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Wisconsin DVR Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Directive for DVR Staff From: Charlene Dwyer, DVR Administrator Homemaker Employment Objective
Updated Definition of Homemaker: To be eligible for a homemaker IPE individualized plan for employment outcome, an individual must meet all of the following conditions: Be primarily responsible within the family unit for cleaning, laundering, shopping, and preparing meals. By independently completing the tasks listed in one above, the individual allows a family member or caregiver to seek, obtain or maintain competitive employment. Has an approved IPE with homemaker as the vocational objective. Individuals who do not meet these criteria are to be referred to an independent living program for services.
Rationale: DVR recognizes the legitimacy of the homemaker role in supporting, maintaining, and strengthening the family unit. There is, however, a difference between services to homemakers and independent living services, and this distinction must be made to determine whether services are appropriate under the vocational rehabilitation program or not. The new definition clarifies when vocational rehabilitation services are appropriate and when a referral to independent living services should be made.
By connecting an employment outcome for caregivers, the new definition better aligns the vocational goal of homemaker with the mission and purpose of the Rehabilitation Act.
The inclusion of rehabilitated homemaker closures in reports to the federal government requires weekly wage and hour reporting. The new definition will allow for Homemaker closures that are reported to be linked to competitive employment outcomes. The federal government sets benchmarks for DVR's performance in the areas of weekly wages and hours of work. The outcomes reported for homemakers impact our statewide performance rating.
Desired Change: All IPEs with a vocational goal of Homemaker will have a case note in the IRIS Integrated Rehabilitation Information System - The electronic case record used in Wisconsin record clearly describing how the criteria for a homemaker outcome is met No Homemaker IPE will be approved when the Homemaker definition is not met Consumers not meeting the Homemaker criteria are to be referred to independent living services; a case note and/or other written documentation will be entered into the IRIS record verifying the referral District Directors will provide quality assurance oversight through case file reviews and IPE reviews Homemaker closures will count as successful rehabilitation closures if the individual achieves the goals established in the Homemaker IPE
(the above is unofficial text for cross reference purposes) |