2 Employability Plan (EP)W-2 Employability Plan (EP)

Developed jointly by the W-2 case manager and Developed jointly by the W-2 case manager and the participant the participant

Based on assessment informationBased on assessment information

Outlines employment goals, personal goals, and Outlines employment goals, personal goals, and all assigned activities for the W-2 participant.all assigned activities for the W-2 participant.

W-2 Employability Plan (EP)W-2 Employability Plan (EP)

Incorporates input from other agency professionals from Incorporates input from other agency professionals from programs such as:programs such as: WIAWIA

DVRDVR

Domestic Violence servicesDomestic Violence services

Mental Health servicesMental Health services

Child WelfareChild Welfare

Alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) servicesAlcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) services

W-2 Payment ReductionsW-2 Payment Reductions

Payments to Payments to CSJCSJ and and W-2 TW-2 T customers who customers who fail to participate in assigned activities are fail to participate in assigned activities are

reduced by $5.15 per hour for hours missed reduced by $5.15 per hour for hours missed without good cause.without good cause.

W-2 Good CauseW-2 Good CausePer W-2 policy, some absences will be granted Per W-2 policy, some absences will be granted good cause. Examples include:good cause. Examples include:

Required court appearanceRequired court appearance

Unavailable child care or lack of transportationUnavailable child care or lack of transportation

IllnessIllness

Domestic violence issueDomestic violence issue

Death in the familyDeath in the family

Observance of a religious holidayObservance of a religious holiday

W-2 Fact FindingW-2 Fact Finding

Customers who believe that an agency decision Customers who believe that an agency decision regarding any component of W-2 or JAL is regarding any component of W-2 or JAL is

incorrect may request a Fact Finding Review by incorrect may request a Fact Finding Review by the W-2 agency.the W-2 agency.

The request must be made within 45 days of the The request must be made within 45 days of the decision.decision.

W-2 Job Access LoansW-2 Job Access Loans

Job Access Loans (JAL) are short-term loans Job Access Loans (JAL) are short-term loans designed to meet expenses related to obtaining or designed to meet expenses related to obtaining or

maintaining employment.maintaining employment.

Eligibility requirements for a JAL are similar to that Eligibility requirements for a JAL are similar to that of W-2 non-financial and financial eligibility of W-2 non-financial and financial eligibility

requirements.requirements.

W-2 Job Access LoansW-2 Job Access Loans

The local W-2 agency can approve a JAL from The local W-2 agency can approve a JAL from $25 to $1,600 in a 12-month period. $25 to $1,600 in a 12-month period.

The JAL may be paid back in cash or combinationThe JAL may be paid back in cash or combinationof cash and community service work (not to of cash and community service work (not to

exceed 75% of the loan).exceed 75% of the loan).

W-2 Job Access LoansW-2 Job Access Loans Approved loan purposes may include:Approved loan purposes may include:

Car loans and/or repairsCar loans and/or repairs

Fees to obtain a driver’s license, including payments of Fees to obtain a driver’s license, including payments of fines fines exceptexcept OWI violations OWI violations

Clothing/uniforms for workClothing/uniforms for work

Rent or security deposits to prevent evictionRent or security deposits to prevent eviction

Moving expenses related to obtaining or maintaining Moving expenses related to obtaining or maintaining employmentemployment

W-2 Job Retention Services W-2 Job Retention Services

Participants who secure unsubsidized Participants who secure unsubsidized employment are provided with employment are provided with

12-months of Case Management Follow-up 12-months of Case Management Follow-up Services.Services.

W-2 Job Retention Services W-2 Job Retention Services

The goal of these follow-up services is to The goal of these follow-up services is to ensure job stability and encourage and assist ensure job stability and encourage and assist

in the development of career paths and in the development of career paths and advancement in the workplace.advancement in the workplace.

