COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE PROVIDED BY THE VR COUNSELOR

General: In all cases, counselors develop a collaborative relationship with each applicant and eligible individual and promote the individual’s full involvement and participation in the rehabilitation process. The counselor’s role in providing information about and guiding the individual in exploration of options is critical to supporting informed choice of the individual. Vocational counseling and guidance also includes support and assistance with problem solving and clarification of values, as well as information about and referral to community resources and coordination of services. Such counseling and guidance may not be considered a “countable” service for Order of Selection purposes.

Substantial: If required by the individual, the counselor will provide discrete, substantial counseling services that are vocational in nature and are specifically designed to assist the individual in participating in the rehabilitation process and in reaching an employment outcome. Such vocational counseling will involve multiple sessions, be included in the IPE, and address issues such as vocational exploration, career decision making, establishment of a career path including short and long term goals, self-advocacy in the work place, development of problem-solving skills, and use of community resources related to employment. This substantial level of service is distinct from the general counseling relationship that exists between the counselor and the client throughout the rehabilitation process. Such substantial counseling and guidance may be considered a “countable” service for Order of Selection purposes. (Note: This is not mental restoration services provided by qualified sources. See codes 320, 330 and 340.)

The level of service is determined according to the VR needs of the individual consistent with his or her informed choice.

365 Counseling and guidance - general

370 Counseling and guidance - substantial (not mental restoration)

RELATED INFORMATION FOR COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE PROVIDED BY THE VR COUNSELOR