Training Opportunities & Information Updates

From the Kentucky Supported Employment Training Project
August 22^nd, 2024

Information Updates

Supported Employment OVR Service Fee Memo Changes

On August 22^nd, 2024, the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation shared the revised Guidelines on Supported Employment, Service Fee Memo, effective October 1, 2024. In addition, they share the following information and upcoming training scheduled for August 29^th at 10:00 am ET. Information shared is as follows:

Please see important message below from Ron O’Hair, CRP Branch Manager.

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) was approved for the National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) grant for 2024. Through this grant, the OVR receives technical assistance on provider capacity pertaining to supported employment. It was determined that rates and processes regarding supported employment services needed to be updated to aid in the increase of provider availability and sustainability and to better align with federal regulations.

As a result, significant changes to supported employment services will go into effect October 1^st, 2024. Updates will be made to the following documents:

Service Fee Memorandum (SFM): Guidelines for the Purchase of Supported Employment (SE)
Policies and Procedures
CRP Manual
Supported employment documentation

SE SFM changes:

Changes within the SE SFM include:

Converting to an hourly payment system for services provided in lieu of outcome-based services.
Hourly payments for supported employment services are based on need and not limited to a 90-day timeframe. Regulations do not allow SE services to go beyond 2 years without an exception.
Payments for reports are in addition to hourly rates for services.
Additional incentives are available upon appropriate and expedited outcomes. More specifically, these new incentives pertain to PCEPs and Job Development.
Stable Employment Outcome milestones will occur at Day 1, Day 45, and Day 90 of the extended services (follow-up) period.

Virtual training for CRPs is scheduled for August 29^th at 10:00 am ET. If additional training is needed, CRP Branch Consultants are prepared to provide in-person training.

Topic: Supported Employment: Service Fee Updates
Time: Aug 29, 2024, 10:00 AM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting at:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81160474289?pwd=fOr4C5Zy8ckGchvivpU9M66FVINAN2.1
Meeting ID: 811 6047 4289
Passcode: 333378
One tap mobile:
+13052241968,,81160474289#,,,,*333378# US
+13092053325,,81160474289#,,,,*333378# US

Supported Employment (SE) Core Training Series

July 2024 – June 2025 dates are posted. The Supported Employment Core Training Series is required of all new Employment Specialists but is open to anyone wanting a refresher. It continues to be virtual and free of charge.
Register for the Supported Employment Core Training Series

Training Opportunities

Kentucky APSE Conference 2024: Engage. Include. Amplify

September 9^th- 10^th, Lexington, in-person
This will be an in-person conference and will offer 8 hours of training and the annual Meet & Greet. It will begin at 1:00 pm Eastern on 9/9 and conclude by 4:00 pm Eastern on 9/10. This is a great chance to gather with Employment Specialists and VR Counselors from across Kentucky!
Register for the Kentucky APSE Conference
Review additional information, including agenda and sessions/topics

Employment issues facing workers with disabilities with criminal justice system involvement

Presented by Employment First and RETAIN Kentucky
September 25^th, 2024 12:00 pm ET, virtual
Join us to hear Dr. Phil Rumrill and Dr. Chelsea Brehmer share their expertise on employment issues facing workers with disabilities with criminal justice system involvement.
Register for the virtual webinar

Inclusive Workforce Summit

September 30^th, in-person, Lexington
Hosted by the Kentucky Chamber and presented by RETAIN Kentucky and Kentucky Career Center
The Inclusive Workforce Summit will convene business leaders, civic organizations, and educators to explore strategies for cultivating a workforce of the future that is united in its inclusion and accessibility efforts. By promoting truly inclusive practices, companies can tap into the full talent pool and empower every Kentuckian to contribute.

This must-attend event will examine the key components needed to shape an equitable workforce ecosystem:

People with Disabilities – identifying and utilizing an often-overlooked component of the workforce talent pool.
Criminal Justice - Removing unfair barriers to employment.
Economic Empowerment - Creating equal access to opportunities.
Education Equity - Developing the potential of all students.
Inclusive Business Cultures - Fostering diversity and belonging.

Register and learn more information.

An Inclusive Workforce: What It Is and Why it Matters to Kentucky

As a lead up to the above mentioned Inclusive Workforce Summit, watch the recorded 1 hour webinar

Enhancing Employer Engagement: A 3-part webinar series recordings now available

Presented by the Kentucky Employment First Council

Enhancing Employer Engagement Part 1 – Connection (YouTube) (PowerPoint)
Enhancing Employer Engagement Part 2 – Consideration (YouTube) (PowerPoint)
Enhancing Employer Engagement Part 3 – Conversion (YouTube) (PowerPoint)

Resources

Kentucky is an Employment First state.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky that competitive integrated employment in the community shall be considered the first and primary option for persons with disabilities of working age who desire to become employed. Learn more and find resources to share:

Universal Employment Competencies:

In 2019, the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) updated the Universal Employment Competencies. This is a useful tool for understanding best practices in our field, measuring how your agency compares, using it in employee reviews, and more.

Impact of Wages on Benefits

Disability Benefits 101 – Kentucky
SETP’s Benefits Fact Sheets and additional resources (scroll to bottom 2 headings)

Job Accommodation Network (JAN):

JAN Workplace Accommodation Toolkit
JAN upcoming & recorded trainings

How to Describe Supported Employment Services:

OVR & Supported Employment in Kentucky:

Plain Language:

Think College and AUCD developed a plain language flyer explaining the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) and Competitive Integrative Employment (CIE). Check out the WIOA flyer in plain language.

Employment Files:

The Employment Files YouTube channel has lots of stories to share! This can be a useful tool in helping job seekers, family members, or other support staff think about employment possibilities. Employment Files YouTube video series.

Short Videos about OVR, Supported Employment, and Pre-ETS:

Looking for ways to share information about OVR, Supported Employment, and Pre-ETS to those not familiar with the agency or supports? The Human Development Institute (HDI) and OVR have partnered to create 3 short videos:

Transportation:

If you're looking for transportation options, check out HDI’s Transportation Initiative.

ADA:

ADALive! is a free monthly show/podcast broadcast nationally about the Americans with Disabilities Act. Moderated by the Southeast ADA Center.
Check out Episode 129: Employment Discrimination and the ADA: Insights form the EEOC
Questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act? Call the Southeast ADA Center at 1-800-949-4232 for expert guidance.

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out! The Supported Employment Training Project is here to offer training and technical assistance to providers across Kentucky. We are available to bring trainings to your agency and for individual conversations. Contact Katie Wolf Whaley at kwolf@uky.edu (or reply to this email.)

Thank you for all you do to move Employment First forward and help people find successful employment.

Katie