Vocational Rehabilitation

Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Vocational Rehabilitation Program is a voluntary program that serves eligible enrolled tribal members who are seeking employment and reside within the 7 county service area. Eligibility for VR services requires a diagnosed physical, mental, emotional or learning disability that is documented by a professional and is shown to be a barrier to employment. VR services will be provided to eligible tribal members to assist them to regain, retain or to prepare for and secure employment particular to their strengths, abilities, capabilities, experience, priorities and resources through informed choice.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Process

An applicant may contact the VR program and make a referral through the Employment & Training program's administrative assistant, 503-879-2165.

The VR caseworker contacts applicant and schedules an appointment for the initial interview and application for services. At this time, the applicant provides tribal identification and proof of residing within one of the 7 service areas. (Polk, Yamhill, Tillamook, Marion, Clackamas, Washington and Multnomah). Proof of residence can be through a driver's license, Oregon ID card or mail addressed to applicant's residence.

To determine eligibility for VR services, the applicant participates in assessments, testing and provides any supportive documentation. This process can take up to 60 days to determine eligibility. If the applicant receives SSI or SSDI and wants to work, they are presumed eligible for VR services. Documentation of disability is also required from these applicants.

When assessments plus supportive documentation show that the applicant has a disability and that they can benefit from VR services towards employment, they will be deemed eligible.

The VR caseworker then meets with the applicant and provides vocational guidance, career testing, further assessment and supportive services to assist the applicant in determining their employment outcome.

When the applicant has determined their employment outcome based on their abilities and limitations, they will write an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) with assistance from their VR caseworker. The plan will list steps and costs needed to reach their employment outcome that will be provided from the VR program and other supportive services and programs. The applicant and VR caseworker must agree on what goes into the plan. The applicant may reach this employment goal through past experience, vocational training or an educational plan with an employment outcome. Both you and your VR caseworker will sign your plan to show your agreement.

The VR program is individualized; this means that people don't receive all the same services. Each person's needs, goals, strengths, interests differ and thus each person needs different services. The VR caseworker will assist you to make informed choices about your employment outcome, your services and your IPE. The services VR is able to provide and purchase is dependent on what "status" the person is in. It is the responsibility of the applicant to actively participate fully in their IPE.

Once the applicant reaches their employment goal and maintains employment at that position for 90 days, the VR caseworker will contact the applicant to determine if further services are required. If the applicant plans to remain in this position their VR case will be closed successful. If the applicant whose file has been closed successful requires further assistance to remain in this position, they may contact their VR caseworker and request Post Employment Services or open a new file depending on the need.