Ticket to Work

Protocol for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

DRAFT

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The following are guidelines for VR counselors for use of the SSA Ticket to Work. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure DVR will receive the maximum appropriate outcome and reimbursement payments for consumers who become employed as a result of DVR services. It is important to note that the Ticket Program and the payment mechanisms built into the program, should not influence the rehabilitation counseling process. For example a consumers decision to assign or not assign the Ticket with DVR should not impact decisions regarding services to be provided by DVR.


Intake 

During the intake process the counselor will identify if the consumer is an SSI/SSDI recipient. If the consumer is an SSI/SSDI beneficiary the counselor will ask him/her if they have received a Ticket. Depending on the response the counselor should proceed as follows:

a. If the consumer has a Ticket the counselor should discuss assignment of that Ticket during the period between intake and plan development. If the consumer brings the Ticket the counselor should take the Ticket and keep it in the consumer file. 
b. If the consumer says they do not have a Ticket or do not know if they have a Ticket refer the name and Social Security number to the DVR Ticket to Work Program Administrator to determine if he/she has been assigned a Ticket.


Plan Development


[1] The consumer decides to assign the Ticket to DVR:

a. Determine the payment system to be selected (Cost Reimbursement or EN Payment System of Record) using the Ticket Payment System Guidelines (to be developed)
b. Complete Ticket Assignment Form and forward to DVR Ticket to Work Program Administrator.
c. If appropriate encourage the consumer to consult with a benefits counselor regarding the potential impact of employment plan on their benefits and healthcare coverage.
d. The Ticket should be kept in the consumers case file with a copy of the Ticket Assignment Form.





[2] The consumer does not want to assign the Ticket to DVR:

a. Complete the Ticket Assignment Registration form indicating consumer does not want to assign the Ticket to DVR. Under this circumstance DVR can still apply to SSA for traditional reimbursement. 
b. The DVR counselor will encourage the consumer to assign the Ticket to DVR stressing the benefit of the CDR protection associated with the Ticket and that funds received through the Ticket program can be used by DVR to provide services for other consumers.

[3] The consumer has assigned the Ticket to a provider that is in a joint Employment Network with DVR. 

a. The DVR counselor or the provider will complete a Ticket Assignment form and forward it to the DVR Ticket Administrator. 
b. The DVR counselor will determine the payment system to be used for this consumer in consultation with the provider. 
c. If the consumer is not a current DVR open case the Ticket should still be assigned to DVR and forwarded to the DVR Ticket Administrator. The provider will complete a vocational plan and submit the plan and the Ticket to the local VR office.

[4] The consumer has assigned the Ticket to a provider not in an Employment Network with DVR.

a. The DVR counselor will encourage the consumer to reassign the Ticket to DVR under the following circumstances:

* The consumer is dissatisfied with the other Employment Network's services.
* The consumer is not receiving any significant services from the other employment Network. 

b. If the consumer choices to keep his/her ticket assigned with the other Employment Network, the DVR counselor will complete a Ticket Assignment Registration form indicating which Employment Network is holding the Ticket and forward it to the DVR Ticket Administrator.