The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program Training for Employment Networks and State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies January 2007 Module 4 Recruitment and Enrollment of Employment Networks Learning Objectives Define Employment Network (EN) Define the responsibilities of an EN Define the process of evaluating ENs Describe the functioning of a State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agency as an EN Employment Networks Definition of an Employment Network Any qualified public or private agency, organization, or other entity that enters into an agreement with Social Security Administration to provide work related services Can be a single entity or a group of providers who pool their resources Provides services directly or in agreement with other organizations or individuals Possible Entities that Can Function as ENs State agencies One-stop delivery systems Alternate Participants Organizations administering VR Services Projects for American Indians with Disabilities Public and private schools that provide VR services or job training Employers that provide job training or support services for individuals with disabilities. Entities that are not Qualified Entities that have had their license, accreditation, certification or registration suspended or revoked Entities that have surrendered their license, accreditation, etc. pending disciplinary action Entities precluded from Federal procurement or non-procurement programs Employment Network Responsibilities Overview of EN Responsibilities Enter into an agreement with Social Security Administration to serve a prescribed service area Provide a full range of employment services Verify through MAXIMUS that beneficiary has a Ticket that is not assigned elsewhere Provide clients with explanation of services as well as clients' rights & responsibilities Overview of EN Responsibilities (continued) Develop an Individual Work Plan with the client Ensure privacy and confidentiality of client Elect a payment method for services Report data to MAXIMUS on client outcomes Develop a grievance process Maintain prescribed qualifications and liability insurance. Individual Work Plan (IWP) A written agreement signed by both the beneficiary and the EN that describes employment and support services needed to reach an employment goal. Components of the IWP Vocational goal Services and supports to reach the goal Terms and conditions relating to these services and supports EN may not request or accept compensation from the beneficiary Conditions for amending or terminating the IWP Beneficiary's rights under Ticket to Work Program Components of the IWP (continued) Remedies available to the client Client's right to privacy and confidentiality Client's right to have a copy of the IWP Only qualified providers can provide services Medical services are provided under supervision of licensed personnel Referral Agreements Between EN and State VR Agencies An EN may refer a client to a State VR Agency if the following conditions are met: The EN and State VR Agency have a signed agreement regarding services the State VR Agency will provide The agreement is signed prior to the referral The agreement is broad-based to apply to all clients that the EN is likely to refer Signed Agreement must be submitted to MAXIMUS within 2 weeks. Beneficiary's Rights Privacy of personal information including disability Receive explanation of services provided Participate in the vocational goal and development of the IWP Appeal EN's refusal to provide services Refer dispute to MAXIMUS and Social Security Administration Beneficiary's Rights (continued) Receive information on State Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System Appoint legal representative to represent him Access his information in EN's records Receive copy of IWP in accessible format Amend IWP Retrieve Ticket if dissatisfied with service Privacy and Security Requirements of the EN Limitations on the access and use of beneficiary information supplied by Social Security Administration Physical safeguards for protecting the security of the information Ensure that all personnel having access to the data are advised of confidentiality Agree that Social Security Administration has right to make on-site inspections or other audit provisions EN Reporting Requirements EN is responsible for developing 2 reports for MAXIMUS, including: Periodic Outcome Report, and Annual Financial Report Periodic Outcome Report MAXIMUS will send the report to the EN and State VR Agency in January for verification of information. ENs must: Provide copy to new clients Maintain copy in each client's file Ensure that copies are available to the public EN Qualifications General Criteria Processes for protecting client's personal information Nondiscriminatory Adequate resources for fulfilling agreement with Social Security Administration Compliance with terms and conditions of contract Accounting procedures and control operations necessary to support the Ticket to Work Program. Specific Criteria Applicable certificates, licenses and credentials as required by state law, Medical and health services provided under supervision of licensed personnel, and Qualified staff with applicable certification, licenses, or registration standards that apply to their profession or are otherwise qualified based on education or experience. Proof of Qualifications ENs must submit one of the following: Copy of license or certification where required by state law, or Certification or accreditation establishing the entity's qualification to provide services, where no state law is applicable. Evaluation of Employment Networks Two Areas of Evaluation Criteria Program Requirements Reporting Requirements Program Requirements Have agreement with Social Security Administration , Serve beneficiaries within specific geographic area, Provide services directly or with other entities, Elect a payment system, and Develop and implement an IWP for each beneficiary. Reporting Requirements Notify MAXIMUS each time it accepts a Ticket, Submit copy of each IWP, Submit copies of IWP amendments, Submit agreements with State VR Agencies, Provide annual outcome data, Provide financial report, Collect and record data required by Social Security Administration , and Adhere to all requirements specified in the agreement. State VR Agencies and the Ticket to Work Program State VR Agencies are required to participate in the Ticket to Work Program, in order to continue to receive payments for serving beneficiaries. A State VR Agency is not required to function as an Employment Network. The State VR Agency may choose on a case-by-case basis as to whether it will function as an EN when serving a beneficiary with a Ticket. Beneficiaries may still receive services under the cost reimbursement system. Process for Becoming an EN Social Security Administration notifies State VR Agencies in writing of the Ticket to Work Program, including payment options State VR Agency selects payment option and notifies Social Security Administration in writing of its payment selection State VR Agency Ticket Assignment State VR Agency submit Form SSA- 1365 to MAXIMUS to accomplish Ticket assignment Handling Referrals from ENs to State VR Agencies Agreement must be in place between the two entities prior to any referrals If referral is received without an agreement, then an agreement must be developed prior to making the referral Agreement must be received and reviewed by MAXIMUS. Components of the Agreement Procedures for making referrals Description of financial responsibilities of each party Terms and procedures under which the EN will pay the State VR Agency Procedures for resolving disputes The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program Training for Employment Networks and State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies January 2007