Division of Vocational Rehabilitation ServicesDivision of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

DVRSDVRS

New Jersey Department of New Jersey Department of

Labor and Workforce DevelopmentLabor and Workforce DevelopmentLWDLWD

nj.gov/labornj.gov/labor

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.

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.

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NJDVRSDVRS 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

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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.

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Steps in the DVRS processStudent 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.

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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.

What is Available for Transitioning Students While Still In School?

Technical ConsultationParticipation in IEP MeetingsDetermination of Eligibility for DVRS servicesVocational ExplorationVocational Guidance and CounselingDevelopment of Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)

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Technical Consultation Examples

Review and provide recommendations using student’s vocational and medical assessmentsAssist and design career exploration and vocational assessment programsProvide technical assistance on ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), IDEA, and Section 504 IssuesRefer for rehabilitation engineering/technology evaluations to determine assistive technology needs. Provide technical assistance on Social Security

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Effective Transition Planning

IEP-SCHOOL___Include strategies for

addressinga variety of issues that impactstudents’ 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.

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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER GRADUATION?

Services are Tailored to the Specific Needs of the Student and Can Include:

Diagnostic evaluationsVocational counseling and guidanceJob-seeking skills and job placementVocational, professional training,(OJT) On the Job TrainingSE (Supported Employment)Post-employment servicesPhysical restorationAssistive TechnologyOther goods and services essential to preparing an individual with a disability for employmentReferral to Independent Living Centers

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Diagnostic Evaluations can include

Medical EvaluationsPsychological EvaluationsPsychiatric EvaluationsLearning Disability EvaluationsPre-Vocational Evaluations Physical Therapy or Work CapacityEvaluations

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Vocational Counseling and Guidance Is Based on Informed Choice And Can Include

Labor Market information, what are the current “In-demand” OccupationsJob descriptions, and the skills, aptitudes and abilities needed for specific jobs and occupationsAssistance with the development of short and long term vocational goalsInformation about vocational training programs and post secondary schools

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Vocational Counseling can also include

Review of Vocational AssessmentsCareer PlanningJob Seeking SkillsResume WritingInterviewing SkillsJob Retention SkillsInformation about and referral for supported employment and job coaching services

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Supported Employment Services“Supported Employment” means ongoing support services andother appropriate services needed to support individual in maintainingtheir job. The person who assists is called a job coach. The job coach mayassist the individual in learning how toperform specific job tasks. More intensive job coaching may be providedinitially and then fade out over time.

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Financing DVRS ServicesFinancial analysis completed on all applicantsFinancial 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.

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Services Available With No Regard To Income

Diagnostic EvaluationsVocational Counseling and GuidanceJob PlacementSupported Employment ServicesJob CoachingOn-The-Job TrainingWork Adjustment Training Within a Community Rehabilitation Program

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Examples of Cost ServicesMedical Restoration Services (Physical Therapy, Psychotherapy, Speech Therapy, etc.)Training (Vocational, Technical, College)Books and SuppliesTools and EquipmentVehicle Modifications, Wheelchairs,Driver Training

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Housing InformationDVRS does not provide housing for individuals. We do make referrals to local housing authorities if an individual is in need of housing.

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TransportationDVRS can provide bus/train passes on a temporarybasis while the individual is preparing for employment.DVRS funds transportation expenses forindividuals certified as extendedemployees under DVRS.An individual may qualifyfor Access Link through NJ Transitor County transportationservices.

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Centers for Independent LivingCenters 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.

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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.

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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.

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NJDVRS Local OfficesBridgeton (Cumberland, Salem) 856-453-3888

Camden (Camden) 856-614-2500

Elizabeth (Union) 908-820-3112

Hackensack (Bergen) 201-996-8970

Hackettstown (Sussex, Warren) 908-852-4110

Jersey City (Hudson) 201-217-7180

Morristown (Morris) 973-631-6304

Neptune (Monmouth) 732-775-1799

Newark (Essex) 973-648-3494

New Brunswick (Middlesex) 732-937-6300

Paterson (Passaic) 973-977-4285

Pleasantville (Atlantic) 609-813-3933

Somerville (Somerset, Hunterdon) 908-704-3030

Thorofare (Gloucester) 856-384-3730

Toms River (Ocean) 732-255-0836

Trenton (Mercer) 609-292-2940

Westampton (Burlington) 609-518-3948

Wildwood (Cape May) 609-523-0330

Contact UsThere 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 PlazaP.O. BOX 39808625-0398Karen Carroll, LCSW, PPDS, Transition609-292-5987 609-292-8347 (FAX)609-292-2919 (TTY)