Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation th Street, Suite 350, Chase Bank Greeley, CO

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Mission: DVR assists individuals whose disabilities result in barriers to employment to succeed at work and live independently. It’s about EMPLOYMENT!

Referral to DVR Individuals call the nearest office to their home address –Minimum referral age: 16 –Individuals must be available for services –Informal referral from teachers, family, individual or agency representatives

Referral to DVR Individuals are encouraged to bring: –Forms of identification –Educational records – if available –Medical records - if available –Contact information for practitioners –Proof of SSI/SSDI - if currently SSA eligible

Information Gathering DVR determines eligibility utilizing available documentation When not available, DVR counselor can purchase DVR counselor determines the need for additional assessments

DVR Eligibility Social Security/SSI- SSDI = Eligible Physical or mental impairment(s) Barrier to employment stemming from the impairment Services are needed from DVR

Work History Eligibility Considerations No Employment History Previous Employment – cannot return due to disability Current Employment – Struggling to retain work Underemployment – based on individual’s abilities and capabilities

Vocational Exploration Vocational Testing and Assessment Vocational Evaluation Job Shadowing Labor Market Information Informational Interviews Community Based Assessments Facility Based Assessments

Strengths Abilities Capabilities Resources Priorities Concerns Career Interests Informed Choice Individualized IPE Development Selection of a vocational goal consistent with:

IPE Preparation Plan for achieving the employment goal Nature and scope of rehabilitation services and goods required to obtain the employment goal Timeframes Service providers Financial contribution (if applicable)

Vocational Outcome Full or Part-time Integrated setting May include self-employment, supported employment, homemaker plan At or above minimum wage – not less than the customary or usual wage paid for same or similar work by non-disabled individuals

DVR Services Identified through Comprehensive Assessment Essential to achieve chosen employment goal  Necessary  Appropriate  Least possible cost

DVR Services Client choice of service providers DVR refers individuals to various community agencies for services needed to obtain and maintain successful employment.

Examples of DVR Services/Goods Assessment - medical, vocational, psychological, specialty exams, etc Vocational Counseling & Guidance Job Seeking Skills Job Placement Job Coaching On the Job Training Personal Adjustment Training Work Adjustment Training (financial contribution not necessary)

Examples of DVR Services/Goods Formal Vocational Training (college, university, vocational/tech school, other) Assistive Technology Mental Restoration (therapy, medications, etc.) Physical Restoration (medication, OT, PT, prosthesis, etc.) Supportive Services (transportation, child care, personal assistance) Tools, books and supplies (Financial contribution may be necessary – determined on a case-by-case basis)

Services not available from DVR Services and goods not essential for achievement of employment outcome Maintenance (except in unique circumstances) ~ DVR does not replace/provide social services provided by counties

Employment Search – Three Approaches Job seeker is fully independent Job seeker uses guidance & support from DVR and other resources Job seeker requires intense direction and assistance throughout the process – a job placement provider is selected by the individual

Employment Monitoring Stability is the focus Services and supports once employed, up to 90 days Strong communication with the customer essential Guidance provided to customers needs to be documented in the service record

Colorado Department of Human Services Greeley Toll Free: