What's New for Vocational Counselors

Registration is full at this time. However, individuals may still join the waitlist. If you have registered but are unable to attend the event, please let us know as soon as possible so we may accommodate those on the waitlist.

In preparation for the event, here is the schedule:

7:30 am	Check-In and Continental Breakfast (fruit, assorted pastries, coffee)
8:00 am	Welcome/Safety Tip/Housekeeping
8:10 am	Marika Barto, DEIB Manager – Personal Identity Exercise
8:40 am	Brenda Heilman, Deputy Assistant Director, Insurance Services
9:00 am	Jason Parker, Work Disability Consultant – “The Three Mindsets of Vocational Recovery and Return to Work”
10:30 am	Break
10:45 am	Casey Jackson, Keynote Speaker – “Motivational Interviewing”
11:45 am	Elevating Partnerships Showcase
12:00 pm	LUNCH and Tour Showcase (Italian buffet from Pellegrino’s Italian Kitchen in Tumwater. Gluten-free and vegan options available)
1:30 pm	Coral Sheldon, L&I – “Pension: Process, Vocational Recommendations, and Documentation”
2:45 pm	Break
3:00 pm	Marika Barto, DEIB Manager – “Social Identity, Intersectionality, and Privilege”
4:00 pm	Drawings, Continuing Education Credits, and Closing Remarks

Questions? Email VocationalSummit@lni.wa.gov.

Meet Chad: The Worker-centric Approach in Ability to Work Assessment

April 12, 2023

In the new video posted by L&I, Chad talks about the life-changing services his vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC) provided during his recovery.

After reforms in state law in 2020, Chad’s VRC was able to provide personalized return-to-work services in Ability to Work Assessment (AWA). The video is less than 15 minutes long and provides commentary on how his VRC tailored her services to meet his needs.

WAC 296-19A-065(2)(h) says “If a worker indicates an interest in returning to work and, in the professional judgment of the vocational provider, the worker has the necessary skills and abilities to do so consistent with their medical restrictions, the vocational provider may provide those services listed in WAC 296-19A-050 as they deem appropriate.”

In other words, vocational recovery is a research-based intervention that prevents work disability by using a worker-centric approach for all referral types. Chad benefitted from worker-centric, vocational recovery services and started his own business while in AWA.

The video can be found on the Vocational Recovery Services web page under the section “Training and educational materials.”

Questions? Email the Vocational Recovery Project.

Happy Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Day!

March 22, 2023

March 22 is National Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Appreciation Day. L&I is honored to celebrate the work of all vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) and vocational services specialists (VSSs).

Not everyone can be a VRC or VSS. It takes a special set of skills, in addition to the required education and certifications. It takes tenacity to wake up every day and take on challenging cases. Helping workers choose to return to work requires making deep human connections and patiently listening and understanding the concerns of multiple stakeholders. In this way, all of you help workers find their unique path forward.

Whether you choose to exercise your vocation as a counselor, as a firm owner, or as a vocational service specialist, every one of you plays a critical role in helping workers heal and return to work. Thank you for your continued dedication and professionalism as we work together helping workers regain their employment, independence, and sense of self.

We appreciate all you do!

For questions, email the Vocational Recovery Project.

Register Now! Vocational Provider Spring Summit

March 17, 2023

RTW Partnerships is excited to host the in-person Vocational Provider Summit on Friday, May 19, 2023.

The full-day summit will take place at L&I headquarters, 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 from 7:30am to 4:00pm. This is an exclusively in-person event. No virtual or hybrid options will be available.

The summit experience is designed to elevate partnerships and provide learning opportunities for vocational providers receiving State Fund referrals in Washington State.

Who Should Attend?

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Interns providing services on state fund vocational recovery referrals.

Attendees will:

Participate in interactive learning.
Examine multicultural considerations in vocational counseling.
Network with other professionals who have an impact on a worker’s vocational recovery.
Earn continuing education units (CEUs).

Learning topics include:

Managing vocational recovery in a complex claim.
Motivational interviewing.
Pension outcomes.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

To register for the Vocational Provider Summit:

REGISTER HERE
Submit an individual registration form for each vocational provider to reserve their seat.
Complete the registration no later than April 17, 2023.
Early registration is encouraged due to limited seating.
Waitlist available once registration has met maximum capacity.

