RSM 2, Attachment 1400-1: DORS Internal Process for RISE Program

Updated: 08/23

Internal Process Scenarios

1. Consumer wants self-employment, but has no work experience in selected field or running a business.

   Counselor will:

1. Provide Self-Employment Fact Sheet (RS-6k) (LARGE print).
2. Consider vocational evaluation, training, exploration of field prior to considering RISE.
3. Have consumer complete Chapters 1-3 of the VR Self Employment Guide website.
4. Complete the Preliminary Self-Employment Assessment (RS-4q).
5. Discuss with Supervisor.

2. Consumer wants self-employment, and has work experience in selected field.

   Counselor will:

1. Provide Self-Employment Fact Sheet (RS-6k) (LARGE print).
2. Have consumer complete Chapters 1-3 of the VR Self Employment Guide website.
3. Complete the Preliminary Self-Employment Assessment (RS-4q).
4. Discuss with Supervisor:
1. More information needed, or
2. Draft IPE for signatures and forward to Regional Management for approval to Refer to RISE.
1. See "Estimated Costs" and "IPE" below, for guidance.
2. Provide Link to Consumer to complete, or assist Consumer with Referral page.
3. Send Consumer’s Preliminary Self-Employment Assessment (RS-4q) and VR Self Employment Guide materials to RISE partner after receiving confirmation of receipt of Referral.

3. Consumer wants self-employment, has work experience in selected field, and has what they consider to be a viable Business Plan.

   Counselor will:

1. Provide Self-Employment Fact Sheet (RS-6k) (LARGE print).
2. Have consumer complete Chapters 1-3 of the VR Self Employment Guide website.
3. Complete the Preliminary Self-Employment Assessment (RS-4q).
4. Discuss with Supervisor:
1. Draft IPE for signatures and forward to Regional Management for approval to Refer to RISE.
1. See "Estimated Costs" and "IPE" below, for guidance.
2. Provide Link to Consumer to complete, or assist Consumer with Referral page.
3. Send Consumer’s Preliminary Self-Employment Assessment (RS-4q) (LARGE print), VR Self Employment Guide materials and Business Plan to RISE partner after receiving confirmation of receipt of Referral.

4. Consumer is currently self-employed, and is requesting assistance with business.

   Counselor will:

1. Obtain copies of existing Business Plan, at least three years of the financial performance, and current status of the business (RSM 2, Section 1401.03).
2. Complete Preliminary Self-Employment Assessment (RS-4q).
3. Discuss Referral to RISE with Supervisor. If in agreement, follow steps for Admin Approval to Regional Management.
4. IF approved, draft IPE (see "Estimated Costs" and "IPE" below for guidance) for signatures. Then send Preliminary Self-Employment Assessment (RS-4q) and business documents to RISE partner after receiving confirmation of receipt of Referral.
5. Consult/work with RISE partner on recommendations as to the next steps.

5. Consumer is working with a long-term provider (BHA/DDA) and wants self-employment.

   Counselor will:

1. Provide Self-Employment Fact Sheet (RS-6k) (LARGE print) to both the Consumer and Provider.
2. Complete the Preliminary Self-Employment Assessment (RS-4q).
3. Consider Scenarios 1-3 (above), relevant to the Consumer's business goal.
4. Discuss Referral to RISE with Supervisor. Then forward to Regional Director, who will forward to the Technical Assistance Branch Program Manager, for review.
5. IF approved, draft IPE (see "Estimated Costs" and "IPE" below for guidance) for signatures. Then provide electronic RISE Referral link to Consumer, and send Preliminary Self-Employment Assessment (RS-4q) and any business documents to RISE consultant after receiving her/his confirmation of receipt of Referral.
6. Ensure the RISE consultant knows the consumer is receiving long-term supports and the provider must be invited to any and all courses and meetings.

After Referral to RISE

RISE Consultants will:

1. Maintain contact with DORS Counselor while Consumer is working with RISE.

2. Inform DORS Counselor if Consumer did or did not attend the recommended RISE courses.

3. Invite the Consumer to recommended course(s).

4. Provide the DORS Counselor with monthly reports/updates after Consumer begins work on the Business Plan, and for one year after the business "launches."

5. Include DORS Counselor on planned meetings to discuss progress, concerns, etc.

General RISE Program Business Practice

• Actual Service Records (ASRs) – Counselors do NOT enter any ASRs with associated costs. Any substantial collaboration between the Counselor and RISE Consultants should be documented in a Case note. Costs will be captured by ASRs, and recorded by the Technical Assistance Branch.
  

• Approvals – Regional Management approval is required for any and all referrals to RISE, and for IPE Amendment when Business Plan is accepted/approved..

• Business Plan Advisory Committee – When the full Business Plan is ready to be presented to the Advisory Committee, the DORS Counselor is to attend with her/his Consumer. Remote attendance is acceptable when in-person attendance is not feasible.

• Courses – Courses provided by RISE Consultants will be offered in-person and/or virtually.

• Established Business – Consumers with established businesses can seek RISE assistance/ consultation. Regional management review and approval still required.

