1. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services DVRS
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development LWD nj.gov/labor
Life After School
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services DVRS

2. MISSION STATEMENT It is the mission of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NJDVRS) to enable eligible individuals with disabilities to achieve an employment outcome consistent with their strengths, priorities, needs, abilities and capabilities.
MISSION STATEMENT It is the mission of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NJDVRS) to enable eligible individuals with disabilities to achieve an employment outcome consistent with their strengths, priorities, needs, abilities and capabilities.

3. NJDVRS
DVRS is a state agency, under the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development that helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain gainful
EMPLOYMENT
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4. New Jersey DVRS Transition From School To Work Program
DVRS prepares students to enter the workplace by providing services to include: vocational assessments, and vocational guidance and counseling.
Through work experiences, students become more independent and contribute to his or her community.
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5. Steps in the DVRS process
Student is referred to DVRS by school district, parents, or others. Referral requires completion of a DVRS Confidential Referral Form.
Student applies for services at an Intake appointment (Survey Interview) with DVR counselor.
Student is evaluated for eligibility of services based on classification under IDEA with IEP or ADA with 504 plan.
If made eligible, student completes an IPE which includes a vocational goal and specific services to be provided by DVRS.
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6. Who is Eligible?
Individual must have a documented physical, cognitive, or emotional impairment that poses a substantial barrier to employment.
Individual must require vocational rehabilitation services in order to prepare for, secure, maintain, or regain employment.
Individual is motivated and wishes to enter the workforce.
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7. What is Available for Transitioning Students While Still In School?
Technical Consultation
Participation in IEP Meetings
Determination of Eligibility for DVRS services
Vocational Exploration
Vocational Guidance and Counseling
Development of Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
Any physical or mental impairment that is a substantial impediment to employment may qualify an individual for vocational rehabilitation services. Each person is evaluated individually for eligibility and needed assistance.
Individuals who are blind or have serious visual impairment are referred to the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

8. Technical Consultation Examples
Review and provide recommendations using student’s vocational and medical assessments
Assist and design career exploration and vocational assessment programs
Provide technical assistance on ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), IDEA, and Section 504 Issues
Refer for rehabilitation engineering/technology evaluations to determine assistive technology needs.
Provide technical assistance on Social Security
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9. Effective Transition Planning
IEP-SCHOOL___
Include strategies for addressing
a variety of issues that impact
students’ goals for…
education
training
employment
housing
community participation
IPE-DVRS_____
The IPE will probably be a continuation of secondary school transition plans to include post school life issues with emphasis on an employment outcome
The IPE is an agreement between the student and VR counselor and describes services that are believed necessary to get and keep a job.
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10. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER GRADUATION?
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11. Services are Tailored to the Specific Needs of the Student and Can Include:
Diagnostic evaluations
Vocational counseling and guidance
Job-seeking skills and job placement
Vocational, professional training,
(OJT) On the Job Training
SE (Supported Employment)
Post-employment services
Physical restoration
Assistive Technology
Other goods and services essential to preparing an individual with a disability for employment
Referral to Independent Living Centers

12. Diagnostic Evaluations can include
Medical Evaluations
Psychological Evaluations
Psychiatric Evaluations
Learning Disability Evaluations
Pre-Vocational Evaluations
Physical Therapy or Work Capacity
Evaluations
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13. Vocational Counseling and Guidance Is Based on Informed Choice And Can Include
Labor Market information, what are the current “In-demand” Occupations
Job descriptions, and the skills, aptitudes and abilities needed for specific jobs and occupations
Assistance with the development of short and long term vocational goals
Information about vocational training programs and post secondary schools
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14. Vocational Counseling can also include
Review of Vocational Assessments
Career Planning
Job Seeking Skills
Resume Writing
Interviewing Skills
Job Retention Skills
Information about and referral for supported employment and job coaching services
Information about linkages with other adult service providers
Employers
Jobs
Training Opportunities
Adaptive Equipment
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15. Supported Employment Services
“Supported Employment” means ongoing support services and
other appropriate services needed to
support individual in maintaining
their job. The person who assists is
called a job coach. The job coach may
assist the individual in learning how to
perform specific job tasks. More
intensive job coaching may be provided
initially and then fade out over time.
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16. Financing DVRS Services
Financial analysis completed on all applicants
Under age 22 DVRS considers all family income
Proof of income, i.e. the latest income tax (1040) form required in all cases
Court documentation is required if student is emancipated from family
If student is receiving SSI or SSDI, award letter or other verification is required. Once confirmed, financial eligibility is waived for student
If student does not meet financial eligibility, then “cost services” are based on ability to pay and may require financial participation of student.
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17. Services Available With No Regard To Income
Diagnostic Evaluations
Vocational Counseling and Guidance
Job Placement
Supported Employment Services
Job Coaching
On-The-Job Training
Work Adjustment Training Within a Community Rehabilitation Program
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18. Examples of Cost Services
Medical Restoration Services (Physical Therapy, Psychotherapy, Speech Therapy, etc.)
Training (Vocational, Technical, College)
Books and Supplies
Tools and Equipment
Vehicle Modifications, Wheelchairs,
Driver Training
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19. Housing Information
DVRS does not provide housing for individuals. We do make referrals to local housing authorities if an individual is in need of housing.
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20. Transportation DVRS can provide bus/train passes on a temporary
basis while the individual is preparing for employment.
DVRS funds transportation expenses for
individuals certified as extended
employees under DVRS.
An individual may qualify
for Access Link through NJ Transit
or County transportation
services.
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21. Centers for Independent Living
Centers for Independent Living (CILS) have four (CORE Services) to include Advocacy, Peer Support, Information & Referral and Independent Living Skills Training.
CIL(s) can provide another resource/support to students upon graduation.
CIL(s) are located in centers across the state. Your local DVRS office can provide contact information for the CIL in your area.
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22. Role of Families in Preparing for and Upon Graduation
Promote independence and self-sufficiency.
Encourage self-advocacy and self-determination by providing opportunities for choices and preferences.
Tour training programs, work programs, etc. with your child.
Assist your child with transportation issues, i.e. applying for Access Link through NJ Transit.
Assist your child in applying for social security benefits and/or medical benefits when appropriate.
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23. What to know about Post-Graduation Services
Specific Services are tailored to the needs of the individual.
DVRS services are eligibility based and not an entitlement program.
Financial eligibility is one factor in determining if DVRS will fund “cost services.”
Services are time limited, your case with DVRS will close after you have been successfully employed for at least 90 days.
All records are confidential.
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24. NJDVRS Local Offices New Brunswick (Middlesex) 732-937-6300
Paterson (Passaic)
Pleasantville (Atlantic)
Somerville (Somerset, Hunterdon)
Thorofare (Gloucester)
Toms River (Ocean)
Trenton (Mercer)
Westampton (Burlington)
Wildwood (Cape May)
Bridgeton (Cumberland, Salem)
Camden (Camden)
Elizabeth (Union)
Hackensack (Bergen)
Hackettstown (Sussex, Warren)
Jersey City (Hudson)
Morristown (Morris)
Neptune (Monmouth)
Newark (Essex)
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25. Contact Us There are eighteen offices located throughout New Jersey
Contact Us There are eighteen offices located throughout New Jersey. To learn more about how DVRS can help, contact the office nearest you.
NJDVRS, Central Office, John Fitch Plaza P.O. BOX 398
Karen Carroll, LCSW, PPDS, Transition
(FAX) (TTY)