W-2 Job Retention Services W-2 Job Retention Services These services may include:These services may include:

Job counseling and supportJob counseling and support

Supportive service referralsSupportive service referrals

Career developmentCareer development

Education and training strategies and job skills trainingEducation and training strategies and job skills training

Connections to other financial supportsConnections to other financial supports

Benefits of CollaborationBenefits of Collaboration

What do you think are some of theWhat do you think are some of the

benefits of DVR and W-2benefits of DVR and W-2

collaborating?collaborating?

Benefits of CollaborationBenefits of Collaboration Consumer/Participant Consumer/Participant

Access to greater range of supports and servicesAccess to greater range of supports and services

Expedite achievement of short/long term goalsExpedite achievement of short/long term goals

Working towards same outcomeWorking towards same outcome

Reduce repetition for consumerReduce repetition for consumer

Benefits of CollaborationBenefits of Collaboration DVR & W-2DVR & W-2

Maximize resources and reduce duplication of servicesMaximize resources and reduce duplication of services

Increase program knowledge related to disability and Increase program knowledge related to disability and low-income employment resourceslow-income employment resources

Increase services to individuals with disabilities who are Increase services to individuals with disabilities who are minorities or underserved or unservedminorities or underserved or unserved

DVR & W-2 ComparisonDVR & W-2 Comparison

Identify one similarity and one difference Identify one similarity and one difference between the DVR & W-2 programs.between the DVR & W-2 programs.

IPEIndividualized Plan for Employment

Working Together to Assist Individuals with

Disabilities Achieve Their Employment Goals

EPEmployabilityPlan

Technical Assistance Guide (TAG)Technical Assistance Guide (TAG)

Employment Planning ConsultationEmployment Planning Consultation

Referral and EligibilityReferral and Eligibility

Coordination for Co-enrolledCoordination for Co-enrolled

Funding and Cost SharingFunding and Cost Sharing

Difficult CasesDifficult Cases


What is this?What is this? Technical assistance between DVR and W-2Technical assistance between DVR and W-2

For those not currently co-enrolled or co-enrolled but on For those not currently co-enrolled or co-enrolled but on DVR waitlistDVR waitlist

Why do this?Why do this? Improvement of employment outcomesImprovement of employment outcomes


DVR consultationDVR consultation Information or in-service on DVR programInformation or in-service on DVR program

Identification of disability-related resourcesIdentification of disability-related resources

Applying recommendations from disability or vocational Applying recommendations from disability or vocational assessment into an employability planassessment into an employability plan

Appropriate referralsAppropriate referrals

Disability-related informationDisability-related information


W-2 consultationW-2 consultation Information or in-service on W-2 programInformation or in-service on W-2 program

Identification of community resources (e.g. low income Identification of community resources (e.g. low income resources, domestic violence, AODA, etc. )resources, domestic violence, AODA, etc. )

Appropriate referralsAppropriate referrals

Employment Planning ConsultationEmployment Planning ConsultationSuccessful PracticesSuccessful Practices

Designate first point of contactDesignate first point of contact

Designate liaisonsDesignate liaisons

Schedule office hours in each other’s locationsSchedule office hours in each other’s locations

Schedule “in-service trainings” Schedule “in-service trainings”

Hold joint staffings with those co-enrolledHold joint staffings with those co-enrolled

DVR ReferralDVR Referral A referral to DVR should be made if all the A referral to DVR should be made if all the

following are met:following are met: The individual has a disabilityThe individual has a disability

There are perceived barriers to employmentThere are perceived barriers to employment

The participant is interested in gaining competitive The participant is interested in gaining competitive employmentemployment

The participant has been informed of what DVR services The participant has been informed of what DVR services are and is interested in applying for servicesare and is interested in applying for services

DVR ReferralDVR Referral

DVR Referral Process:DVR Referral Process: An application for services can be requested by calling An application for services can be requested by calling

or stopping into a local DVR office.or stopping into a local DVR office.

