Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 822 7 th Street, Suite...

Colorado Department of Human ServicesDivision of Vocational

Rehabilitation822 7th Street, Suite 350, Chase Bank Greeley, CO 80631

970-353-5409

www.dvrcolorado.com

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!

www.dvrcolorado.com

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

www.dvrcolorado.com

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

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Information Gathering• DVR determines eligibility

utilizing available documentation

• When not available, DVR counselor can purchase

• DVR counselor determines the need for additional assessments

www.dvrcolorado.com

DVR Eligibility• Social

Security/SSI-SSDI = Eligible

• Physical or mental impairment(s)

• Barrier to employment stemming from the impairment

• Services are needed from DVR

www.dvrcolorado.com

Work HistoryEligibility 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

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

www.dvrcolorado.com

• Strengths• Abilities• Capabilities• Resources

• Priorities• Concerns• Career Interests• Informed Choice

Individualized IPE Development

Selection of a vocational goal consistent with:

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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)

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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

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DVR Services• Identified through

Comprehensive Assessment• Essential to achieve chosen

employment goal

NecessaryAppropriateLeast possible cost

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DVR Services•Client choice of service

providers•DVR refers individuals to

various community agencies for services needed to obtain and maintain successful employment.

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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)

www.dvrcolorado.com

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)

www.dvrcolorado.com

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

www.dvrcolorado.com

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

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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

www.dvrcolorado.com

Colorado Department of Human Services

Greeley - 970-353-5409

Toll Free: 1-866-870-4595