NCCARES - Guidelines

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Purpose

To support the state’s goal to create an inclusive work climate for workers with disabilities and in recognition of the exceptional abilities of state employees with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the state will provide up to five hours of coaching support to state employees with ASD. 

Guidelines

The guidelines provide an administrative framework for the use of the coaching benefits provided by the NCCARES program. Up to 5 hours of coaching support will be provided to permanent state employees who are diagnosed with ASD. The coaching support will be provided by UNC TEACCH Autism Program and the Autism Society of North Carolina.

Coverage and Eligibility

An employee is eligible for up to a total of five (5) hours of coaching support provided by the NCCARES Program if:

  • Employee is a full-time or part-time (half-time or more) in a permanent or time-limited position
  • Employee has been diagnosed with ASD
  • Employee is looking to advance their career in North Carolina state government
    • OR
  • Employee is experiencing changes in their work environment such as a new manager, new location, new co-workers, etc.

Division of Responsibility

Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) Responsibility

  • Develop and disseminate guidelines on the administration of the NCCARES program
  • Report to the Governor on implementation and usage of the NCCARES program quarterly starting with FY Q1 July – September
  • Review employee request forms, confirm the accuracy of the information on request, confirm eligibility
  • Communicate approval of request within 5 business days
  • Notify UNC TEACCH Autism Program and the Autism Society of North Carolina of approval
  • Review usage reports monthly to monitor usage

Agency Responsibility

  • Agencies are encouraged to communicate the benefits provided by the NCCARES program to employees.

Employee Responsibility

  • Complete request form
  • Upon receiving notification of approval, contact either UNC TEACCH or the Autism Society within 10 business days of referral.
  • Provide documentation of diagnosis when requested

UNC TEACCH Autism Program/ Autism Society of North Carolina's Responsibility

  • Complete pre-assessment within 10 business days of employee call
  • Notify OSHR of approval of services
  • Track sessions on Smartsheet or other identify tracking mechanism
  • Send quarterly invoices to the NC Department of Health and Human Services
  • Complete post-assessment

NC Department of Health and Human Services Responsibility

  • Pay quarterly invoices in a timely manner
  • Monitor usage to ensure availability of funds