New York State Interagency Council for Vocational Rehabilitation and Related Services

Self Evaluation Guide for Providers on Quality Indicators for Supported Employment

Directions: To determine the degree to which each quality Indicator has been met during the past twelve months, program staff should identify and review documents, program data, interview consumers, employers, related service providers and appropriate case managers and counselors regarding their satisfaction with services as well as recommendations for improvement. Below each of the following Quality Indicators are elements that should be considered in determining if the program is achieving the expected level of quality or if specific remedial action is necessary. (Note: numbers in the parentheses refer to Principles and Operating Guidelines for Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Employment.)

There is programmatic commitment to:
1. Including individuals with the most severe disabilities (1, 2.1, 5.8)
  1. Written policies and procedures include steps that will be taken to serve individuals with the most severe disabilities.
  2. Information about the application and admission process is evaluated periodically to determine the relationship between the level of severity of the disability and timely participation in services.
  3. Outreach is conducted and services are developed to enable inclusion of individuals with the most severe disabilities among those who are served.
2. Providing community-based, integrated services (2.8, 3)
  1. Assessments are carried out in community settings wherever appropriate.
  2. Generic community services are used when indicated.
  3. Placements into employment allow opportunities for individuals to interact with coworkers and people in the community on an ongoing basis.
3. Providing opportunities to develop to maximum potential (2.3, 2.9, 3)
  1. There is evidence of career ladder advancement or lateral mobility opportunities for individuals from their current placement in keeping with their skills and the requirements of employers.
  2. Re-evaluations are periodically conducted to determine the ability and desire to work in another job.
  3. Individuals have the opportunity to participate in continuing education or other training services to further develop their skills.
4. Empowering the individual to make choices (2.2)
  1. The individual has meaningful participation in the development and implementation of the service plan.
  2. Individual goals and interests are identified and form the basis for service delivery.
Commitment is reflected in programmatic structure so that:
(Note: structure refers to the method planned for delivery of services, i.e., are services in place which actualize the stated commitment or mission of the agency?)
1. Services are relevant and appropriate to each individual (2.9, 4.1, 5.1)
  1. Written operational goals reflect the mission.
  2. The services supplied match the individuals' identified needs.
  3. Services are coordinated with those of other service providers involved with the individual.
  4. The hours of service are adjusted to the needs of the individual.
  5. Job development is appropriate to the needs and goals of the individuals being served.
2. Resources are allocated consistently with the mission (4.1, 5.4, 5.5)
  1. Staff are appropriately knowledgeable and qualified to effectively deliver the services planned.
  2. Salary schedules are commensurate with attracting and retaining appropriately skilled personnel.
  3. Provisions are made for staff in-service training.
  4. The program's administration is an integral part of the overall administration of the provider organization.
  5. New program development promotes expansion of supported employment options.
3. Relationships with policy, advisory and community groups reflect the mission (5.6, 6.3)
  1. Advisory groups actively work to facilitate program goals.
  2. Advisory groups are reflective of the community, including consumers, families, business leaders and related community agencies.
  3. Advisory groups participate in measuring program effectiveness and making recommendations.
Programmatic commitment is practiced such that:
1. Individuals and families, as appropriate, actively participate in vocational and educational counseling and goal setting (2.2, 2.5, 2.7)
  1. The methodology and participation process used to determine individual goals and interests is clear.
  2. A range of viable options is offered to individuals.
  3. Options are presented so that the benefits and implications of each are clear to the individual making the decision.
  4. Responsibilities of individuals and program staff are clearly delineated as mutually agreed upon goals are established.
2. Individuals are informed of and use appeal mechanisms for challenging their program and placement decisions (2.6)
  1. Opportunities are made available for reconsidering choices or modifying plans.
  2. Written polices explain appeal procedures, including identifying available assistance for using appeals procedures.
  3. The policies are disseminated to individuals, and to families when appropriate, in the primary language of the individual.
  4. Analysis is periodically undertaken to assure that the procedure is understood and used effectively.
3. Individuals complete the necessary training to perform the job, to travel to and from the job and to acquire personal skills and supports needed to maintain the job. (5.1, 5.6, 5.8)
  1. Level and type of support is consistent with the individual's skills and needs.
  2. The individual's work performance shows increased independence from total support.
  3. Transportation and travel barriers are addressed.
  4. Case coordination services result in comprehensive linkages being developed with employers and related community services to assure that all essential supports are identified and accessed.
4. Ongoing efforts are made to assess vocational potential and develop career choices (2.3)
  1. There are regularly scheduled, periodic contacts or reviews to identify current and emerging needs of the individual.
  2. Communication is maintained with individuals and employers, and with families when appropriate, to determine the current level of satisfaction with the individual's employment.
Programmatic efforts result in supported employees:
1. Obtaining employment reflecting the individuals' expressed choices (2.4)
  1. Consumer and employer satisfaction with services will periodically be determined through written surveys or interviews.
2. Attaining wages, hours and working conditions comparable to those in the community and in the work site (4.2, 4.3)
  1. Wages and fringe benefits are at the same level as other people in that job title.
  2. The work place is accessible and working conditions are safe.
3. Having access to natural supports (3.1, 3.6)
  1. The job coaching function facilitates active involvement of the employer, supervisor and co-workers in placement and support.
  2. The individual is encouraged and supported to participate in employer benefit programs and workplace-oriented social functions.
4. Being aware, along with their families, of how employment impacts on applicable benefits (4.4)
  1. Efforts are made to inform individuals about, and to assist them in using, work incentive options.
5. Receiving assurance that the supports needed to remain employed will continue (2.3, 5.2)
  1. Individuals know who to contact if there is a problem.
  2. Written policies describe the extended services and how they will be made available to assist individuals to remain employed.
  3. Funding and networking resources are in place that enable delivery of extended services.
  4. Assistance is available with accessing alternative program and employment options