Note: L&I is not charging a fee for this event, but no-shows cause logistical problems and may take seats from others who would like to attend. Once you have registered, if you find that you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible.

The Department of Labor & Industries is committed to making our events accessible to everyone. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please email VocationalSummit@lni.wa.gov no later than April 17, 2023.

For questions about the summit, email VocationalSummit@lni.wa.gov.

Counselor Kudos – Shiloh Hoffmeister, Claim Manager

March 2, 2023

L&I has created a message series called Counselor Kudos to recognize and share positive, vocational community stories. This kudo is from Laurel Creek at Rainier Case Management. She shares her appreciation for the exceptional work performed by Shiloh Hoffmeister, Claim Manager (CM) for L&I.

Laurel writes, “Shiloh Hoffmeister has been wonderful. She really works the [worker-centric] model.”

The worker needed to stop smoking in order to have their recommended surgery. To support the worker and provide structure, Laurel wrote to Shiloh and asked her to implement a deadline to quit smoking and have the surgery. Shiloh went a step further and authorized smoking cessation medications for the worker. She sent a preauthorization letter to the attending physician offering to pay for the needed medications. The worker was very pleased, as she has struggled to quit.

Shiloh’s help, interest, and concern for the worker was incredibly helpful. Kudos for the collaboration between the CM and vocational firm to help the worker get the necessary medical treatment!

If you have a kudo or success story to share, please email the Vocational Recovery Project.

Counselor Kudos – Nicolle Cummins, Vocational Connections Inc.

Feb. 27, 2023

L&I has created a message series called Counselor Kudos to recognize and share stories about the exceptional work of vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) in the vocational community. This kudo is for Nicolle Cummins of Vocational Connections Inc.

In late 2019, a worker began vocational services with Vocational Connections, Inc. At the time, the worker was 73 years old and an electrician by trade. After suffering an injury to his knee and shoulder, he was unable to return to electrician work. His VRC, Nicolle Cummins, worked with him through vocational recovery, ability to work assessment, plan development, and plan implementation to claim resolution. The worker greatly appreciated Nicolle’s help and sent the following message to the firm:

“… Nicolle was probably the most professional, wonderful person who is so respectful, so intelligent, and such a pleasure to work with. She treated me like a friend and helped me get through this. She receives very high marks from me.”

The worker has selected Option 2 and is hoping to gain computer skills. Thank you, Nicolle, for your hard work and dedication in helping the worker move forward!

If you have a counselor kudo or success story to share, email the Vocational Recovery Project.

Counselor Kudos – Claudia Watson, Claims Manager

Feb. 23, 2023

L&I has created a message series called Counselor Kudos to recognize and share positive, vocational community stories. This kudo is from Sandra Thomas of Career Opportunities Group, Inc. about the exceptional work performed by Claudia Watson, Claim Manager (CM) for L&I.

Sandra writes, “I had a fantastic experience with Claudia Watson [CM]. We worked very well together on an H2A [Temporary Agricultural Program for nonimmigrant workers in the United States] case. The claim manager was extremely helpful and together we were able to move services quickly for the worker.”

In this case, time was of the essence. The H2A worker had several surgeries after a chainsaw injury. The worker would soon be returning to Mexico. The CM went above and beyond to ensure the Independent Medical Exam (IME) took place before the worker left the country.

The IME determined that the worker could not return to full duty work and approved a light duty position offered by the employer. The IME also concluded the worker was at maximum medical improvement. Sandra requested Preferred Worker status and notified the employer of the program’s benefits. Then the worker transitioned to an Ability to Work Assessment (AWA) referral.

While the worker was in Mexico, Sandra facilitated completion and submission of the appropriate forms to the CM to ensure the worker received ongoing benefits while not working. The employer offered the worker a light duty position and the worker returned to the United State in October 2022.

“The CM and I were able to work diligently to assist the worker in his medical and vocational recovery, and he was able to return to work with his employer of injury, which was his goal.”

Kudos for the collaboration between the CM and the vocational counselor to help this worker meet his goal and return to work!

If you have a kudo or success story to share, please email the Vocational Recovery Project.

SAVE THE DATE! Vocational Provider Summit

Feb. 6, 2023

L&I is hosting an in-person Vocational Provider Summit on Friday, May 19, 2023.
The full-day summit will take place at L&I headquarters, 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501.

