Sec. 10.21.28.02. Definitions

A. In this chapter, terms have the meanings stated in COMAR 10.21.17 and in this regulation.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) Agency-Sponsored Employment.

(a) "Agency-sponsored employment" means an employment program designed to assist an individual to obtain employment at locations owned, leased, rented, or managed by the provider, at other locations by an agency-held contract, at a consumer-operated business or program, or work enclave that provides:

(i) Compensation to individuals according to the standards established by the Department of Labor;

(ii) Opportunity for individuals to have contact with nondisabled individuals and the public to the same extent that nondisabled individuals in comparable positions interact with the public; and

(iii) Additional supports, as needed, to the individual in the work setting.

(b) "Agency-sponsored employment" does not include sheltered workshops.

(2) "Competitive work" means employment in the competitive labor market that pays minimum wage or higher and compensation is consistent with the wage standards provided in the Fair Labor Standards Act.

(3) "Consumer-operated business" means a program owned or managed by an individual who has a disclosed mental illness that provides compensated employment for an individual who has a disclosed mental illness.

(4) "Employment specialist" means a program staff member who helps individuals in the public mental health system (PMHS) to:

(a) Obtain competitive employment;

(b) Learn work tasks;

(c) Resolve job-related or on-the-job problems; and

(d) Maintain competitive employment.

(5) "Extended support services" means ongoing support services and other appropriate services needed to support and maintain an individual after the individual has made the transition from time-limited, intensive job-coaching services.

(6) "Industry" means the employer hiring an individual in the public mental health system.

(7) "Integrated work" means work that provides an individual an opportunity to interact with nondisabled individuals.

(8) "Intensive job coaching" means frequent and intensive support provided to an individual at a job site and off a job site during the initial stages of an individual's employment in order for an individual to learn and to manage a job.

(9) "Job stability" means a situation in which an individual is performing job duties satisfactorily and is reasonably expected to continue that level of performance.

(10) "Natural support" means the assistance received from an individual's family members, significant others, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

(11) "Sheltered workshop" means employment in a workshop or work-activity center or a physically separated department of an agency or organization having an identifiable program of rehabilitation, separate tasks, supervision, records, and compensation for individuals with disabilities.

(12) "Supported employment program" means a program designed to assist an individual to obtain competitive employment in an integrated work environment that provides:

(a) Compensation to individuals of at least minimum wage;

(b) An individualized approach that establishes an hours-per-week employment goal to maximize an individual's vocational potential;

(c) Additional supports, as needed, delivered where appropriate; and

(d) Transitional employment placements, as appropriate.

(13) "Transitional employment" means a series of planned temporary, sequential job placements, with continuous support services, provided to an individual in the public mental health system until job permanency is achieved.

(14) "Work enclave" means a group of individuals with mental illness for whom an agency:

(a) Has negotiated access to jobs in community businesses;

(b) Guarantees completion of the individuals' work; and

(c) Provides compensation for the hours worked.