Q: What is the RETURN! to Work Vocational Re-entry Program?
A: It is a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation program serving individuals aged 18 years and older who have sustained a brain injury.
The overall goal is to address an individual’s rehabilitation needs with an end result of achieving competitive employment.
Q: How are these services paid?
A: You will not be responsible for paying for these services. They are paid for by your referring agency.
Q: Will these services affect my Social Service and Social Security benefits?
A: There are work incentive programs that make it possible for people with disabilities to receive income from work and still receive Social Security benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid. Benefits Counseling can be arranged by your DORS counselor to help you understand the rules about work and help you make the best plans about your Social Security, health insurance, and wages.
Q: Do I have to work full-time?
A: No, you can seek part-time job employment if that is your choice.
Q: What is a job coach?
A: A job coach is there to assist you learn your job duties, help develop strategies that you can use to allow you to be independent with work, and help you advocate your needs with the employer. Job coaching typically occurs on the work site, but can be done away from work, as well.
Q: What is supported employment?
A: Supported employment is ongoing long term work supports, also called extended job coaching, to assure success in employment. It involves monthly visits with the worker, on-going assessment of the worker’s job performance and needs, and maintaining good employer-employee relationships.
Q: Why should I choose this program?
A: When it comes to providing an individualized comprehensive vocational rehabilitation program to those who have sustained a brain injury, the RETURN! To Work program is your one stop shop. We have an unmatched continuum of neuro-rehabilitation services provided to our clients. Many factors affect someone returning to work and our program strives to eliminate these barriers. Our Vocational Case Coordinators not only assist clients with gaining employment, they also provide community resources to increase independence.