2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services Definition

Purpose

Individuals with disabilities who receive vocational rehabilitation services achieve increased community integration, social inclusion, and self-determination through the realization of their vocational goals.

Definition

Vocational Rehabilitation services provide individualized coordination of counseling, career planning, training, support services, and job placement appropriate to the employment and life goals of persons with disabilities.

Note: The Vocational Rehabilitation (VOC) Standards cover a range of programs that support individuals with disabilities in achieving their vocational goals. These services can include skill development training, vocational evaluation, work adjustment, job development and placement, supported employment, and work services.


Note: Supported Employment programs will complete VOC 1, VOC 2, VOC 3, VOC 4, VOC 8, VOC 9, and VOC 11.  


Note:Please see the VOC Reference List for the research that informed the development of these standards.


Note:For information about changes made in the 2020 Edition, please see the VOC  Crosswalk.

2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VOC) 1: Person-Centered Logic Model

The organization implements a program logic model that describes how resources and program activities will support the achievement of positive outcomes.  

Note: Please see the Logic Model Template for additional guidance on this standard.  

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.

Logic models have been implemented for all programs and the organization has identified at least two outcomes for all its programs.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,  
  • Logic models need improvement or clarification; or
  • Logic models are still under development for some of its programs, but are completed for all high-risk programs such as protective services, foster care, residential treatment, etc.; or
  • At least one outcome has been identified for all of its programs.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • Logic models need significant improvement; or
  • Logic models are still under development for a majority of programs; or
  • A logic model has not been developed for one or more high-risk programs; or
  • Outcomes have not been identified for one or more programs.
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • Logic models have not been developed or implemented; or
  • Outcomes have not been identified for any programs.
 

VOC 1.01

A program logic model, or equivalent framework, identifies: 
  1. needs the program will address; 
  2. available human, financial, organizational, and community resources (i.e. inputs); 
  3. program activities intended to bring about desired results;  
  4. program outputs (i.e. the size and scope of services delivered);  
  5. desired outcomes (i.e. the changes you expect to see in persons served); and 
  6. expected long-term impact on the organization, community, and/or system. 

Examples: Please see the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Logic Model Development Guide and COA Accreditation’s PQI Tool Kit for more information on developing and using program logic models. 
 
Examples: Information that may be used to inform the development of the program logic model includes, but is not limited to:  
  1. needs assessments and periodic reassessments; and 
  2. the best available evidence of service effectiveness. 
 

VOC 1.02

The logic model identifies at least two outcomes appropriate to the program or service population.  
Interpretation: Outcomes data should be disaggregated to identify patterns of disparity or inequity that can be masked by aggregate data reporting. See PQI 5.02 for more information on disaggregating data to track and monitor identified outcomes.  
2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VOC) 2: Personnel

Program personnel have the competency and support needed to provide services and meet the needs of persons served. 
Interpretation: Competency can be demonstrated through education, training, or experience. Support can be provided through supervision or other learning activities to improve understanding or skill development in specific areas.

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,  
  • With some exceptions, staff (direct service providers, supervisors, and program managers) possess the required qualifications, including education, experience, training, skills, temperament, etc., but the integrity of the service is not compromised; or
  • Supervisors provide additional support and oversight, as needed, to the few staff without the listed qualifications; or 
  • Most staff who do not meet educational requirements are seeking to obtain them; or 
  • With few exceptions, staff have received required training, including applicable specialized training; or
  • Training curricula are not fully developed or lack depth; or
  • Training documentation is consistently maintained and kept up-to-date with some exceptions; or
  • A substantial number of supervisors meet the requirements of the standard, and the organization provides training and/or consultation to improve competencies when needed; or
  • With few exceptions, caseload sizes are consistently maintained as required by the standards or as required by internal policy when caseload has not been set by a standard; or
  • Workloads are such that staff can effectively accomplish their assigned tasks and provide quality services and are adjusted as necessary; or
  • Specialized services are obtained as required by the standards.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards.  Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • A significant number of staff (direct service providers, supervisors, and program managers) do not possess the required qualifications, including education, experience, training, skills, temperament, etc.; and as a result, the integrity of the service may be compromised; or
  • Job descriptions typically do not reflect the requirements of the standards, and/or hiring practices do not document efforts to hire staff with required qualifications when vacancies occur; or 
  • Supervisors do not typically provide additional support and oversight to staff without the listed qualifications; or
  • A significant number of staff have not received required training, including applicable specialized training; or
  • Training documentation is poorly maintained; or
  • A significant number of supervisors do not meet the requirements of the standard, and the organization makes little effort to provide training and/or consultation to improve competencies; or
  • There are numerous instances where caseload sizes exceed the standards' requirements or the requirements of internal policy when a caseload size is not set by the standard; or
  • Workloads are excessive, and the integrity of the service may be compromised; or 
  • Specialized staff are typically not retained as required and/or many do not possess the required qualifications; or
  • Specialized services are infrequently obtained as required by the standards.
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards.
 

