DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES
Achieving Independence Through Employment
It is the mission of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
(NJDVRS) to enable eligible individuals with disabilities to achieve employment
outcome consistent with their strengths, priorities, needs, abilities and capabilities.
What is DVRS?
The New Jersey Department of Labor's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
(DVRS) provides services that enable persons with disabilities to find jobs.
We also offer assistance to persons with disabilities who are having problems
keeping their jobs. The Burlington County Office of the DVRS is staffed by experienced
rehabilitation counselors who provide valuable services to people who, as a
result of physical, learning, mental or emotional difficulties, need assistance
in obtaining or keeping employment.
Should I apply to DVRS?
You should apply if you have a disability, and, your disability causes problems
in preparing for, getting or keeping a job, and, you want to work.
Who qualifies for our services?
Any physical or mental impairment that is a substantial impediment to employment
may qualify an individual for DVRS's services. Each person is evaluated individually
for eligibility and needed assistance. We do, however, refer individuals who
are blind or have a serious visual impairment to the Commission for the Blind
and Visually Impaired.
What kind of services does DVRS provide?
Our counselors provide services that can help you lessen the effects of your
disability or directly help you to prepare for a job. The services you receive
will be arranged to meet your individual needs. Not everyone will need every
service and not everyone is eligible for every services. We offer:
Diagnostic Evaluations:
DVRS will determine the extent of the disability, the presence of any other
conditions, and the need for treatment. The client may choose his/or her own
physician for these examinations.
Individual Vocational Counseling & Guidance:
The client and the DVRS counselor work together towards a suitable vocational
objective and plan the steps leading to successful employment.
Job Seeking Skills, Training & Job Placement:
We provide people with the tools to find employment and will work to place them
in a job within their physical and mental abilities. This may include supported
employment.
Follow-Up Services:
We track the progress of our clients to ensure employment success. Job modification
consultation may also be provided.
Post-Employment Services:
If needed, a former client may return to DVRS for supplemental services to keep
his or her present job.
Physical Restoration:
To improve your ability to work, DVRS may provide medical or surgical treatment
& physical therapy as well as psychiatric treatment, assistive technology
prosthetic and orthopedic devices including artificial limbs, braces, eyeglasses,
hearing aides, etc.
Vocational, Professional, Job Coaching or On-The-Job Training:
By providing our clients with the right skills training, we can enable individuals
to secure employment consistent with their strengths, priorities, needs, abilities
and capabilities. Other goods and services may be provided when they are essential
to preparing our clients for employment.
Who decides what kind of program and which services?
The client and the counselor jointly develop an Individual Written Rehabilitation
Plan (IWRP). This sets forth exactly what services will be provided and what
is expected of both the client and the agency, including responsibility and
costs, if any.
What are the costs for DVRS services?
Diagnostic evaluation, counseling, guidance and job placement services are provided
at no cost to our clients. Expenses for medical services, training, books, supplies,
tools, equipment, etc., are based on the individuals ability to pay. DVRS financial
criteria are less restrictive than those of many other agencies. Our counselors
are required to utilize "comparative benefits," that is, identical
services available from other sources. For example, those seeking training will
be expected to apply for a Pell Grant, and those who receive medical services
will first utilize their insurance coverage.
What about costs already incurred?
DVRS cannot pay for services and costs incurred prior to acceptance as a client
of DVRS. Once a client is accepted, DVRS can pay for those services authorized
in advance.
What about confidentiality?
DVRS records are confidential and no information will be given out without the
client's consent. There are restrictions on what can be released and to whom.
How should I get started?
Our experienced staff can provide the assistance you need to achieve independence!
Call today for an appointment. Or if you are already working with another agency,
ask them to help you with a referral to DVRS.
CONTACT US:
Burlington County One-Stop Career Center
795 Woodlane Road
P.O. Box 6000
Westampton, NJ 08060
(609) 518-3900
Click Here to go back to the previous page.
E-Mail us your comments, questions & suggestions!
*Printer & Bobby Friendly Version of webpage http://www.burlcowib.com/dvrs