DVR offers services designed to help you prepare for, get and keep a job. The services you receive are based on your individual needs and unique circumstances and may include one or more of the following:
Counseling and guidance
Counseling and guidance is provided through a one-on-one relationship between you and a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Your Counselor helps you review assessment information, explains the VR process, helps you make good decisions and supports your progress throughout the process. If you receive public benefits, such as SSI or SSDI, your Counselor will explain how working will impact your benefits or you may be referred to a Benefit Planner for a more comprehensive consultation.
Assessment services
Assessment services identify your strengths, capabilities, work skills, and interests. Different types of assessments are available to get valuable information about yourself and the types of jobs that reflect your strengths and interests.
Benefit Planning
Benefit planning is consultation that occurs between you and a DVR specialist to understand how earnings from employment could impact the benefits you receive from other programs, such as Social Security, cash benefits from public assistance, medical benefits, housing, personal care services or food benefits. A benefit specialist can explain incentives and other ways to make it possible for you to return to work. Use the benefit calculators to estimate how wages from a job would impact your Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Independent living services
Independent living services help you learn how to manage disability issues that get in the way of work. Independent living services may include:
- Skills to live independently, such as following a schedule, managing a daily routine, and time management
- Money management skills
- Learning how to get around in the community using public transportation
Assistive technology services
Assistive technology services are designed to improve your ability to hear, speak, move around, use a computer, etc. Services are often customized to meet your unique needs and may include devices such as hearing aids, vision aids or computer devices. Learn more about DVR's Assistive Technology services.
Training and education
Training and education help you learn work skills and gain the qualifications needed to enter a job in your chosen field. (Note: You must apply for and use financial aid or other grants for educational expenses if you attend college as part of your DVR plan. Your Counselor will provide more information.)
Job-related services
Job-related services help you carry out your job search and secure a job, including:
- Assistance completing applications, developing a resume, and practicing interview skills
- Conducting a job search
- Mastering the specific skills of your job
DVR’s WorkStrides Career Development Workshop
The Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) offers this highly interactive workshop to help DVR customers evaluate their strengths, values, personal qualities, barriers, self-esteem, and resiliency. The workshop is suitable for anyone who has applied for DVR services and who can read at least at a sixth grade reading level.