VOC 2.01

Supervisors are qualified by:
  1. an advanced degree in social work or a comparable human service field;
  2. an advanced degree from a program in vocational rehabilitation or vocational counseling;
  3. a bachelor’s degree in a human service field and two years experience in the vocational rehabilitation field; and/or
  4. national or state certification, licensing, or registration in the vocational rehabilitation field.
 

VOC 2.02

A supervisor is available to provide case consultation at all times services are provided.
 

VOC 2.03

The organization minimizes the number of workers assigned to persons served over the course of their contact with the organization by:
  1. assigning a worker at intake or early in the contact; and
  2. avoiding the arbitrary or indiscriminate reassignment of direct service personnel.
 

VOC 2.04

Employee workloads support the achievement of client outcomes and are regularly reviewed. 

Examples: Factors that may be considered when determining employee workloads include, but are not limited to:
  1. the qualifications, competencies, and experience of the worker, including the level of supervision needed;
  2. the work and time required to accomplish assigned tasks and job responsibilities; and
  3. service volume, accounting for assessed level of needs of persons served.
2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VOC) 3: Intake and Assessment

The organization’s intake and assessment practices ensure that persons served receive prompt and responsive access to appropriate services.

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
  • Procedures need strengthening; or
  • With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
  • In a few rare instances, urgent needs were not prioritized; or
  • For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
  • Culturally responsive assessments are the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
  • Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
  • Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
  • Urgent needs are often not prioritized; or 
  • Services are frequently not initiated in a timely manner; or
  • Applicants are not receiving referrals, as appropriate; or 
  • Assessment and reassessment timeframes are often missed; or
  • Assessments are sometimes not sufficiently individualized; 
  • Culturally responsive assessments are not the norm, and this is not being addressed in supervision or training; or
  • Several client records are missing important information; or
  • Client participation is inconsistent; or
  • Intake or assessment is done by another organization or referral source and no documentation and/or summary of required information is present in case record. 
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • There are no written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or
  • Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.  
 

VOC 3.01

Persons served are screened and informed about:
  1. how well their request matches the organization’s services; and
  2. what services will be available and when.
NA Another organization is responsible for screening applicants, as defined in a contract.
 

VOC 3.02

Prompt, responsive, intake practices:
  1. gather information necessary to identify critical service needs and/or determine when a more intensive service is necessary.
  2. support timely initiation of services; and
  3. provide placement on a waiting list, or referral to appropriate resources, when individuals cannot be served or cannot be served promptly.
 

VOC 3.03

Persons served participate in an individualized, culturally, and linguistically responsive vocational assessment that is:
  1. completed within established timeframes;
  2. updated as needed based on the needs of persons served; and
  3. focused on information pertinent for meeting service requests and objectives.
Interpretation: All organizations are expected to work with the individual to complete a vocational assessment that informs the vocational plan, regardless of the vocational rehabilitation services they provide.
 

VOC 3.04

The vocational assessment should identify the individual’s disability and include:
  1. vocational interests, preferences, and goals;
  2. vocational history, experience, and training;
  3. skills and aptitudes;
  4. the need for accommodations or assistive technology;
  5. level of functioning and relevant health, social, and behavioral factors;
  6. the need for support services;
  7. available community resources; and
  8. individual strengths and resources.

Interpretation: The Assessment Matrix - Private, Public, Canadian, Network determines which level of assessment is required for COA’s Service Sections. The assessment elements of the Matrix can be tailored according to the needs of specific individuals or service design.

Examples: Workplace accommodations can include, but are not limited to: accessible parking, public transportation stops close to the program site, elevators, reduced work hours or more frequent breaks, specially
designed work stations, enlarged print, special lighting, or text-based telecommunications equipment.
2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VOC) 4: Vocational Planning and Monitoring

Each person participates in the development and ongoing review of a vocational plan that is the basis for the delivery of appropriate services and support.

