15.6 Job Coaching with RID-Certified Interpreter or Sign Language Communication Assistant, Individual

(Procedure Codes 27202-01, 27202-02)

Vendors who are RID-certified interpreters or non-RID certified communication assistants may offer job coaching services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.It is necessary to procure the services of two RID-certified vendors when job coaching services are needed for more than two consecutive hours or when the content is complicated or intensive. The hours spent receiving job coaching services are deducted from the job coaching maximum under Milestone 2, not the number of hours paid per job coach.

EXAMPLE: An individual’s first shift is eight hours long and is anticipated to require eight hours of job coaching. The rehabilitation counselor authorizes two job coaches for eight hours of coaching each. The individual receives job coaching the entire shift of eight hours. There is a 50-hour maximum for job coaching, but the time deducted from 50 hours for job coaching will be eight hours.

Exception: If the DVR Rehabilitation Counselor determines that more hours are needed after the provision of a majority of the maximum allowed hours, additional hours may be authorized.

For occasions strictly requiring an interpreter (e.g., new employee orientation, staff training sessions, etc.), a rehabilitation counselor will authorize interpreter services separately. Prior to authorizing, the counselor must first explore ADA responsibilities with the employer to provide these necessary interpreting services.

Payment Rate:

• RID-Certified: Internal Contract or Market Rate for interpreting + $25/hour, up to 40 hours per month

• Communication Assistant: $54.00 per hour, up to 40 hours per month