Technical Specifications - On-the-Job Assessment

On-the-Job Assessment (OJA) is a short-term, paid assessment experience in a community-based, competitive integrated employment (CIE) setting. The service is designed to provide the consumer with firsthand exposure to work requirements, employer expectations, and job tasks to inform vocational planning and employment decision-making. The purpose of the OJA may include exploring an occupation, assessing job fit, gathering employer feedback, and/or evaluating skill development needs in a real work setting. The assessment purpose must be identified in the service authorization from DVR.

Summary of Services Table

Service Delivery Expectations

• A DVR Authorization for Services is required before any services can begin.
• Systematic Instruction may not be authorized concurrently with OJA; support needs and observation are already considered in the rate for this service.

On-the-Job Assessment Service Overview

On-the-Job Assessment provides consumers with paid, time-limited work experience in a competitive, integrated employment setting to assess job fit, performance, support needs, and/or employer expectations. The service is evaluative in nature and is not intended to result in permanent employment, though it may inform next steps toward employment.

Service Components

• Placement in a community-based, competitive integrated employment setting earning commensurate wages.
• Observation and evaluation of job tasks, performance, pace, and work behaviors.
• Ongoing communication with the employer to gather feedback related to performance and job fit.
• Identification of potential accommodations, assistive technology, or supports that may be needed for successful employment.
• Review of assessment results and recommendations with the consumer and DVR case facilitator following completion of the assessment.
• Duration and Observation:
  • The duration of the OJA should be limited to the amount of time necessary to gather sufficient information to meet the identified assessment purpose and must not exceed the authorized timeframe.
  • The typical duration for an OJA is up to 10 business days or two (2) weeks, unless otherwise authorized by DVR based on assessment purpose and consumer need.
  • The level of provider presence and observation must align with the assessment purpose and consumer needs, as specified by DVR.
  • As an assessment, typically the provider/evaluator is expected to be present during the OJA. However, there may be situations in which the consumer does not require a high level of observation or the consumer needs periods of independent learning in order to develop task understanding and can be observed later.
• Wages and Employer of Record:
  • Wages are not included in the OJA service payment and must be paid separately. The preferred methods for handling wage payments are as follows:
    • Ideally, the site employer processes the consumer/employee's wages through their payroll, with a DVR purchase order issued to the employer for the wages plus a 25% administrative fee.
    • If the employer is not able to add the consumer/employee to their payroll, the OJA Service Provider should act as the employer of record. A separate purchase order line must be added for the wages plus a 25% administrative fee.
    • If the Service Provider cannot act as the employer of record, wages should go through DVR's contracted Employer of Record (EOR) provider. The EOR needs all paperwork at least two weeks before the OJA start date. All other requirements apply.
  • Specific EOR processes and required documentation are outlined in the OJA Process Checklist and may be updated as systems or procedures change.

Service Requirements

Service Providers must:

• Coordinate OJA site set-up and communicate details with DVR.
• Ensure the OJA duration and structure align with the authorized purpose.
• Maintain contact with the employer and consumer during the assessment.
• Document employer feedback, observed performance, and assessment outcomes.
• Review assessment results and recommendations with the consumer.

Documentation/Reporting Expectations

Required documentation for this service must be completed using the On-the-Job Assessment Report (DVR-18041-E) and On-the-Job Assessment Agreement (DVR-18399-E).

Agreement Signature Requirements: The On-the-Job Assessment Agreement (DVR-18399-E) must be signed by all involved parties, including the consumer (or guardian, if applicable), Service Provider, work site business, and DVR staff. Signatures may be handwritten or obtained electronically via a secure platform such as Docusign.

On-the-Job Assessment (OJA) Process Checklist