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
  • Procedures need strengthening; or
  • With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
  • For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
  • Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
  • Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
  • Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
  • Timeframes are often missed; or
  • Several client records are missing important information; or
  • Client participation is inconsistent. 
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or 
  • Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.      
 

VOC 4.01

An assessment-based vocational plan is developed in a timely manner with the full participation of persons served, and their family or natural supports when appropriate, and includes:
  1. agreed upon vocational goals, desired outcomes, and timeframes for achieving them;
  2. barriers to employment and methods for minimizing their impact;
  3. services and support to be provided, and by whom;
  4. possibilities for maintaining and strengthening family relationships and other informal social networks; and
  5. the individual’s signature.
 

VOC 4.02

The organization works in active partnership with persons served, and his or her family or natural supports as appropriate, to:
  1. assume a service coordination role, as appropriate, when the need has been identified and no other organization has assumed that responsibility;
  2. ensure that they receive appropriate advocacy support;
  3. assist with access to the full array of services to which they are eligible; and
  4. mediate barriers to services within the service delivery system.

Examples: Some methods that organizations can use to facilitate regular contact among partnering service providers include, but are not limited to: virtual networking; email/phone; co-location; satellite locations or roving vans; and referral or formal contracting.
 

VOC 4.03

The organization documents in the case record that it has advised the individual about how paid employment may affect eligibility for disability and other benefits and documents efforts made to ensure the individual understands explanations.
 

VOC 4.04

The worker and a supervisor, or a clinical, service, or peer team, review the case quarterly, or more frequently depending on the needs of persons served, to assess:
  1. vocational plan implementation;
  2. progress toward achieving agreed upon goals and desired outcomes; and
  3. the continuing appropriateness of the agreed upon vocational goals.
Interpretation: When experienced workers are conducting reviews of their own cases, the worker’s supervisor must review a sample of the worker’s evaluations as per the requirements of the standard.
 

VOC 4.05

The worker and individual, and his or her family or natural supports when appropriate:
  1. review progress toward achievement of agreed upon vocational goals; and
  2. sign revisions to vocational goals and plans.
2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VOC) 5: Skill-Development Training

The organization helps persons served develop the skills needed to fulfill their employment goals by designing training programs with input from community employers.
NA The organization does not provide skill-development training services.

Currently viewing: SKILL-DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

Viewing: VOC 5 - Skill-Development Training
Previous: VOC 4 - Vocational Planning and Monitoring Next: VOC 6 - Vocational Evaluation Services

VIEW THE STANDARDS

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
  • Procedures need strengthening; or
  • With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
  • For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
  • Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
  • Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
  • Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
  • Timeframes are often missed; or
  • Several client records are missing important information; or
  • Client participation is inconsistent. 
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or 
  • Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.      
 

VOC 5.01

Skill-development training is tailored to meet the individual’s employment objectives, and courses are modified, as necessary, in response to employment trends and community labor market conditions.
 

VOC 5.02

Skill-development training addresses:
  1. job search skills;
  2. job expectations;
  3. job maintenance skills;
  4. time management;
  5. money management;
  6. work-related interpersonal skills; and
  7. other work practices, such as payroll deductions, union dues, and insurance.
 

VOC 5.03

Training schedules are flexible including evening hours and, when possible, distance learning opportunities, and individually paced instruction.

Example: Individually paced instruction allows students to skip over material they are familiar with or to move slowly through material that is more difficult. It is often more effective to provide this type of instruction in a classroom-style setting where a teacher or trainer is available if the student has questions. 
 

VOC 5.04

Each skill-development training course:
  1. is reviewed every two years with input from local businesses; and
  2. provides a written course description including the curriculum, location, and meeting time of training sessions.
 

VOC 5.05

Persons served are offered skill-development training courses in integrated settings, either directly or by referral, as appropriate to their individualized employment objectives.
2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VOC) 6: Vocational Evaluation Services

The organization provides persons served with a written vocational evaluation that highlights the individual’s skills, aptitudes, preferences, abilities, and special needs.
NA The organization does not provide vocational evaluation services.

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
  • Procedures need strengthening; or
  • With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
  • For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
  • Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
  • Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
  • Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
  • Timeframes are often missed; or
  • Several client records are missing important information; or
  • Client participation is inconsistent. 
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or 
  • Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.      
 

