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

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

2 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 5/10/ 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. 5/10/2011 4

3 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. 5/10/ 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. 5/10/2011 6

4 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) 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 5/10/2011 8

5 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. 5/10/ WHAT HAPPENS AFTER GRADUATION? 5/10/

6 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 Diagnostic Evaluations can include Medical Evaluations Psychological Evaluations Psychiatric Evaluations Learning Disability Evaluations Pre-Vocational Evaluations Physical Therapy or Work Capacity Evaluations 5/10/

7 Vocational Counseling and Guidance Is Based on Informed Choice And Can Include Labor Market information, what are the current Indemand 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 5/10/ 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 5/10/

8 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. 5/10/ 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. 5/10/

9 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 5/10/ 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 5/10/

10 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. 5/10/ 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. 5/10/

11 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. 5/10/ 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. 5/10/

12 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. 5/10/ NJDVRS Local Offices Bridgeton (Cumberland, Salem) Camden (Camden) Elizabeth (Union) Hackensack (Bergen) Hackettstown (Sussex, Warren) Jersey City (Hudson) Morristown (Morris) Neptune (Monmouth) Newark (Essex) New Brunswick (Middlesex) Paterson (Passaic) Pleasantville (Atlantic) Somerville (Somerset, Hunterdon) Thorofare (Gloucester) Toms River (Ocean) Trenton (Mercer) Westampton (Burlington) /10/2011 Wildwood (Cape May)

13 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 Karen Carroll, LCSW, PPDS, Transition (FAX) (TTY)