Vocational Services

Frequently Asked Questions about Jobs for People with Disabilities

If I take a job at the Minot or Grand Forks Air Force Base, how do I get there?

Transportation is provided for a $3.00 round trip fee.  You will be picked up at your home and dropped off at your home at the end of your shift.

Do I have to have a developmental disability to qualify for the jobs at the Minot or Grand Forks Air Force Base?

No.  At least 75% of the hours worked on the MAFB and GFAFB contracts must be performed by people with “a severe physical or mental impairment (a residual, limiting condition resulting from an injury, disease, or congenital defect) which so limits the person’s functional capabilities (mobility, communication, self-care, self-direction, work tolerance or work skills) that the individual is unable to engage in normal competitive employment over an extended period of time.” (Committee for Purchase of Service, 41 CFR 51-1.3)  

Contract employees include people without disabilities (up to 25%) and people with disabilities.  Some employees with a disability are also enrolled in a vocational program.  Some have “graduated” from a vocational program.  Other employees did not qualify for funding for vocational training, but still met the definition of disabled as listed above.  Sometimes a disability results in a need for additional support or accommodations, but does not impact a person’s ability to perform the job to specifications when the support is available.

How much will I get paid?

For the first three paychecks you will be paid $5.25/hour.  After that time, you will be paid based on your actual productivity and the wage established for that job.  

Rates for MAFB and GFAFB contracts are established by the Department of Labor through the Service Contract Act and currently range from $9.04 to $14.37 per hour.  Most other jobs pay $6 per hour (at 100%).

What does being paid on actual 'productivity' mean?

You will be paid based on how fast you work and how your work quality compares to a person without a disability.  Periodically your productivity percentage (quantity of work completed by you divided by a standard quantity of work) will be revised.  Your pay rate will be your productivity percentage multiplied by the hourly rate established for the job.  

Some assembly work is paid based on a piece rate – you will earn a specified amount for each piece completed.

What type of support will I have on my job?

If you qualify for a vocational training program, you will have the supervision and assistance of a Job Coach.  The amount of time the Job Coach is available to you depends upon your needs. 

If I want to work in the community can I receive help for that?

Yes, we provide training and assistance in the area of job seeking.

What is Recipient Liability?

Recipient Liability is the amount that you must pay towards the cost of your medical services if you are on Medical Assistance.  If you are enrolled in a residential or vocational training program (except Vocational Rehabilitation or Mental Health), you will be required to either pay the entire cost of the program or appply for Medical Assistance.   When you recieve Medical Assistance, the county computes a dollar an amount that you must pay each month (similar to an insurance deductible) towards the cost of "medical" services, which includes training/support costs.

If you are employed, without enrolling in a program funded through the Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Division, you will not be charged a recipient liability by MVAW.  If your income is below minimum levels established by the county, you will not be charged a recipient liability.

The recipient liability system has been developed, implemented, and maintained through a cooperative effort between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a division of the US Department of Health & Human Services, the North Dakota Department of Human Services, and County Social Service offices.  MVAW is required to collect fees as directed in compliance with the law.  More information can be found at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Medical Services Division -  at the ND Department of Human Services website or by reading the  North Dakota Administrative Code 75-02-02.1-41.1.

What is Workers with Disabilties Coverage (WWD)? 

The Workers with Disabilities coverage allows people with disabilites who want to work or increase their earnings to do so without losing their Medicaid health care coverage. 

For more detailed information on Workers with Disabilities coverage (WWD) contact your local County Social Service Office

 

 

                                   Home   |   About Us   |   Donate   |   News   |   Contact