VocRehab Reach-Up Program Description

The unique features of the program are:

1. Single point of contact: A new counselor role model was created by VR to specifically serve the welfare caseload. This counselor assumes the dual role of VR counselor and welfare case manager. In addition to the traditional employment-related services associated with vocational rehabilitation, the VR counselor is also responsible for ensuring that the participant understands and adheres to all TANF rules and requirements.

2. Universal Screening: Prior to the implementation of this program, the only means by which TANF recipients with disabilities were referred to VR was if they self-declared their disability.  Universal screening at the welfare department ensures that people with disability-related barriers to employment will be identified and receive the assessments and supports that are needed to move from welfare to work.

3. Deferments and Modifications:  Welfare recipients who would otherwise be required to fulfill a work requirement are deferred from the work requirement when they are referred and accepted by VR.   Deferment means that the participant must work with VR to address the disability-related limitations to employment. The VR counselor is responsible for determining the appropriate work or work-related activities for each deferred recipient.   Additionally, after assessments and work trials, a participant may have the number of hours of the work requirement modified to accommodate for the disability.  

4. Supported Employment and Follow Up Services: Most welfare recipients who are referred to VR have little or no work history and are in need of significant levels of support, training, and advocacy.  An assistant to the counselor helps to performs a broad range of functions, including assisting people with job applications, seeking out appropriate childcare and transportation, helping individuals follow through with activities, and arranging for necessary accommodations in the work site.  The “supported employment” approach provides a means for assessing not only the strengths and support needs of the individual, including disability-related issues, but also the ability of potential employers and companies to accommodate a new employee with multiple barriers to employment.  This support provides strategies for overcoming barriers to finding work and enhancing job stability.  VR continues this support for 6 months after an individual becomes employed, even though their welfare grant ends.  This ensures that the individual receives support in problem solving, relationships with supervisors, transportation and childcare problems, and other needs so that a job is not lost due to these issues.

5. Sanction Protocol: The partnership between PATH and VR ensures that people with disabilities who do not appear to be cooperating with their plan for employment are evaluated by VR.  This evaluation is used to determine whether non-participation is a function of the limitations of the disability or a “knowing and willful act of non-cooperation.  This protocol further enhances the likelihood that people with disabilities will be fairly treated under welfare rules.