S.C. Code Regs. 18-7. Vendor Assistants

A. Blind Licensed Vendors who have a need for Vendor Assistants in order to operate their vending facilities are responsible for the hiring, training, salary withholdings and benefits of such Assistants.

B. Because it is the policy of the Agency to employ as many blind and visually impaired individuals as possible in the vending facility program, a Blind Licensed Vendor will comply with the following procedure in the event he or she determines he or she is in need of a Vendor Assistant:

1. Notify his or her BEP Counselor who will contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Department to determine if there are any blind or visually impaired clients that may be qualified for work as Vendor Assistants. Such clients will be referred to the Blind Licensed Vendor for an interview.

2. Blind Licensed Vendors who hire a blind assistant will be awarded 2 points under the BEP Selection Criteria under work attitudes.

3. In the event there are no qualified blind or visually impaired clients available, or the Blind Licensed Vendor determines after interview of qualified clients that they will not meet his or her needs, the Blind Licensed Vendor may hire a sighted Vendor Assistant.

C. Blind Licensed Vendors will submit a Vendor Monthly Assistant Form along with the Monthly Stand Report to the South Carolina Commission for the Blind; this form will list the names, visual condition, working hours and salary of all Vendor Assistants.