September 19, 2005

MEMORANDUM FOR ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF, DISTRICT SUPERVISORS AND REHABILITATION TEACHERS                                                                                             

FROM:            Mike Fester, Deputy Director

SUBJECT:       Vocational Rehabilitation Policy Guidance for Homemaker Cases

The following information outlines the eligibility criteria and policy guidance established for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) cases with a vocational goal of "Homemaker:"

1.  The consumer must meet the eligibility requirements for the Vocational                                                                          Rehabilitation Program as stated in Chapter 3, Vocational Rehabilitation Policy and Procedure Manual, with the understanding that the employment goal they are pursuing is that of homemaker.

2.  The consumer’s responsibility for homemaking must allow them to maintain the home for another member(s) of the household.  In order for the vocational goal of homemaker to be justified, the consumer must have the homemaking responsibilities in such areas as: meal preparation, general upkeep cleaning, shopping for supplies for the home, and laundry for other household members.   NOTE:  The homemaker may be the sole occupant of the home if the home is maintained to support the homemaker’s unpaid work activities, including child or elder care (must be significantly more than periodic visitation).

3.  Rehabilitation Teachers will function as case managers for VR Homemaker cases.  Documentation of eligibility and the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) must be co-signed by the Rehabilitation Teacher and the District Supervisor. 

4.  Only those services and equipment which are required to support the homemaker role in the household may be authorized for purchase by RSB. 

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5.  Authorization for the purchase of any Electronic Visual Aid (EVA) will require a District Supervisor (DS) signature.  Purchase of a CCTV will only be considered in the instance where a consumer has the complete and sole responsibility for managing mail, bookkeeping and other household tasks that require extensive use of magnification to assist in reading and writing.  Purchase of computers will not be allowed for VR Homemaker cases.  All purchases will be subject to VR purchasing guidelines, including the requirement for DS signature for any purchase over $999.

6.  Requests for exception to any of the criteria listed above must follow the procedures established in Chapter 26 of the RSB Vocational Rehabilitation Policy and Procedure Manual.

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