HomeMy WebLinkAbout941040 RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND COLORADO
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, AND
AUTHORIZE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado,
pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested
with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with an Interagency Agreement between
the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County
Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of Employment Services of Weld County,
and the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation, with terms and conditions being as stated in said agreement, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said
agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the Interagency Agreement between the County of Weld,
State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, on behalf of Employment Services of Weld County, and the Colorado
Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, be, and
hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chairman be, and hereby is,
authorized to sign said agreement.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded,
adopted by the following vote on the 24th day of October, A.D. , 1994.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: WELD COUNTY, COLORAp0
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Weld County Clerk to thidg 4 7 6% / / ,l i f ' i
W Webster, hairman
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BY: ��j 7C/�f'""".-eC
eputy Clerk to the Board Dale Hall, ro- m
APPROVED AS TO FORM: 1.
ec
eo�e Baxter
County Att rney oustance L. Harbert
Barbara J. Kir meyer O
941040
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INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
AND DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 14th day of October, 1994, by
and between the Weld County Division of Human Resources ' Employment Services of
Weld County, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Colorado Department
of Human Services.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Employment Services offers employment and training services to
unemployed, underemployed, and economically disadvantaged youth and adults of
Weld County, and
WHEREAS, Employment Services wishes to expand its program efforts and
placement activities on behalf of youth and adults with disabilities who are in
need of alternative methods to succeed in obtaining and retaining employment, and
WHEREAS, Employment Services receives authority from the Wagner-Peyser Act
and the Job Training Partnership Act to provide employment and training services
and employer relations services and to coordinate such activities with
appropriate agencies through a comprehensive employer relations program, and
WHEREAS, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has agreed to cooperate
with Employment Services in expanding its employer relations program so the youth
and adults with disabilities may obtain and retain employment, and
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein,
the parties agree as follows:
I. Purpose
This cooperative agreement is entered into by the Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment Services of Weld County maximizing the two
agency sources in a coordinated fashion to:
A. Provide services to those individuals with disabilities who are
seeking employment and training.
B. Establish the means for a practical and effective relationship
between the two agencies for the stated purposes of:
1. Maximizing client vocational potential.
2. Ensuring client movement.
3. Establishing cooperation to avoid duplication of services.
4. Maximizing coordination in the delivery and expansion of
services and programs.
91.1010
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND
DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PAGE TWO
II. Scope of Services
A. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Rehabilitation is a service provided by the taxpayers through State
Government. It is designed to develop and restore working
usefulness of physically and mentally disabled eligible individuals
so they may become self-supporting. Rehabilitation is an investment
in human welfare.
Rehabilitation serves any eligible disabled person residing in
Colorado, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age,
handicapping condition who, with the provision of certain services,
might be made employable.
Services are provided to meet the individual needs of eligible
disabled persons so that they may engage in safe and suitable
occupations.
Rehabilitation services available to employers without cost include:
counseling to conserve skills that are available, evaluation of
capacities of disabled applicants, aid in restoring and retraining
injured workers, advice in determining suitable jobs for disabled
personnel, referral of trained, skilled, reliable workers who have
the advantage of rehabilitation services, and tax credits.
B. Employment Services of Weld County (Employment Services)
Employment Services of Weld County is a department of the Weld
County Division of Human Resources, which is under the Board of Weld
County Commissioners. Employment Services is guided by an advisory
committee, the Weld County Private Industry Council, which provides
oversight responsibilities to the Board of Weld County
Commissioners.
1. Employment Services encompasses a single delivery system to
deliver employment and training services at no cost in
Northern Colorado, including Weld County, as well as to non-
Weld County applicants and employers. Services through Job
Service shall be provided to residents and non-residents of
Weld County. However, due to legal constraints, the Job
Training Partnership Act Program of Employment Services shall
serve only Weld County residents unless they are eligible for
the Economic Dislocated Worker Adjustment Act Program.
2. Employment Services provides training and employment
opportunities to the unemployed, underemployed, economically
disadvantaged adults and youth, other individuals facing
serious barriers to employment, and those seeking work to
increase the earned income of the economically disadvantaged
under a single delivery system.
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INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND
DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PAGE THREE
III. Target Population
The target population for this cooperative effort are those disabled
persons ages 16 or older who are, or may be expected to become, needful of
and eligible for vocationally related services through the agencies.
Eligibility determination is made by each agency as follows:
A. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Responsibility for determining eligibility of individuals for the
following services rests solely with the Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation. The criteria of eligibility for rehabilitation are:
1. The presence of a physical or mental impairment which creates
a substantial impediment to employment for that individual.
2. The individual can benefit from the provision of vocational
rehabilitation services in terms of an employment outcome.
Rehabilitation services are provided as long as there is
indication the individual is progressing in a positive manner
toward the planned vocational goal which is consistent with
his/her capabilities and abilities. The nature and scope of
services to be provided an eligible individual must be
contained in the IWRP (Individualized Written Rehabilitation
Program) .
