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State of Alaska > DOLWD > Vocational Rehabilitation
How Do I Apply and What Steps Do I Go Through?
Apply
1. Orientation
- Learn how the program works from start to finish.
- Decide if you want to apply for services.
Some offices give a group orientation. Others give a one-on-one orientation.
2. Intake Interview and Applying for Services
This is when your counselor learns about you, your disability and how it causes work problems.
The meeting takes about an hour.
- You meet privately with a DVR counselor or counselor’s assistant.
- You fill out a one-page form (application).
- You fill out any release forms we need to get copies of your records. The records help tell us if you qualify.
3. Finding Out if You Qualify for Help
Sometimes a counselor can tell right away if you qualify. Other times it can take up to 60 days, occasionally longer. It depends on whether we need to write for medical records or have you evaluated by a doctor. Your counselor
can tell you what needs to happen to qualify for services.
Make a Plan and Get a Job
4. Identifying Your Job Goal and Planning Services You Need
You and your counselor decide on a job goal that makes sense for your disability. It should also make sense based on what job openings there are. DVR can help you find your talents and interests. We can also help you search the job market. You and your counselor talk about the employment problems that bring you to DVR. Together you decide what services you need to get a job.
5. Writing a Plan for Employment
You must have a written plan to get the services
you need. We call it your individualized plan for employment (IPE). Your counselor can help you with this. It describes the steps you will take to meet your work goal.
6. Completing the IPE
You can start getting the help you need after you and your counselor agree to your plan. How long it takes you to complete the plan depends on you and your needs.
7. Job Searching and Getting a Job
After you complete the services in your plan, you search for a job until you get one. Your counselor can help you with this.
8. Following Up and Closing Your Case
Your counselor checks how you are doing for 90 days after you get a job. Then DVR closes your case if all is going well. Later you can ask for “Post-Employment” services if you need more help to keep your job, get your job back, or move up in your job.
DVR has this information pack on tape, in large print, and in Braille. Ask your local DVR office.
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