VOC 6.01

The organization builds on the vocational assessment, combining it with other relevant information including medical, psychological, social, cultural, educational, and financial data, to develop a real or simulated work experience that:
  1. identifies strengths and areas in need of improvement;
  2. evaluates learning styles; and
  3. provides an opportunity for the individual to explore vocational options.
 

VOC 6.02

The organization evaluates work-related behaviors by observing the service recipient's ability to work as a member of a team and his or her work habits, such as dependability, punctuality, attention to detail, initiative, and perseverance.
2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VOC) 7: Work Adjustment Services

The organization provides supervised employment opportunities to assist the individual in progressing towards the attainment of basic work skills, attitudes, and habits.
NA The organization does not provide work adjustment services.

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
  • Procedures need strengthening; or
  • With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
  • For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
  • Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
  • Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
  • Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
  • Timeframes are often missed; or
  • Several client records are missing important information; or
  • Client participation is inconsistent. 
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or 
  • Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.      
 

VOC 7.01

The individual participates in the development of an individualized, written work adjustment plan that specifies:
  1. measurable objectives and specific outcomes;
  2. the work environment in which the individual is likely to succeed; and
  3. personnel responsible for helping the individual to achieve the goals of the plan.
 

VOC 7.02

Work adjustment services include supervised employment experiences that provide opportunities to learn:
  1. skills that require manual dexterity;
  2. psychomotor skills;
  3. skills necessary to find and keep a job; and
  4. interpersonal and communication skills.

Examples: Interpersonal and communication skills can include how to build and maintain positive professional relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and customers and how to resolve interpersonal conflicts in the workplace. 
2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VOC) 8: Job Development Placement Services

The organization helps the individual find and retain employment appropriate to their vocational objectives and provides assistance to employers when individuals require special accommodations.
NA The organization does not provide job development and placement services.

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
  • Procedures need strengthening; or
  • With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
  • For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
  • Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
  • Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
  • Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
  • Timeframes are often missed; or
  • Several client records are missing important information; or
  • Client participation is inconsistent. 
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or 
  • Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.      
 

VOC 8.01

Job development and placement services involve local employers who can demonstrate opportunities for career advancement.
 

VOC 8.02

The organization provides the individual with:
  1. up-to-date information about the local job market, consistent with his or her interests and abilities;
  2. an assessment of work readiness;
  3. assistance in developing a job search strategy; and
  4. interview and negotiation techniques.
 

VOC 8.03

The organization actively works with persons served to:
  1. increase their occupational exposure;
  2. bolster their confidence in the workplace environment;
  3. form reasonable expectations of parents and family members, or natural supports; and
  4. establish appropriate expectations of employment professionals.
 

VOC 8.04

The organization provides post-employment follow-up services to improve job retention by:
  1. regularly assessing the appropriateness of the placement;
  2. providing ongoing evaluation of employee satisfaction;
  3. offering long-term support services, as necessary, to the service recipient; and
  4. exploring opportunities for career development and advancement.
 

VOC 8.05

The organization documents in the case record:
  1. information about the individual's job;
  2. relevant information about the employer;
  3. initial follow-up within three months of job placement; and
  4. post-employment contacts.

Examples: Details about the placement can include, but is not limited to, the supervisor's name, date of hire, or salary.
 

VOC 8.06

The organization establishes and maintains relationships with employers, and services to employers include:
  1. education about disabilities, job accommodations, and the possibilities for, and benefits of, employing individuals with disabilities ;
  2. assistance with developing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities;
  3. identification of and elimination of physical and attitudinal employment barriers; and
  4. on-site job analysis.
2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VOC) 9: Supported Employment Services

The organization facilitates the integration of persons with severe disabilities into the competitive labor market through on-site training, real-world work environments, and ongoing support services.
NA The organization does not provide supported employment services.

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
  • Procedures need strengthening; or
  • With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
  • For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
  • Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
  • Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
  • Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
  • Timeframes are often missed; or
  • Several client records are missing important information; or
  • Client participation is inconsistent. 
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or 
  • Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.      
 

VOC 9.01

The organization and the individual negotiate a customized employment arrangement with the employer that:
  1. is in the competitive labor market;
  2. has a competetive wage; and
  3. is tailored to the individual’s special needs. 

