(a) The Vocational Rehabilitation Division (VRD) helps vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors to meet the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) standard, as set forth in 34 Code of Federal Regulations §361.18, 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) VRD management discontinues a VR counselor's participation in the program in the best interests of VRD.
(b) The VRD director or designee must approve QVRC financial assistance. This financial assistance is contingent on:
  (1) funding;
  (2) VRD management approval; and
  (3) compliance with qualifications for participation.
(c) Qualifications for participation in the QVRC program require that VR counselors and transition VR counselors 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 scholarship and university stipend funding, if applicable; and
  (5) be accepted by the appropriate institution of higher education.
(d) A VR counselor who meets the CSPD standard is considered a QVRC.
(e) A VR counselor is expected to meet the CSPD standard within seven years from completion of the initial training year. VRD must conduct transcript reviews and/or confirm certifications to determine compliance with standards or to outline coursework to be completed by the VR counselor.
(f) A VR counselor is expected to pay all costs or expenses:
  (1) associated with the college application, admission, and GRE exam (reimbursement of one GRE exam is allowed);
  (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 §850.11 adopted to be effective March 12, 2012, 37 TexReg 1713; duplicated effective September 1, 2016, as published in the Texas Register September 2, 2016, 41 TexReg 6773; amended to be effective May 13, 2019, 44 TexReg 2364; amended to be effective December 26, 2022, 47 TexReg 8738