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vocational DIRECTOR

360.358.8612

The vocational department supports individuals in developing skills, securing employment, and achieving career goals. It provides job training, career counseling, and resources to help clients build independence and succeed in the workforce. The team collaborates with employers and community partners to create opportunities, matching clients’ strengths and aspirations with suitable roles while fostering professional growth and self-sufficiency.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

EFI’s Vocational Services department provides employment and community-related services to individuals experiencing a vast array of disabilities. Our goal is to assist and empower individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives and achieve their highest level of independence.

Our services and funding sources include:

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

DDA-funded services are available to individuals with developmental disabilities who are eligible for services. These supports are long-term and provided in Mason and Thurston Counties.

Individual Employment: Support to obtain and/or maintain employment in the community. IE services include support with employment advocacy, accommodation requests, customized employment, job development, and job coaching.
Community Inclusion: A service for DDA clients to participate in their communities with others with similar interests. CI services can be recreational in nature or focused on contributing to your local community. Activities are designed to create and develop relationships with non-paid community members.
High School Transition/School-to-Work: A program for high school transition students to help prepare for their transition to the workforce. School-to-Work is delivered in collaboration with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for transition-aged adults who are eligible for DDA services. High School Transition services are funded by the Thurston-Mason County Developmental Disabilities program for transition-aged adults who are likely DDA eligible.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

DVR-funded services are designed to support individuals with disabilities on a short-term basis. We provide the following services in Mason, Thurston, Lewis and Grays Harbor Counties.

Community Based Assessments/Trial Work Experiences
Job Placement, Intensive Job Placement, Customized Job Placement
Job Retention, Intensive Training Services
Independent Living Services

Foundational Community Supports (FCS)

FCS is a Medicaid-funded supported employment benefit for individuals experiencing complex health needs. FCS services are designed to be long-term support. We provide the following services in Thurston, Mason, Lewis, and Grays Harbor Counties: