Effective immediately, OVR will no longer authorize Phase 2 – Job Placement at the same time as Phase 1 – Job Development. Phase 1 will be authorized while the customer is actively engaged in Job Development. Phase 2 will be authorized once a job offer and anticipated start date have been identified.

When a customer receives a job offer, the CRP must notify the VRC as soon as the job offer and anticipated start date are known and provide the required placement information. Prompt notification is critical so that OVR has sufficient time to authorize Phase 2 before the customer begins employment and necessary job coaching can be available beginning with the customer's first day of work. If the assigned VRC is unavailable and the customer’s start date is approaching, the CRP should contact the VRC Supervisor. If the VRC Supervisor is also unavailable, the CRP should contact the District Office Supported Employment Coordinator for assistance. The current SE Coordinator List is always available in the CWDS Help Center by searching “Coordinator List – Supported Employment.” If the CRP is unable to reach the VRC, VRC Supervisor, or SE Coordinator, the CRP should contact the appropriate OVR District Office using the OVR Office Directory and ask to speak with the supervisor on duty that day regarding the time-sensitive Phase 2 authorization.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) today announced the launch of a new program through its Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), leveraging a $14 million federal grant to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities earning a subminimum wage obtain competitive, integrated employment (CIE).

The new Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team (InVEST) program builds on PA’s commitment to uphold and advance Employment First. InVEST aims to eliminate some of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities working in sheltered workshops, which typically pay people with disabilities subminimum wage and are often segregated from the greater community. InVEST will empower participants to pursue competitive wages through economically stable career paths by facilitating the transition from subminimum wage positions to CIE.

From OVR:

Hello SE Providers!

Please see the attached informational flyer for several upcoming ACRE Basic Training sessions.  All are welcome to join!  Please direct all questions to the contact listed on the flyer.

Below is the information from the September Provider Supported Employment Office Hours.  This email includes:

• Office Hours PowerPoint
• Ticket to Work EN Opportunity PowerPoint
• Links that were provided in the Chat
• Request for Application (RFA) | The Work Site | SSA
• 2021 Payments at a Glance (ssa.gov)
• Becoming an EN | Ticket to Work (ssa.gov)
• Find Help - Search Results - Ticket to Work - Social Security (ssa.gov)
• Employer Identification Number (EIN):
• Obtain from the Internal Revenue Service. Call 800-829-4933 or
• Visit www.irs.gov.
• System for Award Management (SAM) registration:
• Register for free at www.sam.gov
• Brittany Boyd email [email protected]
• [email protected]

Please see the informational flyer for ACRE Basic Training sessions that can be scheduled with Bucks IU. Please direct all questions to the contact listed on the flyer.

The October class will be October 16-18, and it is in person or virtual.  Bucks IU is also able to schedule in your agency location if you have 5 or more participants.

Message from OVR:

As you all know, OVR has resumed their Supported Employment Office Hours. They are held once per month for the providers, and then also once per month for OVR staff.