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(February 2023)
All services listed below require prior written authorization by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) before services can be rendered and payment can be made. All services must comply with the service descriptions outlined for each Projecct SEARCH (PS) service or payment will not be made. No additional fees will be paid for requested meetings.
This fee schedule is to be used while the DVR consumer is an active PS intern, e.g., has not yet graduated from their PS class or dropped out of the program. Once a DVR consumer graduates from PS, the most appropriate DVR fee schedule/ service structure should be followed for that consumer.
Examples:
For unique circumstances that this fee schedule may not address, please consult with your local WDA Director/Supervisor.
All DVR services must comply with the definition of Competitive Integrated Employment.
| $1,600/month | Project SEARCH Skills Training: Payable upon completion of acceptable service, and timely monthly progress reports to DVR (within five days of the conclusion of the previous month of service). First required service not to exceed 30 days from issue of service authorization. Monthly services in Project SEARCH will be authorized in 3-month increments, One month per Purchase Order line. (Code 212) Student* *Student = 18 to 21 years old and have not graduated from high school. Notes: Required Report: Project SEARCH Monthly Skills Training Report (DVR-18345-E) |
| $500 one-time payment | Project SEARCH Job Plan: Payable upon completion of acceptable meeting and plan/report to DVR (within five business days of conclusion of this service). First required service not to exceed 30 days from issue of service authorization. Monthly services in Project SEARCH will be authorized in 3 month increments, One month per Purchase Order line. (Code 212) Student* *Student = 18 to 21 years old and have not graduated from high school. Notes: Required Report: Project SEARCH Job Development Plan (DVR-18843-E) |
| Up to $2,100 outcome payment |
Project SEARCH Job Hire (during Project Search): Payable upon completion of acceptable service, timely monthly progress reports, and hire report to DVR (within five business days of the conclusion of the previous month of service and within five days of hire). First required service not to exceed 30 days from issue of service authorization. Preferred Placement/Hire Outcome Payment
(Code 024) General Participant Notes: The job goal identified in the job development plan will align with their IPE long-term goal for case closure. Services should transition during the last rotation at the last employment planning meeting from Project SEARCH services to general/supported employment services to help the consumer maintain permanent competitive, integrated employment. If the intern is hired prior to this the IPE should be updated to reflect the correct services. Individual circumstances are often unique to specific situations., Consultation with the intern's team which could include DVR, long-term supports/mental health supports, Project SEARCH instructor and skills trainer should take place to discuss hire. If the student loses their employment before Project SEARCH is completed a meeting will need to take place with the intern's team which would include, DVR, long-term supports/mental health supports, Project SEARCH instructor and skills trainer to discuss further services. Required Report: Job Development Hire Report (DVR-17037-E) |
| $1,600 | Project SEARCH On-the-Job Supports Monthly rate payable if the consumer is employed during their participation at PS, upon completion of acceptable service, and timely monthly progress reports to DVR (within five business days of the conclusion of the previous month of service). First required service not to exceed 30 days from issue of service authorization. Monthly services in Project SEARCH will be authorized in 3-month increments, One month per Purchase Order line. (Code 028)General Participant Notes: This service is used in place of the Project SEARCH Skills Training and Reports. Project SEARCH Skills Training and Reports authorizations should be discontinued after an intern is hired. The consumer's DVR case needs to remain open for an additional 90 days after graduation before their case can be closed. If the consumer is hired after graduation, please follow the most appropriate DVR statewide fee schedule and technical specifications, e.g., Systematic Instruction. Required Report: Job/Task Analysis and Systematic Instruction Report (DVR-18212-E) |
| $362.43 / per semester | UW-Whitewater Tuition: Non-High School Student: DVR pays for the two credits for non-students. One credit per semester. Code 063 Training Occupational/Vocational Training Notes: For additional information please see the UW-Whitewater process document. |
Other related services may need to be separately negotiated based on the needs of the consumer. The services detailed here are intended to provide a framework for commonly used Project SEARCH services. If the descriptions do not meet the needs of the individual consumer, please consult with the DVR consumer, the DVR counselor, the DVR supervisor and/or the service provider to determine the best course of action.
If the intern gets hired during PS, discussions would need to take place with the employer for appropriate accommodations under ADA and resource information provided.
PS uses a braided funding model, meaning that DVR is not the only payer for this program. DVR pays a monthly fee for the PS program. Other expenses may be paid by the local school district, long-term care funding sources, or even private pay.
Sites fund their classroom needs in numerous ways. The business, provider, school, DVR, private donations, fundraising, and grants are all options for obtaining necessary equipment to make the classroom functional. Technology purchases are typically the most expensive. Technology discussions must take place in collaboration with the host business to ensure they are in line with the business's policies.
DVR is required to assist consumers in making choices that impact their employment goals. Project SEARCH uses a single provider and the consumer upon acceptance into Project SEARCH understand that they chose the provider associated with the Project SEARCH site. All interns participating in Project SEARCH must work with the identified Project SEARCH Service Provider throughout the entire duration of the program.
