(1) The department shall obtain qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors under contract to provide SAW/RTW services to injured workers.

(2) When the department provides SAW/RTW assistance, the department shall assign a vocational rehabilitation counselor to provide services to each eligible injured worker.

(3) The department shall select an appropriate vocational rehabilitation counselor for each injured worker, using the following criteria:

(a) geographical proximity to the injured worker's residence;

(b) ability to accept and promptly provide services to an injured worker; and

(c) specialized expertise and pertinent experience with the type of injury or challenges to returning to work faced by the injured worker.

(4) The vocational rehabilitation counselor shall notify the department of the services provided, the progress toward transitional employment and assistance outcomes, as specified by the contract with the department.

(5) The department shall periodically request proposals from vocational rehabilitation counselors and execute contracts for services with qualified applicants.