6.2.3 Coordination with Other Programs

When developing the EP, the FEP and applicant or participant should consider and incorporate input from other programs the individual is connected with such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), the Refugee Assistance Employment and Training Program, mental health, child welfare safety services, housing, domestic violence and AODA programs.

EXAMPLE: Monica is working with a domestic violence victim program. Her advocate there is helping her find housing. Monica also attends weekly group counseling sessions and brings her daughter to individual counseling sessions every other week. Monica has signed the form Authorization for Disclosure of Confidential Information (10779) allowing her FEP to consult with her DV advocate and counseling professionals as needed. In developing her EP, Monica’s FEP incorporates her housing search and domestic violence activities.

W-2 agencies are required to work with local Job Center partner agencies to jointly serve persons under the Job Center network delivery model. Applicants or participants should be encouraged to seek out opportunities for dual enrollment in other Job Center programs such as Job Service/Labor Exchange Services, WIOA and DVR and take advantage of all resources available through the Job Center system. Any activities included in the W-2 applicant’s or participant’s EP must conform with W-2 policy.

Working cooperatively with local partner agencies on EP development reduces duplication of effort across work programs and maximizes the resources available to the applicant or participant. Therefore, the FEP should consult with other Job Center agencies as appropriate when developing the W-2 EP. However, W-2 agency staff must ensure that a W-2 EP is attached to any jointly developed EP since this is the primary EP document for W-2 applicants or participants.

6.2.3.1 DVR Collaboration in Employability Plan Development

Through a collaborative effort with DVR, a DVR counselor may provide employment planning consultation for a W-2 participant with a disability. W-2 participants are not required to be enrolled in the DVR program to receive this service. For these W-2 participants, DVR may provide technical assistance in the development of the W-2 employability plan using the recommendations from a disability or vocational assessment. This technical assistance may include:

· Recommending work and/or training activities to help move the participant towards employment in the local labor market; or

· Identifying specific disability accommodations and/or assistive technology to make work and/or training accessible to a participant.

When an individual is co-enrolled in the W-2 and DVR programs, the W-2 case manager and the DVR counselor should coordinate the W-2 Employability Plan and the DVR Individual Plan for Employment (IPE). (See W-2 Manual Appendix - W-2/DVR Technical Assistance Guide)