•
3. The individual needs vocational rehabilitation services to
prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment.
B. Employment Services of Weld County
Applicants must be registered with Employment Services for Job
Service Center services. For additional services under the Job
Training Partnership Act, applicants must be found eligible through
an application process.
1. For the purpose of Job Service, an individual with
disabilities is defined as any person who has a physical or
mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major
life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is
regarded as having such impairment.
2. For the purpose of the Job Training Partnership Act, an adult
individual with disabilities must be 22 years of age or older
who has a documented physical or mental disability which
constitutes or results in a substantial handicap to employment
for that individual.
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INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND
DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PAGE FOUR
3. For the purpose of the Job Training Partnership Act, a youth
individual with disabilities must be 14 through 21 years of
age who is in a state/federally funded special education
program, vocational rehabilitation, mental health program,
and/or be under the care of a professional who can document
the handicapping condition.
IV. Services Provided by Each Agency
A. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
1. Accept referrals from Employment Services on individuals who
allege to have, or appear to have, a physical or mental
disability, which would present a barrier to employment. Any
accompanying medical data or work history provided with the
referral will expedite the evaluation process.
2. Provide a diagnostic evaluation for every applicant, to the
extent necessary, to determine eligibility. This may include
medical, psychological, social, education, and/or vocational
evaluations.
3. Develop an Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program for
every eligible client, involving the client and other
significant parties, who is being referred for enrollment into
a program at Employment Services.
4. Monitor client activity and performance during the time of the
IWRP.
5. Job development and placement.
6. Development of on-the-job training sites.
7. Refer to Employment Services individuals on the waiting list.
8. Provide follow-up and job retention counseling.
9. Consult with employers on job modifications and accessibility
issues.
10. Coordinate payment for client services with other agencies.
B. Employment Services of Weld County
1. Refer individuals with disabilities to the Division of
Vocational Rehabilitation.
941019
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND
DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PAGE FIVE
2. Accept referrals from the Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation who have an outline for the goals which are
planned for employment and training; an outline of major
barriers to employment and possible solutions to be used in
assessment and determination of entry into a JTPA program.
3. Provide access to services in the Learning Lab through a fee
structure basis for clients who may benefit from the
established computer assisted instruction.
4. Provide an assessment for clients on the waiting list and
determine if those clients may benefit from services and, if
so, enroll into appropriate programs.
V. Guiding Principles
Both agencies affirm that the principles listed below shall guide all
mutual and respective efforts to serve the target population of this
agreement.
A. Every disabled individual (16 years of age or older) is entitled to
vocational opportunities comparable to those of other citizens.
B. Every disabled individual is entitled to a thorough, consistent, and
fair process of assessment, interdisciplinary/interagency review,
and decision making with regard to their vocational needs,
abilities, goals, and level of services required.
C. Vocational needs of all disabled individuals must be understood and
addressed within the context of their full array of needs and
abilities.
D. Joint participation of rehabilitation counselors and employment
counselors in the interdisciplinary process is vital to the
development of effective client-centered vocational plans. Both the
rehabilitation counselor and the employment counselor possess
expertise and knowledge in areas which, if effectively shared and
coordinated, enhance the agencies' abilities to better serve the
client.
E. Active participation in decision making by the client shall at all
times be expected, and procedures shall be designed to ensure such
participation.
F. Cooperation and coordination between agencies constitutes the
foundation on which this agreement is built, and the degree in which
this agreement promotes the improvement and maintenance of such
coordination will be the measure of its success.
941.011
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND
DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PAGE SIX
G. The crucial difference between overlapping services and duplication
of services must be understood, and this understanding must be
clearly reflected in all cooperative efforts to serve the disabled
client. OVERLAP occurs when the multiple service needs of a
disabled individual require that the service capabilities of both
agencies be applied in a coordinated manner to meet those needs.
DUPLICATION consists of delivery of the same or similar service to
the client simultaneously by both agencies as a result of the
failure to communicate or the disagreement about agency
responsibilities. Duplication of services is not appropriate nor is
it in the best interest of the client. When identified, duplication
should be eliminated.
VI. Scope of Agreement
Each applicant is entitled to a local process which ensures that his/her
needs and wishes will be fairly addressed, and therefore, this agreement
encompasses the following issues:
A. Referrals and Time Lines
1. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will accept
referrals (defined in IV. B. 1.) from Employment Services of
Weld County and schedule an intake appointment with a
rehabilitation counselor within 20 working days. Referrals
will be made in writing utilizing a form developed and
provided by Employment Services of Weld County.
2. Employment Services of Weld County will report to the Division
of Vocational Rehabilitation the status of the individuals
referred and provide monthly information which will include:
a. Eligibility status or registration status with
Employment Services.
b. Termination information.
c. Activities provided in the areas of referral to jobs,
training, job development.
