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  2. Vocational Rehabilitation
  3. Service Providers
  4. Service Provider Qualification Requirements
  5. Alternative Training Plan Requirements and Guidelines

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Alternative Training Plan Requirements and Guidelines

March 2026

Service Provider Qualification Requirements for Statewide Services

Purpose: This document outlines requirements for Service Providers who choose to meet qualification requirements through an Alternative Training Plan rather than ACRE-approved training or CESP certification.

DVR may approve internal or third-party training that aligns with DVR-defined core competencies and required training hours.

This option applies to the following statewide services:

  • Customized Employment (CE)
  • Internship/Temporary Work (I/TW)
  • Job and Task Analysis and Systematic Instruction (JTA and SI)
  • Job Preparation, Development, Hire, and Retention (JP, JD, and Ret)
  • Student Work Based Learning (SWBL)
  • Supported Employment (SE)

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To be approved, Alternate Training must:

  • Align with DVR-defined core competencies by role and service type.
  • Demonstrate at least 80%–90% alignment with required competencies.
  • Meet minimum hour requirements:
    • 40 hours for Job Developers.
    • 20 hours for Job Coaches/Systematic Instructors.
  • Include a competency-based assessment.
  • Be submitted to DVR for approval prior to use.

Training format may vary (online, in-person or blended), provided required content is addressed.

Service Providers must submit:

  • Course syllabus or agenda.
  • Learning objectives.
  • Content outline or presentation slides.
  • Competency mapping document.
  • Assessment method (e.g., quiz, project or observation).

Service Providers must retain all training documentation for compliance verification.

Applies to: Job Developer and Job Coach/Systematic Instructors providing CE services.

Required Hours

Role Hours
Job Developer 40
Job Coach/Systematic Instructor 20

Core Competency Domains

Domain 1: Core Values and Principles of Customized Employment

  • Understanding Customized Employment (CE) and Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) principles.
  • Legal and ethical considerations (ADA, WIOA, HCBS Final Rule).
  • Person-centered planning and cultural competence.
  • Ethical negotiating and advocacy practices.

Domain 2: Discovery and Individualized Planning

  • Discovery-based assessment.
  • Identifying strengths, interests and support needs.
  • Developing vocational themes and profiles.
  • Community exploration and informational interviews.

Domain 3: Job Development and Employer Negotiation

  • Labor market research.
  • Job carving, job creation and self-employment strategies.
  • Employer negotiation and relationship development.
  • Coaching self-advocacy and employer communication.

Domain 4: Workplace Supports and Retention

  • Systematic instruction and task modification.
  • Accommodations and assistive technology.
  • Natural workplace supports.
  • Retention planning and long-term stability.
  • Coordination with funding and support systems.

Applicable to: Job Developer and Job Coach/Systematic Instructors providing I/TW; JTA and SI; JP, JD, and Ret; SWBL; or SE services.

Required Hours

Role Hours
Job Developer 40
Job Coach/Systematic Instructor 20

Core Competency Domains

Domain 1: Core Values and Principles

  • CIE and Employment First principles.
  • Person-centered planning and informed choice.
  • Disability rights and professional ethics.
  • Relevant legislation (ADA, WIOA, Rehabilitation Act, HCBS Final Rule).

Domain 2: Assessment and Career Planning

  • Individualized assessments and career exploration.
  • Vocational profiling.
  • Identifying non-work barriers.
  • Benefits planning awareness.

Domain 3: Job Development and Employer Engagement

  • Labor market research.
  • Employer outreach and networking.
  • Application and interview support.
  • Job carving and customized employment strategies.

Domain 4: Workplace and On-the-Job Supports and Retention

  • Effective job coaching.
  • Accommodations and assistive technology.
  • Workplace inclusion.
  • Conflict resolution and retention strategies.
  • Extended services and fading supports.

Ongoing Professional Development

After meeting qualification requirements, DVR encourages Service Providers to support continued staff learning and skill development. DVR is not implementing a formal continuing education requirement at this time.

Additional Notes

  • Recommended hour ranges by domain are available in the Competency Mapping Template (CE DVR-20132-E, CIE DVR-20133-E)
  • Topics such as benefits counseling, workplace diversity, and self-employment are recommended, though not required.

For questions contact: DVRServiceProviders@dwd.wisconsin.gov

For full qualification requirements, refer to the Service Provider Qualification Requirements for Statewide Services document.

For submission instructions, refer to the Alternative Training Plan Approval: Submission and Review Process document.