Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about SE+? Browse the FAQ below for more information on the SE+ program, including Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), work incentives, and benefits.

Does each Supported Employment+ (SE+) pilot site have a designated Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)?

Yes. Each pilot site has an SE+ VRC working with all SE+ referrals, from start to finish.

Will pilot sites continue to receive other referrals from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)?

Yes. SE+ pilot sites will continue to receive other referrals from the local VR office. SE+ only applies to individuals who are currently in, or contemplating entering, a sheltered workshop. It is a separate program from VR's existing employment services model.

Will SE+ eventually filter into the general VR program?

SE+ is a five-year program that could be extended. Participants who are open with VR when the program ends will remain open with VR and be considered part of the "general" caseload.

Is there a minimum age requirement to participate in SE+?

A person must be at least 18 years old to participate in SE+.

Is the SE+ program appropriate for Pre-ETS students who ask about the day program and workshop?

A Pre-ETS student is an appropriate referral if they are contemplating entering a sheltered workshop.

If someone is working in the community and the workshop, can they use SE+?

SE+ does not impact individuals who are currently working in the community and are satisfied with their employment. If a person wants to obtain a better job in the community and needs assistance, they may use the SE+ program, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

What was the criteria to be chosen as a pilot site?

When considering pilot sites, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) considered the following:

  • Is the provider a Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) with a workshop?

  • Does the provider plan to remain open?

  • Is there a significant number of participants?

  • Does the provider have staff capacity?

  • Is there geographic diversity among providers?

Does SE+ run parallel with our current employment services program? Can they be combined?

The SE+ program is funded by a five-year grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and runs parallel to other employment services programs. It cannot be combined with other programs, but staff may overlap, and many of the services provided may be the same.

Who determines if the pilot site has met fidelity?

A fidelity review is conducted once a year by the team at Public Consulting Group (PCG), using a fidelity scale. Once the fidelity review has occurred and the report is complete, the report is then reviewed and approved by VR's SE+ leadership team.

What's the difference between subminimum wage and competitive employment?

Subminimum Wage- Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) authorizes employers, after receiving a certificate from the Wage and Hour Division, to pay subminimum wages (wages less than the Federal minimum wage) to workers who have disabilities for the work being performed.

Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE)- The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 defines CIE as work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:

  • Compensated at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience.

  • Receiving the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions.

  • At a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities.

  • Presented opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions (Department of Labor).

Who is responsible for knowing about work incentives?

Ideally, as many team members as possible will be trained in work incentives basics. However, all providers will have at least one Benefits Information Network (BIN) Liaison. Additionally, SE+ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors can provide information too.

Can the Business Information Network (BIN) program be in charge of individuals’ benefits?

The BIN will provide initial and follow-up reports, but is not responsible for reporting earnings and requesting work incentives.

Are there resources available for staff when assisting our clients with information regarding working and benefits?

  1. Benefits Information Network (BIN) Liaison at the pilot site

  2. Northern IN Works: 1-866-968-7842

  3. Southern Indiana Works: 1-888-908-7992