B. Evaluation and Assessment Responsibilities
1. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will provide an
evaluation to the extent needed for every applicant requiring
services from Employment Services.
Existing data will be secured prior to arranging for and
paying for duplicate information. Information secured may
include medical, psychological, vocational, education, and/or
social evaluations.
941019
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND
DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PAGE SEVEN
2. Employment Services will provide assessment information which
will outline employment goals and barriers to employment for
clients jointly serviced.
C. Exchange and/or Sharing of Evaluation and Assessment Reports
1. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will share results
of evaluations and assessments as they relate to vocational
interests and provide a written consent to release
confidential information signed by the client or the client
and parent/guardian if client is under 18 years of age. There
are a few sources of information which are prohibited to be
shared under any circumstances. These would include but are
not limited to Social Security records, Veteran's
Administration records, and some medical records.
2. Employment Services of Weld County will share results of
activities that the Agency has undertaken with the individual
to the extent that they are vocationally related and provide
a written consent to release confidential information signed
by the client or the client and parent/guardian if client is
under 18 years of age. These activity results will include
referrals to jobs, referrals to services, assessment results,
and outcome information.
D. Establishing and Covering an Interdisciplinary/Interagency Staffing
Team with the Client Present
1. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will assign a
rehabilitation counselor to every referral which is enrolled
in a JTPA Program. The name of the rehabilitation counselor
will be provided to Employment Services of Weld County.
2. Employment Services of Weld County will assign an Employment
Technician to every referral which is enrolled in a JTPA
Program. The name of the employment technician will be
provided to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
3. It will be the responsibility of the employment technician
and/or the rehabilitation counselor to convene a staffing,
with the client present, between representatives of both
agencies to coordinate and expedite the services to the
client.
E. Development of a Plan
1. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is solely
responsible for the development of an Individualized Written
Rehabilitation Program (IWRP) in cooperation with the client
and other involved agencies, if appropriate. The IWRP may
include services provided by another agency if prior
negotiation with that agency has occurred. All services
941010
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND
DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PAGE EIGHT
provided are subject to a search for similar benefits prior to
expending Rehabilitation funds. Services not previously
planned in the IWRP will not be provided. All programs
developed will be reviewed at least annually or more
frequently per the Individualized Written Rehabilitation
Program.
2. Employment Services of Weld County will obtain information
from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation regarding
employment and training needs and/or planned activities for
the development of an Individual Service Strategy.
F. For those clients who are determined in need of only one service
(Employment or Rehabilitation) , a clear statement will be developed
stating when, and by what criteria, involvement from the other
agency will begin.
VII. Interagency Liaisons
Staff from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Services of Weld County shall be the designated liaisons to further define
and interpret the parameters of this agreement.
VIII. Termination
This agreement shall be rendered void upon written notification by either
party.
IX. Resolution
Issues or concerns arising from the activities covered under this
interagency agreement, will be outlined in writing and provided to the
local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor and the Employment
Services Director for prompt resolution.
X. Evaluation
The agencies affirm that the interagency agreement will be a success based
on the following criteria:
A. The coordinated approach to serve individuals with disabilities by
building a quality relationship between the agencies in the
development of activities as stated in this agreement.
B. Arranging at least one interagency meeting with all appropriate
staff for the purpose of orientation and information sharing
regarding agency roles.
941039
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND
DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PAGE NINE
XI. Modifications
All modifications of this Interagency Agreement shall be in writing and
signed by both parties.
XII. Entire Agreement
This Interagency Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between
the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not
be changed or modified except as stated in Paragraph XI herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Interagency
Agreement as of the day, month, and year first above written.
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL
OF WELD COUNTY, COLORADO REHABILITATION
/t i j 16./all 'r / /4/_--E c � / -',`
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W.H. Webster, Chairman %i`2(�� Nancy Hi11, Program Supervisor
ATTEST: / 6,4'"
WELD COUNTY CLERK
TO BOARD
BY: lax,,,,,,e(14dJi
TY CLERK THE BOARD
Approved:
Richard Hillman, Chairman
Weld County Private Industry Council
Walt J. eckman, Executive Director
Wel oun y Division of Human Resources
(%indL�� iD rect2r z 2
PeF
Em oyment Services of Weld County
941019
461,cf mEmoRAnDum
Weld County Commissioners
W.H. Webster, Chairman October 21, 1994
To Date
COLORADO From Walter J. Speckman, Human Services Executive Director
Non-Financial Coordination Agreement with Division of
Subject:
Enclosed for Board approval is a Non-Financial Coordination Agreement between
Employment Services and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Colorado
Department of Human Services.
The Non-Financial Coordination Agreement outlines the different areas in which
services to individuals with disabilities can be provided through coordination
between the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services.
The Agreement also describes different areas of responsibility and expectations
which provide individuals with disabilities an avenue through which they can
access services.
If you have any questions regarding the Agreement, please telephone Linda Perez
at 353-3800 extension 3363.
941040
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