Vocational Rehabilitation
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.”
– Nido Qubein
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a program that assists you in finding, acquiring, and succeeding in a job. The Vocational Rehabilitation Services program is for anyone with physical, developmental, or mental disabilities that make it difficult to get or maintain a job.
NW Community Alliance partners with Vocational Rehabilitation to provide trained Job Coaches who help you find jobs, learn how to do the work, and help you be successful in your career.
[Information for this page is provided by Oregon Department of Human Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation Client Services webpage.]
- How To Apply
- To apply for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR), complete the Referral Form and send it to vrreferral@odhs.oregon.gov or take it to your local VR Office. After they receive the Referral Form, they will arrange an intake meeting. During this meeting, a VR Counselor will review any clinical records that help describe your needs, ask questions about how your challenges affect your ability to work, and may even ask you to take an assessment to help them identify your eligibility. VR will let you know your eligibility status within 60 days of your intake meeting.
- Services Available
- If you are eligible to receive Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, you will be assigned a VR counselor who will help you develop a plan towards your employment goals. This plan may include some of the following elements:
- -Identifying your skills, talents, and interests to help you find a job you like.
- -Assistive technology and skills training to bridge barriers that make it difficult to work.
- -Counseling and guidance to help with decision-making.
- -Employment training, including helping you write a resume, apply for jobs, and learn how to do hiring interviews.
- -Finding jobs, working with potential employers, coaching on how to do the job, and helping you maintain the job.
- Waiting Period
- There is currently a waitlist for new applicants to receive services. However, don't wait to apply for services. You will be assigned a waitlist priority category based on your needs. This priority category, in conjunction with your application date, will determine your place on the waitlist.
The video above was provided by the Oregon Department of Human Services explains the Vocational Rehabilitation program.