DI 25003.005:
Designating Vocational Specialists
Effective Dates: 02/26/2015 - Present- Effective Dates: 04/10/2018 - Present
- BASIC (02-15)
- DI 25003.005 Designating Vocational Specialists
- Citations:
- Social Security Act, as amended §§ 216(i), 223(d)(2)(A), and 1614(a)(3)(B)
- 20 CFR Part 404 Subpart P, Appendix 2
- 20 CFR §§ 404.1566 thru 404.1569, and 416.966 thru 416.969
- SSR 00-04p
- A. Disability Determination Services (DDS) authority and responsibility
- 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 30001.010 Disability Determination Services (DDS) Quality Assurance (QA) Authority and Responsibilities.
- B. DDS VS qualifications
- Each office shall maintain appropriate records of VS training.
- The DDS administrator selects experienced personnel to complete and maintain the VS training. Minimum qualifications for a VS are:
- * Knowledge of the Social Security disability programs, particularly vocational issues at Steps 4 and 5 of sequential evaluation; and
- * Completion of the SSA sponsored VS training within the last 5 years.
- NOTE: DDS administrators determine if any additional experience is necessary.
- C. SSA VS training modules
- In October 2010, SSA discontinued classroom VS training. VS training now 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. Total running time for the complete VOD training is approximately 7 hours. VS training modules and the required confirmation sheet are on the Vocational Specialist Training at the Desktop website.
- D. Other vocational training materials
Additional vocational training materials are located at the Office of Disability Policy website (http://ordp.ba.ad.ssa.gov/ODP/content/vocational_training).- Additional vocational training materials are located at the Office of Disability Policy website.
- E. VS Training confirmation
- The DDS will confirm successful completion of the VS training that is valid for 5 years. After 5 years, the VS must complete the training to maintain confirmation as an VS.
- NOTE: DDS administrators and training cadre may confirm VS designated personnel who completed SSA classroom training within the last 5 years as VSs through October 2015.
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