The DDS administrator shall select an adequate number of vocational specialists (VS) to meet the State’s needs. The DDS administrator has the authority and flexibility to design a quality assurance function best suited to the needs of the agency and assigns roles accordingly.

See also:

• •

  DI 25003.001 Vocational Specialists

• •

  DI 30001.010 Disability Determination Services (DDS) Quality Assurance (QA) Authority and Responsibilities

Each office shall maintain appropriate records of VS training certification(s).

The DDS administrator selects experienced personnel to complete and maintain the VS training. Minimum qualifications for a VS are:

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  Knowledge of the Social Security disability programs, particularly vocational issues at steps 4 and 5 of the sequential evaluation process; and

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  Completion of the SSA sponsored VS training within the last 5 years.

NOTE: DDS administrators determine if any additional experience is necessary.

VS training consists of a series of video-on-demand (VOD) training modules. Personnel may complete the modules in a classroom setting or individually. The DDS administrator and training staff determine which method is appropriate. The complete VOD training runs approximately 6 hours. VS training modules and the required certification are on the

Vocational Specialist Requirements document located at the A-Z Disability Training Index.

Additional vocational training materials are located at the A-Z Disability Training Index.

The DDS will confirm successful completion of the VS training to achieve certification that is valid for 5 years. After 5 years, the VS must complete the training to maintain certification as a VS.