After Project SEARCH graduation an intern has the choice to continue to work with the PS Service Provider or may choose a different service provider for general/supported employment job development services.
The PS curriculum provided by Project SEARCH National is comprehensive. Instructors have the option to use the curriculum or develop their own if it meets the same standards. Contracting for services to enhance the curriculum, such as Skills to Pay the Bills, is not necessary for most interns as that material is included in the curriculum. Additional services for individual consumers may be considered in consultation with a DVR Counselor.
If a laptop computer is required and the student is in high school their high school is responsible for the associates costs. If a PS participant is not in high school, the Long Term Support agency and/or DVR, using the fee schedule, can pay for classroom equipment (including a laptop) needed for the intern to participate.
Overview
Each day, students report to the host business, learn employability skills in the classroom and job skills through their internships (Three seperate 10 week internships).
Students and their teams meet monthly for progress reports and to continually refine their career goals and determine concrete next steps. Managers from the host business work with the teacher and job coaches to support the students every step of the way.
The ultimate goal upon program completion being the students' competitive placements in the community, based on the skills and experience learned in their Project SEARCH experiences.
Project SEARCH Skills Training: The purpose of this service is to help support and enhance the intern's employability skills and to learn job tasks, organization and other skills related to gaining employment while they are a Project SEARCH intern. National Project SEARCH best practice is a 4:1 ratio of interns to skills trainer.
Project SEARCH Job Plan: The purpose is to pull together information learned about the intern while in PS. The report should identify the interns career goal the types of jobs that will be sought as well as what level of support that may be needed. Resume and Job Center of Wisconsin registration to be submitted along with report. This service occurs with the PS provider two to three months prior to PS graduation.
Project SEARCH Job Hire (during Project Search): Services should transition during the last rotation at the last employment planning meeting from Project SEARCH services to general/supported employment services to help the consumer maintain permanent competitive, integrated employment. If the intern is hired prior to this the IPE should be updated to reflect the correct services. Individual circumstances are often unique to specific situations., Consultation with the intern's team which could include DVR, long-term supports/mental health supports, Project SEARCH instructor and skills trainer should take place to discuss hire.
Hire offer for less than 16 hours per week will need DVR approval in advance.The job goal identified in the job development plan will align with their IPE long-term goal for case closure.
If the student loses their employment before Project SEARCH is completed a meeting will need to take place with the intern's team which would include, DVR, long-term supports/mental health supports, Project SEARCH instructor and skills trainer to discuss further services.
Project SEARCH On-the-Job Supports: Used only for consumers who have been hired while still participating in PS school year. This rate applies for all consumers regardless of being hired within or outside of the host business.
This service is used in place of the Project SEARCH Skills Training and Reports. Project SEARCH Skills Training and Reports authorizations should be discontinued after an intern is hired.
The consumer's DVR case needs to remain open for an additional 90 days after graduation before their case can be closed.
If the consumer is hired after graduation, please follow the most appropriate DVR statewide fee schedule and technical specifications, e.g., Systematic Instruction.
UW-Whitewater Tuition: This service is for adult interns coming into the PS program. DVR pays for tuition as broken down on the Fee Schedule. Please see UW-Whitewater process for dates and timeline.
National Project SEARCH identifies a 4:1 ratio of interns to skill trainer.. Wisconsin will work with providers to adhere to National Project SEARCH Model while providing quality service to our interns. If the 4:1 ratio is not feasible or there are other issues, please consult with the Project SEARCH statewide coordinator.
DVR can only fund services that are included in a DVR consumer's IPE. Project SEARCH does not require a Systematic Instruction Job and Task Analysis. Please consult with your DVR counselor if this service is needed. DVR consumers involved in PS may or may not need Supported Employment Services and they may or may not have long-term care funding.
Transportation needs, plans and resources should be included in the application process for PS. Interns participating in PS are expected to learn how to independently commute to work, as this skill will be needed after the intern completes the program and is working in integrated employment. Students are encouraged to use public transportation when available, just as they would when employed after high school.
Transportation solutions should be individualized for each intern. Wherever public transportation is available, PS programs should take advantage of this resource. It is essential that the PS team works toward the most cost-effective solution for transportation for each intern.
If the intern is not able to find transportation independently:
Rotation Externships: An intern in their last rotation at an off-site location that requires transportation needs to be discussed with the intern and their PS team. For all interns in their last rotation whether on/off-site, the team should be planning and potentially transitioning the intern towards independent transportation solutions to prepare for permanent employment after PS.
There is an associated tuition cost for participation in PS. If a student is in high school, the high school pays this cost. If the student is not in high school, the Long Term Care agency or private payers are responsible for the cost.
For work materials the employer does not provide but requires, DVR may assist with purchasing.
DWD Contact Information
201 E. Washington Ave
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-3131
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