Supported Employment Meetings & Resources

Purpose:

The purpose of this page is to keep Supported Employment Program Approved Service Agencies (PASAs) informed about upcoming Department events and meetings, relevant legislation, resources, and other information related to Supported Employment.

Meetings and Events

Draft Supported Employment Rule Stakeholder Engagement meetings

Intended Audience: PASA’s interested in providing constructive feedback on the new draft of the Supported Employment rules.

Meeting information will be posted here soon

Legislation and Resources

Coming soon...

Megan.Hertwig@state.co.us

Reasonable accommodations for the meetings will be provided upon request for persons with disabilities.
Auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities and language services for individuals whose first language is not English may be provided upon request.
Please contact John.R.Barry@state.co.us at least one week prior to the scheduled meeting if you need accommodations.

Resources

Supported Employment Informational Webinar Recording - August 2019

Guidelines & Core Competencies

The already approved trainings or certifications listed above are approved because:

nationally recognized training or certification includes standards that are set and approved by relevant industry groups and/or governing bodies nationwide;
training curricula includes detailed documentation of all competencies covered for required skills and knowledge;
certification is accredited by a nationally recognized entity.

Core Competencies

Person-centered process	The process that identifies the strengths, preferences, needs (clinical and support), and desired outcomes of the individual and individually identified goals and preferences related to relationships, community participation, employment, income and savings, healthcare and wellness, and education. The Person-centered approach incudes working with a team where the individual chooses the people involved on the team and receives necessary information and support to ensure he or she is able to direct the process to the maximum extent possible; effective communication; and appropriate assessment.
Individualized career assessment and planning	This process is used to determine the individual’s strengths, needs, and interests to support career exploration and leads to effective career planning, including the consideration of necessary accommodations and benefits planning
Individualized job development	Identifying and creating individualized competitive integrated employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities which meet the needs of both the employer and the individual. This competency includes negotiation of necessary disability accommodations.
Individualized job coaching	Providing necessary workplace supports to clients with significant disabilities to ensure success in competitive integrated employment and resulting in a reduction in the need for paid workplace supports over time.
Job development	Effectively engaging employers for the purpose of community job development for clients with significant disabilities, which meets the needs of both the employer and the client.

Legislation

SB 18-145-Implement Employment First Recommendations

Senate Bill 18-145 is to advance competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities by funding training and certification for Supported Employment Professionals

The bill requires training and/or certification of all providers of supported employment services for persons with disabilities.

Reimbursements will cover the cost of the training and certification, application fees, and staff time.

Training will be reimbursed up to $1,200.00
Certification will be reimbursed up to $300.00

To be eligible for reimbursement, you need to be set up to bill for Supported Employment services through Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Health First Colorado, and/or HCBS Waivers.

SB 16-077-Establishment of Employment First for Persons with Disabilities

Senate Bill 16-077 established:

the increase of:
- the number of people entering the workforce and contributing to Colorado’s tax base
- self-worth and dignity of people who are gainfully employed and working alongside people without disabilities
- opportunities to do meaningful and gainful work, lessoning dependence on Medicaid and other public assistance
- opportunities for post-secondary education, including college and vocational training
- effectiveness of service systems currently serving people with disabilities to who are seeking meaningful employment

the collaboration between state departments called Employment First Advisory Partnership (EFAP) including representatives of:
- Department of Education
- Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
- Department of Higher Education
- Department of Human Services
- Department of Labor and Employment
- People with disabilities seeking supported employment
- Families of people with disabilities
- Advocates for people with intellectual disabilities
- Supported Employment Service Providers
- Others focused on cross-disability interest

Helpful Links

HCPF_Supported.Employment@state.co.us

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Colorado: State & National Resources

Supported Employment Meetings & Resources

Resources

Core Competencies