Perceptions of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals Regarding Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Policy Changes and Employment Outcomes.

The following study investigated VR professionals' perceptions of recent policy changes under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. As a consequence of WIOA amendments, the minimum education requirements have changed; thus, perceptions of education level and professional certification on successful outcomes were two primary areas of interest. Findings from 209 survey participants across State agencies revealed VR professionals believe WIOA changes have impacted employment outcomes within six central domains: caseload, quality of services, pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS), counseling/consumer relationships, documentation of counselor/consumer interactions and services provided, and VR agency management. Obtaining a master's degree and/or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification was perceived as beneficial for overall employment outcomes by improving aspects such as counselor qualifications, counselor-consumer relationships, and quality of services provided. The focus of this article is to explore the frequency of these perceptions and to provide recommendations for future study and considerations regarding WIOA implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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