St. John's Community Services-Virginia has considerable concerns regarding the proposed Fast Track Waiver Services regulation.  Given the many years of experience providing Supported Employment and other services, it is our current position that consistency cannot be maintained utilizing industry accepted and proven effective practices by those individuals who do not share the same level of training, education and credentials necessary to provide the service. 

In addition, persons receiving Supported Employment services from qualified professionals benefit significantly.  Use of a professional Employment Support persons when developing the employee/employer relationship can be invaluable and also embraces the ability for the individual to actively participate and direct their own services.   The development of these relationships through "natural supports" requires a professional skill-set.  The SE support professional understands what role they play in ensuring that both the individual and the employer needs are mutually met in efforts to offer and maximize opportunities for people interested in working. 

Please be assured that St. John's Community Services-Va is always willing to embrace concepts and services which will best serve and present additional opportunity for the people we serve as well as those we do not.  Please delay and investigate the long-term impact this regulation will have on the system.

Thanks You for your Consideration,

Thalia Simpson-Clement, tsimpsonclement@sjcs.org