Examples: Customized employment arrangements can include, but are not limited to, job carving, job sharing, self-employment, and developing a new job description to address unmet business needs.
 

VOC 9.02

Personnel provide ongoing support and direct supervision to the individual, both on and off the job site, as indicated in the vocational plan.
 

VOC 9.03

The organization supports individuals to function as full members of the work community by offering soft-skills and interpersonal skills training.

Examples: Training topics can include, but are not limited to, how to use public transportation, engaging with coworkers, and time management.
 

VOC 9.04

Job placement and ongoing support promote opportunities for career changes, job expansion, and promotion, as indicated in the vocational plan.
2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VOC) 10: Work Services

The organization provides a structured work environment, training program, and financial compensation, to maintain the individual’s level of functioning or to facilitate movement toward community employment.
NA The organization does not provide work services.

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
  • Procedures need strengthening; or
  • With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
  • For the most part, established timeframes are met; or
  • Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
  • Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
  • Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
  • Timeframes are often missed; or
  • Several client records are missing important information; or
  • Client participation is inconsistent. 
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or 
  • Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing.      
 

VOC 10.01

Work assignments take into account any special needs, including the need for accommodation.
 

VOC 10.02

The organization prepares and distributes a handbook to persons served that meets the written and oral communication needs of individuals and addresses:
  1. work conditions, compensation practices, and fringe benefits;
  2. workplace rules and regulations;
  3. grievance and appeal procedures; and
  4. the process persons served follow to achieve community employment.
 

VOC 10.03

The organization develops a system for evaluating the employee’s work performance and progress toward competitive employment.
2024 Edition

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VOC) 11: Case Closing and Aftercare

The organization works with persons served and family members or natural supports, when appropriate, to plan for case closing and, when possible, to develop aftercare plans. 

1
All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, as indicated by full implementation of the practices outlined in the Practice Standards.
2
Practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,   
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality; or
  • Procedures need strengthening; or
  • With few exceptions, procedures are understood by staff and are being used; or
  • Proper documentation is the norm and any issues with individual staff members are being addressed through performance evaluations and training; or
  • In a few instances, the organization terminated services inappropriately; or  
  • Active client participation occurs to a considerable extent; or
  • A formal case closing evaluation is not consistently provided to the public authority per the requirements of the standard.
3
Practice requires significant improvement, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards. Service quality or program functioning may be compromised; e.g.,
  • Procedures and/or case record documentation need significant strengthening; or
  • Procedures are not well-understood or used appropriately; or
  • Services are frequently terminated inappropriately; or  
  • Aftercare planning is not initiated early enough to ensure orderly transitions; or
  • A formal case closing summary and assessment is seldom provided to the public authority per the requirements of the standard; or  
  • Several client records are missing important information; or
  • Client participation is inconsistent. 
4
Implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all, as noted in the ratings for the Practice Standards; e.g.,
  • No written procedures, or procedures are clearly inadequate or not being used; or 
  • Documentation is routinely incomplete and/or missing. 
 

VOC 11.01

Planning for case closing:
  1. is a clearly defined process that includes assignment of staff responsibility;
  2. begins at intake; and
  3. involves the worker, persons served, and others, as appropriate to the needs and wishes of the individual.
 

VOC 11.02

Upon case closing, the organization notifies any collaborating service providers, as appropriate.
 

VOC 11.03

If an individual has to leave the program unexpectedly, the organization makes every effort to identify other service options and link the person with appropriate services.
Interpretation: The organization must determine on a case-by-case basis its responsibility to continue providing services to individuals whose third-party benefits are denied or have ended and who are in critical situations.
 

VOC 11.04

When appropriate, the organization works with persons served and their family or natural supports to:
  1. develop an aftercare plan, sufficiently in advance of case closing, that identifies short- and long-term needs and goals and facilitates the initiation or continuation of needed supports and services; or
  2. conduct a formal case closing evaluation, including an assessment of unmet need, when the organization has a contract with a public authority that does not include aftercare planning or follow-up.
 

VOC 11.05

The organization follows up on the aftercare plan, as appropriate, when possible, and with the permission of persons served.
 
NA The organization has a contract with a public authority that prohibits or does not include aftercare planning or follow-up.

Examples: Reasons why follow-up may not be appropriate, include, but are not limited to, cases where there may be a risk to the individual.
Copyright © 2024 Council on Accreditation