5692.5. (Added by renumbering Section 5693 by Stats. 1991, Ch. 89, Sec. 161.)

(b) Vocational programs providing linkage and coordination for the system and which provide the following:

(1) Information, outreach, and referral services which provide ongoing liaison with assessment prevocational programs.

(2) Intake and evaluation services which may use vocational testing and analysis of work history to identify vocational strengths, weaknesses, and needs. The assessment findings should be used by the client and the program to negotiate the goals and objectives of an individual vocational plan.

(3) Work experience programs which consist of time-limited work opportunities that enable participants to develop work skills and establish a work history. These programs may include, but not be limited to, agency-operated businesses, work placements in the community, or other activities that provide a realistic work environment.

(4) Individual and group counseling services which are separated from the work experience component; individual counseling to assist clients in resolving problems related to the work situation, to update and renegotiate the individual vocational plan, and to assist clients with nonwork-related problems that affect their participation in the program; group counseling to address Social Security Administration rules and regulations: the effects of medication on work performance, the relationship between work and mental health, attributes and attitudes necessary for successful employment, job-seeking skills, and other related topics.

(5) Job development, placement, and referral services which assist clients in the following areas: obtaining competitive employment; admission to job training or education programs; referral to the Department of Rehabilitation; agency operated competitive employment programs; governmental and private sector affirmative action hiring programs for the disabled; or other specialized employment programs. If employment, training, or education programs are not suitable for a client, the client should be actively referred back to a prevocational program or other mental health program that best meets his or her current needs.

(6) Support services which may include peer support groups and job clubs to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment; ongoing client counseling and placement followup; employer training, consultation, and placement followup services; and consultation services to prevocational programs.

(7) The preferred method to deliver the vocational rehabilitation services described in this section is supported employment.