Coming Together with Community Rehabilitation Providers Maine Department of Labor Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation August 1, 2013

Maine CRP Project Goals Increase the employment outcomes of DVR clients assisted by Community Rehabilitation Providers. Maximize the impact of resources invested with Community Rehabilitation Providers. 2

Project Measures and Benchmarks 3 Primary MeasuresBaseline (with CRP Services) # Employment Outcomes302 Average Case Cost$ 8,176 Time to Job Placement32 months Occupational Outcome Categories Diversity Listing

CRP Project Phase I October 2011 – March 2012 Examine and make improvement recommendations in six areas of VR and CRP Relations: ▫Referral process & documentation of services ▫Accreditation of CRP’s ▫Funding model, rates and fees ▫Access and availability of services ▫Business relations ▫Communication and relationships 4

CRP Project Phase II March 2012 – October 2013 Design VR-CRP practice changes that increase employment outcomes of individuals receiving CRP services Pilot and implement those practice changes. 5

Referral and Documentation Deliverables% Completed CRP “Choice” Fairs80% Template for CRP Profile50% Standardized referral packet with guidance and training 95% Standardized Assessment Report Forms 95% Standardized Progress Report Forms95% 6

Accreditation of CRP’s Deliverables% Completed Identification of measureable CRP performance indicators 95% No and low cost trainings for CRP and VR staff 100% (ongoing) Improved in-state CRP approval process95% CRP Handbook sections on approval and maintenance of accreditation 95% Format for CRP self-identification of program development/improvement plan and goals 95% 7

Funding Model, Rates and Fees Deliverables% Completed Outcome-based payment system80% Written payment system procedures and guidance 95% CRP and VR staff training on payment system 75% 8

Access and Availability of Services Deliverables% Completed CRP recruitment for underserved populations Ongoing Improved employment services to people who are Deaf/deaf 50% CRP training by ASL fluent, culturally competent trainers 50% Assessment tool to determine CRP staff competencies to work with ASL users 75% 9

Access and Availability of Services Deliverables% Completed CRP recruitment for underserved populations Ongoing Expansion of employment services and options for clients 80% Increased employment outcomes in underserved areas TBD 10

Business Relations Deliverables% Completed Implementation of a statewide hiring model for large companies 95% Calculation of return on investment with large company hiring model 95% Defined training and skill competencies for “master” Employment Specialists 100% Improved business-targeted DVR & CRP brochures, video of P & G story and a Speakers’ Bureau 50% 11

Communication and Relationships Deliverables% Completed CRP Handbook – electronic and printed 75% CRP project communication plan100% Regularly updated BRS website; regional quarterly CRP meetings 100% Fireside Chat informational sessions – project updates for CRP and VR staff 100% 12

What has gone well? ▫Choosing a project that aligns well with agency priorities ▫Good framework for project management ▫Multi-level interest and commitment to the project ▫Awesome team members, including project managers, with diversity of skills ▫Responsiveness to queries from other states and the RTAC 13

What lessons were learned? ▫The importance of role clarity and responsibilities for project managers, members and advisors. ▫ Transition between project phases needs extra attention and support. ▫Building leadership and staff capacity takes time and isn’t a linear process. ▫Speed bumps do serve a purpose! 14

Where do we go from here? ▫Finish each of the project deliverables. ▫Close out the project and celebrate with the team (Fall 2013). ▫Support the practice changes. ▫Watch the performance data. ▫Make adjustments as needed. ▫Begin scoping out the next project! 15

Questions? Betsy Hopkins, DVR Director Karen Fraser, BRS QA Director 16