Presenters:Christel Veals, MRC, M.ED., CRC

Margo Wheeler Rye, MSM, VRCIIISteven Mabry, MS VRC

&Treneva Parks, LCSW, NSW-C

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (VR)WEBINAR

PRESENTED BY DEPARTMENT OF ASSISTIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES (DARS) & THE ESRD NETWORK OF TEXAS

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (VR)WEBINAR

Objectives:1. Participants will have a general understanding of the

eligibility criteria to qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

2. DARS Representatives will share some of the Barriers to receiving Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

3. Participants will receive some basic guidelines on how to apply for Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

4. Job Retention and other support services will be identified and discussed.

Patients must meet one or more of the following criteria to qualify for DARS services:• A physical or mental condition• An illness or disability that results in a large hurdle

to employment• Requires VR services to prepare for, go into, take

part in, or maintain gainful employment• The patient can have a successful employment

outcome

Eligibility Criteria

• ESRD patients applying for DARS services must be stable in their illness

• There can not be any use of illegal drugs or abuse of alcohol or prescription medications

• If prescribed medication for medical or psychological conditions, the patient must be stable on their meds and taking them as prescribed

Eligibility Criteria, cont:

Eligibility Criteria, cont:

• If diagnosed with a mental health condition they must be actively involved in a program to treat that condition and be stable

• If a physical condition exists, a patient must be stable in that condition and following doctors orders

• DARS will request medical records to prove the information above and will utilize drug screening

• Many people around us have disabilities, but are capable of working without assistance from DARS

• DARS looks at what keeps a person from getting or keeping a job

• Sometimes the disability does not interfere with employment and DARS services are not needed

• DARS does work with people who have felony backgrounds, but expects the person to be up front and honest about their criminal background

Barriers to Employment

How to Apply for Services(some variations may exist based on VRC preferences)

• The social worker or the patient contact the

DARS office to begin the process for services • The VRC will set up an appointment for the

patient: Some counselors also include a packet to

complete which helps with the application process

How to Apply for Services(some variations may exist based on VRC preferences)

•You will need to bring:Your picture ID (TXID, TXDL or passport) Original Social Security Card Medical records also help with

documentation of your disabilityNames and addresses of your treating

doctors

How to Apply for Services, cont

• Additional testing or evaluations may be needed to identify strengths and limitations

• Once all records are received and reviewed eligibility determination is made

• If eligible, a follow up appointment is scheduled

Top 5 questions patients ask

1. Will I automatically lose my Financial support from social security When I return to Work?

• The Answer is No with some planning and communication with social security and Your employer.

• For those on SSI and SSDI you have a trial work period of 9 months that will allow you to work as much as you like for this period. It is recommended that you contact the benefits analyst that is assigned to your county for an interview (See list Below for contact numbers ).

• If you are earning less than your SSA grant, part time employment should not impact your grant.

Top 5 questions patients ask, cont.

2. Will returning to work endanger my medical coverage?

NO!Most Dialysis patients are covered by Medicare/Medicaid

Top 5 questions patients ask, cont.

3. How can I find an employer that is flexible with a job using my skill level that will work with me on hours around my dialysis?

The answer is working with your social worker to develop a referral to the local DARS office

Top 5 questions patients ask, cont.

4. Does the Dialysis center in the area offer the flexibility of treatment times in order to allow me to work ?

The answer is yes in most cases

Top 5 questions patients ask, cont.5. Are there jobs in the area for individuals that are

undergoing dialysis treatment?

The answer is a resounding Yes

+

= Success!!!!

Here are the Action Steps ….

Accomplishing our Goal is a three step process…

First…Talk with your social worker and your attending physician!

Ask them if they feel that your medical condition is stable and can tolerate the stressors of part time employment

Here are the Action Steps …. Cont.

NEXT… Have a discussion with your dialysis social worker to determine the clinic’s flexibility to reassign you to other treatment shifts

Great now we are moving toward Success ….

Next…The DARS counselor will contact you!

REMEMBER: Bring your picture ID and your social security card

You will work one on one with the counselor to determine what type of work you would be able to do

Job Retention Services through DARS:

Job Placement Services Helps with:

Finding, getting, and keeping a job thatmay require a variety of skills such as:– completing job applications– developing a résumé– job searching– interviewing for a job

Job Retention Services through DARS:

Supported Employment Services

DARS assists patients with significant disabilities to enter competitive employment by providing:

-individualized assistance

-ongoing support within the work environment

Job Retention Services through DARS, cont:

• Individuals receiving supported employment services who need assistance to:

compete in the open market, meet potential employers, and

receive ongoing supports to maintain a job

Job Retention Services through DARS:

Comparable Benefits: Services offered through other resources or agencies that DARS does not have to purchase. Depending on the service and the individualized need, individuals may, or may not have to pay a portion of the cost.Examples include:

Services through Texas Work Source SolutionsMedicaidMedicareAssurance WirelessPublic HousingSSI BenefitsSSDI BenefitsFree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)/ Federal Pell GrantParkland Hospital SystemThe 2-1-1 helpline in Central Texas