(a) The Division for Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and Division for Blind Services (DBS) help counselors to meet the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) standard by making funds available through the Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (QVRC) program for the required graduate education except when:
  (1) unforeseen circumstances occur that may restrict or prohibit the funding; or
  (2) management discontinues a counselor's participation in the program in the best interests of the division.
(b) The regional director (DRS), director of program management (DBS), or designee must approve QVRC financial assistance. This financial assistance is contingent on:
  (1) funding;
  (2) management approval; and
  (3) compliance with qualifications for participation.
(c) Qualifications for participation in the QVRC Program require that vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition vocational rehabilitation counselors, vocational rehabilitation coordinators (DBS) or unit program specialists (DRS) applying for assistance must:
  (1) have completed the initial training year;
  (2) be meeting or exceeding job performance expectations;
  (3) obtain the appropriate approvals to pursue a graduate degree or prescribed coursework;
  (4) apply for Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) scholarship and university stipend funding; and
  (5) be accepted by the appropriate institution of higher education.
(d) A counselor who meets the CSPD standard is considered a Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
(e) A counselor is expected to meet the CSPD standard within seven years from completion of the initial training year. Divisions must conduct transcript reviews and/or confirm certifications to determine compliance with standards or to outline coursework to be completed by the counselor.
(f) A counselor is expected to pay all costs or expenses:
  (1) associated with the college application and admission except one GRE fee;
  (2) related to tuition, fees, and books for any coursework that must be repeated because of failure to successfully complete; and
  (3) related to completing work necessary to remove any grade of "I" (Incomplete) within three months, unless there are valid reasons (for example, serious illness, or university regulations to the contrary).

Source Note: The provisions of this §101.121 adopted to be effective March 12, 2012, 37 TexReg 1713