Client Information Forerunner Services Inc

CLIENT INFORMATION

Forerunner Services, Inc.’s policy requires management to be completely committed to promoting the rights’ of all of our clients, and require that all of our staff members hold that same commitment level to our client’s rights. In addition, Forerunner has a person-centered philosophy, which focuses on the client as an individual and the client's vision for their future.

INFORMED CHOICE:

Your Right to Informed Choice

All clients have the right to choose whether or not to work with Forerunner. All clients served by our organization will have an active role in the direction of the services we provide through informed choice and participation in the development of the Individual Plans.

Services Provided & Fees Charged:

Forerunner accepts referrals from North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (NCVR) to provide assessments, job placement services, training services and long-term follow-up services. If Forerunner accepts a client choosing services from the company, we will only receive payment for services from NCVR. You will never be charged a fee for any services you receive from Forerunner. Forerunner provides services at NCVR, at client homes (never alone), at Employment Security Commission, and at employment sites, any hours or days – based on the needs of the client. Once employed, NCVR and Forerunner are both committed to the continuity of a client’s employment. If a client needs intervention services to help the client stay on that job, the client needs to merely contact NCVR, the client’s job coach, or Forerunner’s program manager.

Client's Rights & Responsibilities

Client’s Rights

To be treated with respect, free from physical or emotional abuse, or any form of exploitation, and to receive services free of discrimination on the basis of religious belief, race, color, gender, national origin, age, lifestyle preferences, or disability.
To have personal and medical information kept confidential and to understand privacy practices Forerunner employs to protect my rights under HIPAA regulations.
To bring complaint or file a formal grievance without fear of retaliation or loss of services, and assistance with same.
To consent to or refuse services from Forerunner, upon understanding the consequences of such consent or refusal.
To receive an explanation of reasons for any denial of service.
To participate in the preparation of a written, individual plan of service, including needs, goals and objectives; which should include an anticipated timeline.
To include a parent, guardian, service professional or representative of your choice in any meeting.
To review your case file.
To contact the State of North Carolina’s appointed advocate for persons with disabilities, Disability Rights North Carolina, at any time, at (877)235-4210, (888)268-5535 (TTY).

Client’s Responsibilities

To arrive on time for appointments, properly groomed and appropriately dressed.
To participate in your planning and ask questions if you don’t understand.
To behave appropriately in meetings, interviews and work situations.
To arrive on time when employment is achieved, following all instructions and safety procedures.
To review, understand and follow all emergency procedures in place at any work site.
To maintain communication with your prescribing physician and remain compliant with medical treatment plans (including medication).
To file a complaint or grievance if you feel your rights have been violated.
To be committed to success.

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY:

Confidentiality is respect. All employees of Forerunner are required to sign an Acknowledgement of Confidentiality form, and are bound by strict confidentiality rules.

Staff Competency:

Our staff are familiar with the local businesses and agencies in the community in which they work. In addition, all have experience in providing employment services and a proven track record of developing their markets. All staff are First Aid and CPR Certified. In addition, our staff receive periodic training related to the work they provide and receive newsletters and periodicals that help keep them up to date in their field.

Complaints & Grievances

If you feel that you have not been treated fairly, you may submit a complaint in writing or verbally to your NCVR counselor, your Job Coach or our Program Director. The NCVR staff or the Program Director will make every effort to resolve the issue. We will respond within 5 business days.

If you feel that your complaint has not been timely or adequately resolved, you can then submit a formal grievance to The NCVR staff or our Program Director. We will respond within 5 days and will make every effort to resolve the grievance. A meeting will be held with you and the Program Director to explain any decision. You may have a family member or advocate present. You will receive written notification of the results (within 10 business days after the meeting) of the grievance investigation. The Program Director’s decision is considered final.

If the Program Director cannot solve the problem, the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor should be notified.

Filing a grievance will not result in retaliation nor will it affect your services.

For information, contact:

David Bolick

Program Director

(828)228-4009 (Cell)

(828)495-2105 (Office)

jdbolick@forerunnersvcs.com

Criteria for Receiving Services

Entry criteria for all services consists of a referral from a NCVR counselor

Transition criteria for steps of services is as follows:

Employment Planning Services – readiness to pursue community employment (as determined by NCVR Counselor and our Program Director)
Job Development – 3 successful days working on the job (as determined by NCVR Counselor and our Program Director)
Employment Supports – Employee can independently perform all required aspects of the job (as determined by NCVR Counselor and our Program Director)

Exit criteria for all services consists of:

Completion of the transition criteria for that service (as discussed above) OR

The inability of the employee to complete the transition to the next step in service. Then, either the employee exits the program, or returns to the prior step in service.