Skills to Pay the Bills

Technical Specifications

Effective July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024
(Revised: June 2023)

Description of Service Category

Skills to Pay the Bills is a group based learning program that covers the soft skills that are required for workplace success. The group may be composed of 6-12 youth (general age range is 14-24) or a group of adults. Youth and adult cohorts must be conducted separately. Smaller groups or individual sessions may be authorized to ensure timely and appropriate services for the consumer. Skills are taught using a variety of activities that are engaging and targeted to the youth or adult learner. The Department of Labor program called "Skills to Pay the Bills" is delivered 1 session per topic for youth and 1 session per 2 topics for adults. Sessions may be offered on an as need basis; not all sessions are required.

An agency may provide this service if they agree to follow the required curriculum found at Soft Skills to Pay the Bills and have sessions conducted by staff who have background and skills in presenting material to youth and adult learners and are knowledgeable about youth and adult learning styles. Training or certification is not required.

An Authorization for Services is required from DVR before any services can begin.

Service Provided – Skills to Pay the Bills

• All 6 sessions are not required to be completed for this service. DVR may authorize sessions on an individual/as need basis. Additional activities can be included by the service provider after discussion with DVR. (No additional fees will be dispersed for these activities.)
• For youth; the curriculum and activities would be completed in sessions of approximately 1.5-4 hours each covering one soft skill per session.
• For adults; the curriculum and activities would be condensed into sessions of approximately 1.5-4 hours covering two soft skills per session.
• The basic structure of the program is comprised of modular, hands-on, engaging activities that focus on 6 key skill areas:
• Communication
• Enthusiasm & Attitude
• Teamwork
• Networking
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
• Professionalism

Service/Reporting Requirements

Reports are due within 5 business days of the end of the service or previous month if the service is continuing.

Note: If the service provider is seeking to use their own reporting template, the report must contain all the elements and follow the same sequence in the required DVR reporting template. Please email the DVR Program Development Specialist to submit a reporting template and request for approval.

Billing Requirements

Invoices for services should be submitted as described on the Authorization for Services, also referred to as the purchase order. Invoices must be received by DVR within 60 days of completion of the service. Properly submitted invoices will be paid within 30 days of receipt when reports and services have been delivered and accepted as specified.

Skills to Pay the Bills Roles & Responsibilities

A group based learning program that covers the soft skills that are required for workplace success. Skills are taught using a variety of activities that are engaging and targeted to the youth or adult learner.

I can expect DVR to:

• Provide me with information about providers for this service
• Help me choose an appropriate service provider
• Help me understand what will happen during this service and what I need to do.
• Provide me contact information to connect me to my service provider
• Answer my questions if I have any during the service
• Give me a copy of the report if I want one

I can expect the Provider to:

• Schedule date/time(s) for when and where services are to be provided
• Assist me in developing soft skills to be successful in the workplace
• Provide constructive feedback
• Communicate effectively and efficiently
• Complete a report on my progress

I am expected to:

• Choose a provider. If more information is needed to make an informed decision, I will request it.
• Be on time to sessions
• Answer questions asked during the meetings
• Inform my supervisor and Service Provider if I can't make it or be on time
• Notify DVR and my provider of any issues or concerns that may arise
• Contact DVR or my provider if I have a question
• Let my provider or DVR know if I would like to have a meeting to go over my report(s)

Reports/Forms

• Skills to Pay the Bills Report (DVR-18031-E)