Specifications include, but are not limited to: The State of Maine is seeking proposals to provide community-based employment services to individuals with disabilities served by the Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Division for the Blind & Visually Impaired (DBVI). Necessary services include: Pre-Employment Transition Services, Job Seeking Skills, Job Skills Training, Job Development and Placement Services; Job Coaching and Supported Employment; and Business Engagement. Individuals to be served by the successful Bidder(s) will either be working age-adults seeking employment (VR), or youth engaged in activities to transition from school to work as part of adulthood. Youth engaged in activities from school to work as part of adulthood are categorized as Transition Students between the ages of 14 through 24. The manner in which services can be delivered include: Short-term/immersive settings; and apprenticeships. Services cannot include self-employment. No purchases for service can be made prior to receiving authorization from the BRS. Pre-Employment Transition Services: Includes the services described below designed to assist students with disabilities to prepare to enter post-secondary education and employment with increased knowledge of the world of work. BRS partners with schools (including public charter and Special Purpose Private Schools), CRPs, Maine’s Center for Independent Living and other organizations to identify and serve students who will benefit from these services. Services can be individualized, but commonly occur in group settings. When possible, services can be offered in a virtual setting. Job Exploration Counseling: The process of assisting individuals to learn about themselves and the world of work, to identify and explore potentially satisfying occupations, and to develop an effective strategy to realize their goals. Includes in-school or after school opportunities, or experience outside the traditional school setting, such as internships, labor market information review, Transitional Career Exploration Workshop, Career Exploration Workshop, and other vocational interest inventories.
