CWES Assessment - Third-Party Assessment Procedures

A client may request a third-party assessment if the current assessor and the CWES client are unable to reach agreement on the provisions of the WTW 2.

Referral Criteria

A third-party assessment is required when there is a disagreement between the current assessor and CWES client regarding the provisions of the WTW 2. The disagreement may include area(s) of training/education and/or the vocational goal.

Informal Review

To determine appropriate action when the CWES client selects the informal review option, use the following chart.

If the disagreement is between...	Then the informal review will include the...
The CWES client and the AC,	CWES client, CWES AC, and the CWES Assessment Unit Supervisor and/or the Unit Supervisor.*
The CWES client and the Service Provider after different services have been explored,	CWES client, EC, and the Unit Supervisor.*
* Note: The Unit Supervisor may consult with the AC or the Assessment Unit Supervisor.

Formal Referral Process

If the disagreement has not been resolved through the Informal Review process or if the client selects direct referral to third-party assessment, use the following chart to determine appropriate action.

If the disagreement is between...	Then the...
The CWES client and the AC AND the case has been reviewed by the Assessment Unit Supervisor,	CWES AC will refer the CWES client to one of the third-party assessors.
The CWES client and the Service Provider AND the case has been reviewed by the Unit Supervisor and/or CWES AC,	Service Provider will refer the CWES client back to the assigned EC who will then refer the client back to one of the third-party assessors.
The CWES client and the CBO counselor AND the case has been reviewed by the Unit Supervisor and/or CWES AC	EC will case conference with the unit supervisor for referral to third-party assessment, if appropriate.

The AC must use the “Request for Third-Party Assessment” (WTW 10) to refer the CWES client for a third-party assessment.

Procedures

To initiate a third party referral, the AC uses the following steps:

Contacts the TPA by telephone to request a third-party assessment and completes the “Request for Third-Party Assessment” (WTW 10).
Sends the WTW 10 to the TPA within three (3) working days from the date of the telephone contact.
Attaches a copy of the current assessment and the WTW 2 to the WTW 10.
Distributes the WTW 10 as follows:
1. IDM.
2. A copy to the TPA.
3. A copy to Service Provider or CBO Counselor (if applicable).
4. A copy to CWES client.
Updates supportive services and CalWIN, accordingly.
Follows-up with the TPA after 20-calendar days, if results and recommendations are not received.

Third-Party Assessor’s Responsibilities

The Third Party Assessor follows these steps:

Reviews the WTW 10, the WTW 2 and any additional, relevant information.
Makes at least one contact with the EC, the current assessor and the CWES client to discuss the area(s) of disagreement.
Provides a written assessment, within 20-calendar days from the date of the telephone request entered in Section I of the WTW 10, to which either:
1. Confirms the current assessment, or
2. Establishes a new employment goal.
Provides the third-party assessment results in writing and signs the report.
Provides the original of the third-party assessment results to the EC and a copy to the CWES client.

Third-Party Assessment Criteria

Third-Party Assessment results must include:

A description of the area(s) of disagreement in the current assessment.
A summary of relevant information and TPA’s recommendations which either supports the current assessment or establishes a new employment goal.
A statement that the TPA agrees or disagrees with the current assessment and the basis for that position.
An employment goal and all supporting documentation.

Results of Third-Party Assessment

The results of this third-party assessment, which are binding upon the county and the client, are used to develop a WTW 2 appropriate for the client.

If the Third-Party Assessment...	Then the EC...
Recommends a revision to the current WTW 2,	Refers the CWES client to the CWES AC to revise the WTW 2.
Supports the current assessment,	Implements the current WTW 2 with the CWES client.

Choosing the Third-Party Assessor

The CWES client may request a third-party assessment from one of the following agencies: Occupational Solutions

1905 Hamilton Avenue San Jose, CA 95125

(408) 377-0307

Institute for Career Development 1080 N. 7th Street

San Jose, CA 95112

(408) 869-9230

Completing the WTW 10

The “Request for Third-Party Assessment” (WTW 10) is completed only by the AC:

Section	Title	Action
Section I	Telephone Request	Enters the date of telephone request.
Section II	CWES client	Enters the client information including; name, case number, Social Security number, address, and telephone number.
Section III	Current Assessor	Enters the current assessor information including; assessor’s name, telephone number, fax number and address.
Section IV	EC	Enters the EC information including; EC’s name, worker number, telephone number, fax number and indicating the appropriate location.
Section V	TPA	Selects the third-party assessor based on the client’s request.
Section VI	Specific Area(s) of Disagreement	Completes the specific area(s) of disagreement. Summarizes the Assessor’s proposed WTW Plan and supporting rationale. Summarizes the client’s proposed WTW Plan and supporting rationale. Specifies the area(s) of disagreement which may include education/training programs and/or vocational goal.