W-2 ReferralW-2 Referral

A referral to W-2 should be made if the following A referral to W-2 should be made if the following are met:are met:

Parent of minor dependent childParent of minor dependent child

Income appears to be within guidelines of 115% of the Income appears to be within guidelines of 115% of the FPLFPL

W-2 ReferralW-2 Referral

W-2 Referral Process:W-2 Referral Process: An application for W-2 can be requested by calling or An application for W-2 can be requested by calling or

stopping into a local W-2 agency.stopping into a local W-2 agency.

In Milwaukee County, W-2 agencies are divided into In Milwaukee County, W-2 agencies are divided into regions.regions.

In the balance of the state, there is a W-2 agency In the balance of the state, there is a W-2 agency located in every county.located in every county.

ReferralsReferralsSuccessful PracticesSuccessful Practices

Contact W-2 or DVR staff regarding referral Contact W-2 or DVR staff regarding referral questions.questions.

Contact W-2 or DVR for program information.Contact W-2 or DVR for program information.

Schedule office hours in each others’ location.Schedule office hours in each others’ location.

ReferralsReferralsSuccessful PracticesSuccessful Practices

Ensure consumer understands information being Ensure consumer understands information being shared.shared.

Maintain an up to date contact list for each Maintain an up to date contact list for each program.program.

Obtain releases in accordance with program Obtain releases in accordance with program policies. policies.

Coordination of Employment PlanningCoordination of Employment Planning

1.1. Initial CommunicationInitial Communication

2.2. Coordination Meeting and Identification of Employment Coordination Meeting and Identification of Employment Goal(s)Goal(s)

3.3. Identification of the Participant’s/Consumer’s Needs to Identification of the Participant’s/Consumer’s Needs to Achieve the Goal(s)Achieve the Goal(s)

4.4. Coordination of Supports and ServicesCoordination of Supports and Services

5.5. Agree on Follow-up StepsAgree on Follow-up Steps

1. Initial Communication1. Initial Communication

Both agencies share the responsibility for initiating Both agencies share the responsibility for initiating contact.contact.

Methods of communication are established at the Methods of communication are established at the local level. Critical steps include:local level. Critical steps include:

Obtaining necessary Releases of InformationObtaining necessary Releases of Information

Identifying key people that should be part of the Identifying key people that should be part of the coordination process.coordination process.

1. Initial Communication1. Initial Communication

Determining which agency will facilitate coordination Determining which agency will facilitate coordination meetings.meetings.

Scheduling the first coordination meeting in a location Scheduling the first coordination meeting in a location conducive to the planning process.conducive to the planning process.

DVR is unable to provide services if consumer is on the DVR is unable to provide services if consumer is on the DVR waiting list. DVR can provide consultation services.DVR waiting list. DVR can provide consultation services.

2. Coordination Meetings and Identification 2. Coordination Meetings and Identification of Employment Goal(s)of Employment Goal(s)

The purpose of coordinating plans is to help the individual The purpose of coordinating plans is to help the individual achieve his/her employment goal. achieve his/her employment goal.

The meeting should be attended by the co-enrolled individual, The meeting should be attended by the co-enrolled individual, representatives from both programs, and others as representatives from both programs, and others as

determined appropriate. determined appropriate.

A discussion should occur regarding involvement, roles and A discussion should occur regarding involvement, roles and responsibilities.responsibilities.

2. Coordination Meetings and Identification 2. Coordination Meetings and Identification of Employment Goal(s)of Employment Goal(s)

Goals should be:Goals should be: Based on individual’s skills, abilities, interests and local Based on individual’s skills, abilities, interests and local

labor market information andlabor market information and Aligned and/or coordinated on the EP and IPE.Aligned and/or coordinated on the EP and IPE.

Pros and cons should be discussed to allow for informed Pros and cons should be discussed to allow for informed choice.choice.

Programs will not always share equal responsibility for Programs will not always share equal responsibility for goals (short term vs. long term).goals (short term vs. long term).

