1) How can State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies enhance outcomes through their coordination with Employment Networks (ENs) operating under the Ticket to Work Program with the Social Security Administration? Coordination with Local ENs can provide an opportunity for wraparound services that complement the services provided by the DSU. Well established agreements with the ENs can be the basis for strengthening ongoing service impact (enhancing performance outcomes) as well as being a mechanism for re-engaging former participants in the VR services, should the situation require. In addition, the structure of the AJC presents an opportunity for the VR agency, in a core partner role, to work with other AJC partners to support the AJC operation as an EN. This can result in additional resources coming to the AJC to be strategically reinvestment to enhance stronger employment outcomes for all job seekers with disabilities. 2) What are Partnership Plus Agreements? Plus” is the name for a type of agreement that outlines how the DSU will “Partnership coordinate services with SSA approved employment networks. While not required under WIOA, coordination with Employment Networks (ENs) with regard to shared customers is a requirement. The benefit of articulating how the agencies work together in an agreement such as this in advance of providing service has the impact of making the service flow for the customer and the agency staff more effective and efficient. In lieu of a Partnership Plus agreement, the coordination could be articulated in a Local MOU with the Workforce Development Board, if the EN is a part of that agreement. Policy WIOA: There was no guidance in WIA for agreements with Employment Networks, or in the Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prior to WIOA. With WIOA, there is the following related guidance: Coordinate activities with any other state agency functioning as an Employment Network (EN); Section 412 State Plans (J) Coordination with ticket to work and self-sufficiency program. The State plan shall include an assurance that the designated State unit will coordinate activities with any other State agency that is functioning as an employment network under the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program established under section 1148 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-19). Provide the Social Security disability beneficiaries they with "general information on additional supports and assistance for individuals with disabilities desiring to enter the workforce, including assistance with benefits planning;" (Some ENs offer benefits advisement/planning as a service.)
1) How can State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies enhance outcomes through their coordination with Employment Networks (ENs) operating under the Ticket to Work Program with the Social Security Administration? Coordination with Local ENs can provide an opportunity for wraparound services that complement the services provided by the DSU. Well established agreements with the ENs can be the basis for strengthening ongoing service impact (enhancing performance outcomes) as well as being a mechanism for re-engaging former participants in the VR services, should the situation require. In addition, the structure of the AJC presents an opportunity for the VR agency, in a core partner role, to work with other AJC partners to support the AJC operation as an EN. This can result in additional resources coming to the AJC to be strategically reinvestment to enhance stronger employment outcomes for all job seekers with disabilities. 2) What are Partnership Plus Agreements? “Partnership Plus” is the name for a type of agreement that outlines how the DSU will coordinate services with SSA approved employment networks. While not required under WIOA, coordination with Employment Networks (ENs) with regard to shared customers is a requirement. The benefit of articulating how the agencies work together in an agreement such as this in advance of providing service has the impact of making the service flow for the customer and the agency staff more effective and efficient. In lieu of a Partnership Plus agreement, the coordination could be articulated in a Local MOU with the Workforce Development Board, if the EN is a part of that agreement. Policy WIOA: There was no guidance in WIA for agreements with Employment Networks, or in the Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prior to WIOA. With WIOA, there is the following related guidance: Coordinate activities with any other state agency functioning as an Employment Network (EN); Section 412 State Plans (J) Coordination with ticket to work and self-sufficiency program. The State plan shall include an assurance that the designated State unit will coordinate activities with any other State agency that is functioning as an employment network under the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program established under section 1148 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-19). Provide the Social Security disability beneficiaries they with "general information on additional supports and assistance for individuals with disabilities desiring to enter the workforce, including assistance with benefits planning;" (Some ENs offer benefits advisement/planning as a service.)
Ticket_to_Work_FAQ_3-20-17.docx