• Estimated Costs – Authorizations will not be written for participation in RISE. Estimated costs (for IPE planning) are:

• Exploring Self-Employment course ($75 x 4 hours) = $300
• Business Plan course ($75 x 8 hours) = $600
• Financial Literacy course ($75 x 8 hours) = $600
  • Required course if Business Plan is approved.
• Computer Application course ($75 x 40 hours) = $3,000
• Ongoing consultation, Business Plan approval, and new business monitoring ($75 x 4 hours a month x 24 months) = $7,200

• Funding – DORS is not to be the primary funder of any business enterprise (RSM 2, Section 1403a). Other sources can include the individual, family, bank loans, Social Security Work Incentives, and/or other private and public sources.

• Inactive Status – If there are two continuous months of minimal contact (less than four) between RISE consultant and Consumer, and no progress with Business Plan development, the RISE consultant will place consumer’s case with RISE on "Inactive" status for next three months. The RISE consultant will notify the DORS counselor of this status.

  During this time, Consumer will be responsible for actively maintaining contact with RISE consultant and demonstrating progress with Business Plan. If there is no progress and/or contact, the case will be "Exited" from RISE. The Consumer can be re-referred to RISE. Counselor will be informed of these steps as they occur.

  Note: This status is specific to RISE and Psychometric Solutions and is for Psychometric Solutions tracking purposes only. It doesn’t affect the consumer’s case with DORS.

• IPE – There are two to three separate times the "RISE Self-Employment Service" category (and estimated costs) is to be added to the IPE.

  Reminder: The IPE fully supporting a Business Plan for self-employment requires recommendation by the Business Development Advisory Committee and Administrative Approval for DORS funding by Regional Management.

  1. Initial Referral to RISE requires adding "Exploring Self-Employment" to IPE. [Regional Admin Approval required.]

  2. If Consumer is approved to continue, and chooses to do so, amend the IPE to include:

     • Business Plan course and Regular Consultation with estimated costs,
     • Financial Literacy Course & costs (if recommended by consultant), and/or
     • Computer Application Course & costs (if recommended by consultant).

  3. If the Business Development Advisory Committee recommends the business for funding, and Regional Management has approved DORS funding, add Business Plan Approval, the Business Literacy course & costs (if not previously taken), and New Business monitoring, and the estimated costs.

     • The approved business plan is also added to the IPE, along with detailed information regarding DORS funding.

• Interpreters – DORS Counselors arrange Interpreters for Consumers who require it to participate in the courses. The usual procedures apply to schedule Interpreters. Vocational Interpreters (VI) can be used for this service.

• Length of Time – There is no pre-determined amount of time a Consumer will spend participating in the RISE program, because each situation is unique to the individual. The minimum amount of time is estimated to be 14 months, from attendance at the Exploring Self-Employment course to approval of a Business Plan by the Business Development Advisory Committee. The time may be shorter if the Consumer has an established business and is seeking minor assistance/guidance.

• Measurable Skills Gains (MSG) – Measurable Skills Gains are not recorded for any participation in RISE.

• Meeting Locations – DORS Offices may be utilized for meetings between RISE Consultants and Consumers. RISE Consultant will contact the Office supervisor well in advance of the meeting to arrange as needed.

• Prerequisites – There are no academic or intellectual "prerequisites" to participate in RISE. However, the Counselor should consider the challenges associated with owning/operating a business and the Consumer’s intellectual, emotional capacities and abilities.

• Referral – DORS Counselor provides the Referral link to the Consumer, after the DORS Supervisor and Regional Director have approved. It is preferred the Consumer complete the Referral form independently. The Counselor can assist when necessary.

• Use RISE Referral link to begin referral process.

• Service Category on the IPE – The IPE category "RISE Self-Employment Service" is to be used for all self-employment services when the Consumer is participating in RISE. The courses and/or consultation details are to be listed in the description.
  

• Successful Self-Employment Closure – The Division defines "competitive rehabilitated" closure in self-employment/supported business enterprise as "the point at which revenue meets or exceeds the minimum wage." For a sole proprietor, "revenue" is defined as "net self-employment income minus one-half of the self-employment tax." For Corporations, S-Corporations and Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs), "revenue" is defined as "gross wages plus any income distributions from the entities." (RSM 2, Section 1407.10).

• Supported Self-Employment – Consultation with OFS Technical Assistance Branch is required for Consumers who wish to pursue self-employment, and have long term supports in place. These Consumers may still be referred to RISE, for consultation and guidance service only.

• Technology:

• A non-adapted computer and business software would be included on the business plan, and therefore may not be purchased in advance of Business Plan approval.

• An adapted computer (or similar assistive technology) meeting the disability needs of the consumer would not be included in the Business Plan, and therefore may be purchased in advance of the Business Plan approval.

• VR Self-Employment Guide:

  The VR Self-Employment Guide is a multimedia website designed to help people with disabilities and vocational rehabilitation counselors understand the self-employment process. It provides a way for consumers and counselors to assess self-employment readiness and guides them through the process of developing a business plan. The website is self-directed and can be used by individuals on their own or with the guidance of a vocational rehabilitation counselor or mentor.