What's New for Vocational Counselors

The latest news


L&I Spring vocational conference is set for May 3rd 2013

April 2, 2013.

The L&I spring vocational conference will be held on May 3rd in the Tumwater L&I auditorium. The theme for the conference is "Continuing improvement in Washington Workers' Compensation".

Topics include findings from the 2012 University of Washington report on vocational improvement; worker engagement; OJT fundamentals, and practical ways to use LEAN methodology to identify and reduce delays.

Register (83 KB PDF) by Friday April 26, 2013. Registration is free to Washington vocational providers.

See the Conference Brochure (441 KB PDF).


As of January 1, 2013, the personal vehicle mileage rate is $.57 per mile

January 29, 2013.

This applies to provider and injured worker travel expense reimbursement.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) don’t need to send in plan modifications requesting an increase in travel. This will be reimbursed at the correct rate.

Please prepare and submit a plan modification only if the current approved amounts are about to be exhausted. All new plans should request the new rate of $.57 per mile for calculating travel expenses.


2013 Vocational Technical Stakeholder Group Meeting Schedule

January 10, 2013.

If you have any questions contact Dana McClintock at 360-902-6756


Improving the Vocational Profile

December 28, 2012.

The Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) has had four meetings since the report from Dr. Polissar was available in August. IAG is a group of 6 VRCs and 2 L&I staff who discuss issues around the implementation of the Vocational Profile.

IAG prioritized the studies recommended in Dr. Polissar's report as:

  • High priority studies: consistency of VSS decision making and the display/format of the indicators.
    • VSS consistency studies - L&I will conduct 2 of the 3 studies recommended in the report.
    • Display/format - IAG is discussing options for the display of dispute results and timeliness of progress reports.
  • Medium priority study: case mix. While it is recognized as important by all members, the complexity of the study and the resources required were considered to be significant barriers.
    • While this study will not be pursued at this time, we will watch for case mix factors as we pursue the other studies.
  • Low priority studies: consistency between VSS recommendations and CM closing codes and a study of the proxy measure.
    • Consistency between VSS recommendations and CM closing codes – L&I will not pursue this study at this time since it is a low priority for IAG members and only 1.4% of closed referrals had code differences between the VRC and CM that resulted in a negative impact on providers i.e. Useful or Neutral to Not Useful.
    • Proxy study – L&I will conduct this study. It is one of the easier studies and the results could be useful to firm managers to understand the degree of consistency within their firm and serve as a benchmark for quality improvement.

IAG also agreed to function as a workgroup to examine issues around ADM1. They will collect data on open referrals that "cannot be resolved vocationally" to learn more about the true size and nature of these referrals so we can clearly understand the problem(s) and identify possible solution(s). Other stakeholders, including VTSG, will have a chance to discuss ideas generated by IAG.

The next IAG meeting is January 9, 2013. Please call 360‑902‑4854 for details.


Report on Vocational Improvement Project is now available

December 24, 2012.

The 2012 University of Washington Evaluation of the Vocational Rehabilitation Pilot Program (1,811 KB PDF / 5 min).


New Preferred Worker Brochure

December 12, 2012.

The Preferred Worker Program brochure (F280‑021‑000) that is included with the worker's acceptance letter is revised. Also available is Preferred Worker Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) designed to offer more guidance to preferred workers and employers on how to use the benefit, the importance of knowing work restrictions, Intent to Hire procedures and deadlines

Please only use the most current version of form Request for Preferred Workers Status (F280‑023‑000) and discard outdated versions. For additional information use the Preferred Worker Program link.


VSS job opportunities statewide

December 15, 2010

L&I has job opportunities for Vocational Services Specialist (VSS) positions at multiple locations statewide. These positions provide professional vocational services in addition to supporting claim operations and WorkSource.

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