3. Identification of the 3. Identification of the Participant’s/Consumer’s Needs to Participant’s/Consumer’s Needs to

Achieve the Goal(s)Achieve the Goal(s) Together the participant/consumer and representatives Together the participant/consumer and representatives

from both programs should discuss the identified goal(s) from both programs should discuss the identified goal(s) including:including: Barriers that need to be addressedBarriers that need to be addressed

Resources/strategies to reach job goalResources/strategies to reach job goal

Skills needed to qualify for the job goalSkills needed to qualify for the job goal

Services needed to complete the essential functions of Services needed to complete the essential functions of the jobthe job

4. Coordination of Support and Services4. Coordination of Support and Services

After identification of goal(s) and needed After identification of goal(s) and needed services/supports, discussions should occur services/supports, discussions should occur regarding:regarding: Location of the supports and services needed to achieve Location of the supports and services needed to achieve

the goal(s)the goal(s) Identification of program contributions within the Identification of program contributions within the

framework of their policies and proceduresframework of their policies and procedures Determination of cost sharing agreements on a case by Determination of cost sharing agreements on a case by

case basiscase basis

5. Agree on Follow-up Steps5. Agree on Follow-up Steps

Determine who has responsibility for each part of the planDetermine who has responsibility for each part of the plan

Schedule periodic meetings with DVR and W-2 to assess Schedule periodic meetings with DVR and W-2 to assess progress and adjust the planprogress and adjust the plan

Determine the next steps when employment goal is met Determine the next steps when employment goal is met (i.e., follow-up services, closure, etc.)(i.e., follow-up services, closure, etc.)

Keep lines of communication openKeep lines of communication open

Funding & Cost SharingFunding & Cost Sharing

General guidelines: General guidelines:

Test 1Test 1: : Will the service help the participant/consumer achieve Will the service help the participant/consumer achieve an IPE goal? If yes, DVR is primarily responsible for the service.an IPE goal? If yes, DVR is primarily responsible for the service.

Test 2Test 2:: Will the service help to achieve the EP goal? If yes, W-2 Will the service help to achieve the EP goal? If yes, W-2 is primarily responsible for the service.is primarily responsible for the service.

Test 3Test 3:: If the same goal and service appears on both the IPE If the same goal and service appears on both the IPE and the EP, DVR and W-2 are responsible for negotiating a cost-and the EP, DVR and W-2 are responsible for negotiating a cost-sharing arrangement. sharing arrangement.

Funding and Cost SharingFunding and Cost SharingSuccessful PracticesSuccessful Practices

If there are any questions or concerns at meetings If there are any questions or concerns at meetings related to who should pay for services, schedule related to who should pay for services, schedule an additional meeting to finalize this. an additional meeting to finalize this.

Work with supervisor as necessary.Work with supervisor as necessary.

Allow for creativity within policy. Allow for creativity within policy.

Working Through ChallengesWorking Through Challenges

We Can Work it Out Together! We Can Work it Out Together!

Now Take a Stand! Now Take a Stand!

Collaboration is important to me because it builds Collaboration is important to me because it builds and strengthens relationships with community and strengthens relationships with community partners and agencies. partners and agencies.

Collaboration is important to me because it Collaboration is important to me because it maximizes resources (funding and staff).maximizes resources (funding and staff).

Collaboration is important to me because it Collaboration is important to me because it

benefits the participant/consumer. benefits the participant/consumer.

Now Take a Stand!Now Take a Stand!

Collaboration is important to me because it allows Collaboration is important to me because it allows me to contribute and work together as a team. me to contribute and work together as a team.

Collaboration is important to me because it offers Collaboration is important to me because it offers more possibilities and opportunities.more possibilities and opportunities.

Department of Workforce Development Department of Workforce Development

Division of Vocation RehabilitationDivision of Vocation Rehabilitation

Lea Collins-WorachekLea Collins-Worachek

[email protected]

Allison GordonAllison Gordon

[email protected]

Department of Children and Families Department of Children and Families

Division of Family and Economic SecurityDivision of Family and Economic Security

Partner Training SectionPartner Training Section

Renee RickertRenee Rickert

[email protected]

CollaborationCollaboration

dvr & w-2 collaboration training. *due to differences in terminology across programs, the term...

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