Division Policy 12.12

SUBJECT:

Credential Compensation Incentive Policy

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2023

REVIEW DATE:

July 20, 2026

UPDATED:

This policy has been updated to reflect compensation changes implemented in 2023 as a result of the Division's Legislative Budget Request.

EXPIRATION DATE:

This policy will remain in effect until superseded and will be reviewed and updated as necessary.

RESPONSIBLE SECTION(S):

Human Resources
Bureau of Operations & Compliance
Client Services and Program Support
Career, Technology and Training Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CTTC)

PURPOSE:

To recruit, retain, and develop qualified Division employees by recognizing professional credentials and supporting ongoing professional growth.

AUTHORITY:

34 CFR 361.18

PAY POLICY:

The Division may provide a one-time permanent salary increase (pay additive) to employees who have or obtain qualifying professional credentials. Eligibility includes:

Note: Employees who have received a credential additive prior to promotional appointment may not receive it again upon promotion.

Employees who earn a qualifying credential and are in the process of a promotional appointment qualify for additive.

Primary Credential Additives:

Employees who hold one of the following credentials may receive a one-time permanent salary increase of $2,250.

Note: Employees who hold more than one primary credential may receive only one $2,250 salary increase.

Secondary Credential Additives:

Employees who earn a secondary credential may receive a permanent salary increase of $1,250.

Stacking:

Employees who possess a primary and a secondary credential may receive a pay additive in both categories. Employees may only receive a pay additive in each category one time.

Examples:

for a total salary increase of $3,500 above the base/approved salary.

Administration:

Employees must provide documentation showing they have earned and, when required, maintained the credential.

Credential-based salary increases will be awarded after the Division verifies the credential and approves the request..

Salary increases are subject to available funding and applicable personnel policies.

Payment of Educational Expenses:

The State of Florida (Department of Education, Division of Blind Services) will address educational expenses, as follows:

Tuition Payments and Other Fees:

All DBS employees seeking to further their education through a college degree program may use the State of Florida Tuition Waiver Program, if eligible.  

The Tuition Waiver Form is available on the FDOE Intranet Site under Human Resources/Forms: Employee Services - Forms or via the DBS Research and Training Specialist/DBS Personnel Administrator.

Note: prior approval of tuition waivers (payment) must be obtained from the DBS Research and Training Specialist, the DBS Personnel Administrator, and the FDOE Training Coordinator by completing the Tuition Waiver form and submitting it to the Research and Training Specialist and the DBS Personnel Administrator. Employees may still need to complete separate paperwork with the college or university for enrollment.

DBS will not cover the cost of:

**See exception under CRC Examination.

CRC Examination:

The Division will pay for one sitting for employees seeking to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.  This includes payment for the exam, and all materials required to study for the examination.  

Note: Should an employee fail/not pass the first sitting of the CRC examination, all subsequent attempts will be paid for by the employee, and this includes materials for the exam.  

Signed by Trina L. Travis (Interim Director) on 8/13/2026.

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