Vocational Rehabilitation
What is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a state agency that specializes in employment and training services that can assist you in becoming employed.
A VR counselor will determine your eligibility for services. To be eligible, you need to have a physical or mental impairment that causes problems with working, and you must need VR services to be successfully employed.
Once eligible, you will work with a counselor who will help you develop a plan. VR will give you vocational information and guidance allowing you to make informed choices about your vocational plan.
VR is a free service.
Steps to Get Started
1 • Contact Your Local VR Office
Click here to view a list of VR offices in Missouri to determine which is closest to you.
You can also call this number to find your local office: 1-877-222-8963
Schedule an intake meeting.
See "Forms to Bring to Intake" below to speed up the process.
2 • Disability Eligibility
To be determined eligible by disability you must have a:
Physical or mental impairment that causes an impediment to work, substantial barriers to employment, and requires VR services to obtain, maintain, or advance at work.
Functional Capacities Considered:
* Self care * Communication * Self-direction * Mobility * Work tolerance * Interpersonal skills *
There are no financial eligibility requirements to receive VR services.
However, if you qualify for Social Security you may qualify for some additional financial assistance for work-related costs.
Forms to Bring to Intake
VR-QuestionnaireVRServices.pdfVR-HealthAssessmentQuestionnaire.pdfVR-CommonReleaseForm.pdfIf Found Eligible
Individualized Plan for Employment
After some counseling and guidance, you work with your VR counselor to write an IPE. This should include:
Identification of a vocational goal
Determination of service/support needs
Some of the individualized services you may consider with your VRC:
Employment services
On-the-job supports * Pre-Employment
Transition Services * COOP * Guidance and counseling
College * Certifications and trainings
Assistive technology
Your case remains open until after 90 days of independent successful employment. At that point, you can seek out retention services.
You can always leave or reapply.
Choosing a Provider
Your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will help you to identify a provider you'd like to work with.
Click here to learn about available employment services providers.
Once paired with a provider they will likely want to get to know you first through a process called Discovery.
Then they will help you through a discernment process to choose a career path. This is called Exploration.
Next, they'll spend time helping you to obtain a job. This is called Development.
You'll then receive on-the-job coaching to ensure you have all the skills necessary to be independent. This is called Coaching.
Lastly, if you need continued support you can benefit from Retention which will help you as you continue independently in your career.
If Found Ineligible
If found ineligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services, reach out to a Family Navigator, for assistance connecting to other resources.