FAQs | Page 4 of 22

We are located in a rural area where the unemployment rate is quite high and there are few places to work. How long would the HCS provider be expected to help find the individual employment?

We recognize that employment opportunities vary greatly around the state. Employment Assistance (EA) initially will be authorized for a minimum of 10 hours so that individuals’ preferences and skills can be thoroughly assessed and the specific training needs and employment goals can be agreed upon. Additional Supported Employment (SE) hours will be available up to […]

We are located in a rural area where the unemployment rate is quite high and there are few places to work. How long would the HCS provider be expected to help find the individual employment? Read More »

What experience does the EA and SE service provider have?

BlueAtlas

Employment Assistance (EA) and Supported Employment (SE) require the service provider to have at least two years of paid or unpaid experience providing services to people with disabilities. This experience could include such areas of work as day habilitation, attendant services, educational services, social work, case management and nursing services.

What experience does the EA and SE service provider have? Read More »

If a client already has graduated, will DARS and the school district assist with the employment process?

BlueAtlas

The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, or DARS may assist; however, once the individual graduates from high school, the school district has no more responsibility for assisting with the employment services and supports.

If a client already has graduated, will DARS and the school district assist with the employment process? Read More »

Must individuals start at DARS before receiving EA or SE from us as the HCS provider?

BlueAtlas

Individuals can receive waiver-provided Employment Assistance (EA) through the HCS provider until DARS has developed an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and the individual has signed the document. The local authority service coordinator is responsible for developing the PDP (Personal Directive Plan) which authorizes Employment Assistance (EA) and Supported Employment (SE) services to be provided

Must individuals start at DARS before receiving EA or SE from us as the HCS provider? Read More »

When the HCS provider is providing SE/EA, what are the qualifications for this person?

BlueAtlas

The HCS program offers these services using a service provider with the qualifications found in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Chapter 51, Rule §51.485, Service Provider Qualifications for Providing Employment Assistance (EA) and Supported Employment (SE).

When the HCS provider is providing SE/EA, what are the qualifications for this person? Read More »

What is the difference in Supported Employment (SE) and Employment Assistance (EA)?

BlueAtlas

Employment Assistance helps an individual get the job. Supported Employment helps the individual keep the job. Both involve assistance from our staff to support an individual with a desire to be employed.

What is the difference in Supported Employment (SE) and Employment Assistance (EA)? Read More »

What is “Employment Assistance”?

BlueAtlas

Employment Assistance (EA) involves time spent, per the number of units pre-approved on the plan of care, in helping an individual develop skills necessary to obtain gainful employment. Such skills may include learning how to find job postings, how to complete a job application, how to make an initial contact with a potential employer and

What is “Employment Assistance”? Read More »

What does “Supported Employment” mean?

BlueAtlas

Supported employment involves time spent, per the number of units pre-approved on the plan of care, and unobtrusively monitoring an individual’s success at a job on an on-going basis. Specifically, Supported Employment may include transportation to and from work, coordinating with an individual’s work supervisor to determine any performance issues, and working with the individual

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Does your company actually provide employment assistance?

BlueAtlas

We provide employment assistance if the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) does not accept the individual. We can also provide it while the individual is waiting to find out if DARS will accept them.

Does your company actually provide employment assistance? Read More »

What is DARS?

BlueAtlas

The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, or DARS, administers programs that ensure Texas is a state where people with disabilities, and children who have developmental delays, enjoy the same opportunities as other Texans to live independent and productive lives. As of September 1, 2016, programs and services have been transferred by the Texas Legislature

What is DARS? Read More »

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