The summit’s design is for registered vocational providers that accept state fund vocational recovery referrals. Attendees can expect to:

Participate in interactive learning.
Examine multicultural considerations in vocational counseling.
Network with other professionals who have an impact on a worker’s vocational recovery.
Earn continuing education units (CEUs).

The agenda and registration information will be shared in the next few weeks. In the meantime, please save the date!

For questions about the summit, email the Vocational Recovery Project.

2023 mileage reimbursement rate increase

Jan. 31, 2023

Effective Jan.1, 2023, the mileage reimbursement rate for privately owned vehicles increased to 66 cents per mile. For details, visit the Office of Financial Management (OFM) website’s travel webpage.

PGAP Informational webinar

Jan. 27, 2023

All vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) are invited to register for an informational webinar on the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP). This 30-minute webinar will teach VRCs how activity coaching with PGAP can help their clients. The webinar will also address the vital role VRCs play in facilitating a referral for activity coaching.

Webinar date: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023
Time: 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

PGAP is a 10-week structured program that focuses on reintegration of daily tasks for workers who are struggling to resume or maintain an active lifestyle, which was disrupted by their workplace injury.

Early access to this program can improve workers’:

Participation in other treatment areas.
Engagement in their vocational recovery.
Return to work outcomes.

Please email Activity Coaching if you have any questions.

New PGAP resource available!

Jan. 27, 2023

“Introducing Activity Coaching with the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP)” is a new resource now available on the Vocational Recovery Services webpage under ‘Publications.’

This resource is expected to help vocational rehabilitation counselors and other providers who are unfamiliar with PGAP communicate effectively with workers about how PGAP can help them recover from their injuries. The PGAP talking points were developed in a joint effort by current activity coaches and PGAP study participants.

Counselor kudos – Ian Lampe-Martin, Strategic Consulting Services

Jan. 12, 2023

L&I has created a message series called Counselor Kudos to recognize and share stories about the exceptional work of vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) in the vocational community.

Ian Lampe–Martin, a VRC with Strategic Consulting Services, was assigned a vocational recovery referral earlier in 2022. The worker needed surgery and would be unable to work for several months. It was a frustrating and confusing time. Thankfully, Ian was there to help.

Minimizing work disability includes:

Managing unnecessary delays and duration.
Preventing a confusing process.
Setting clear return to work goals with the worker.

Ian was especially helpful in navigating the complexities of the claims process and being a reliable source for answers.

The worker sent an email to the firm expressing his appreciation for Ian:

“Ian has been fantastic! He genuinely cares about the people he's helping. He's an asset to your team. I thought it was important for him to get the recognition he deserves, especially in a time when so few are willing to put in more than minimal effort.”

Thank you, Ian, for building the relationship with the worker and creating a positive experience during a difficult time in this worker’s life.

For questions, email VocRecoveryProject@Lni.wa.gov.

Counselor Kudos – Amber Parmley, Vocational Connections, Inc.

Jan. 12, 2023

L&I has created a message series called Counselor Kudos to recognize and share stories about the exceptional work of vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) in the vocational community.

A worker from Eastern Washington writes, “Amber, you don’t know how much I appreciate you and your support through all this. Sometimes I felt you were the only one who was truly in my corner.”

The worker is referring to Amber Parmley from Vocational Connections, Inc. As the assigned VRC, Amber assisted the worker through plan development and the successful completion of a retraining plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When she met Amber, the worker was a certified nursing assistant injured on the job. After three knee surgeries, the worker knew she needed to find a job that didn’t require her to be on her feet all day. The worker was devastated by the loss of the job she loved doing.

To complicate matters, the worker was also pregnant and relocating to Western Washington. Amber presented the worker with all of her options. The worker could have selected Option 2; however, she wanted to pursue a new career that aligned with her skills and abilities. Amber helped her develop a retraining goal and find a training program that could accommodate online learning.

There were multiple times when the worker could have easily given up on training. With Amber’s continued support and encouragement, the worker overcame many barriers, including computer issues, additional relocations, and other personal concerns. The worker completed her medical secretary/human resource assistant training through Edmonds College Business Technical Center.

While the worker was in training, Amber helped her put together a return–to-work portfolio, including resumes, certifications, a job search contact log, interview guidance, a pro-active job search to-do list, and other tools for accessing job openings. Amber also connected the worker with the local WorkSource vocational services specialist.

Thank you, Amber, for guiding the worker through the worker-centric model and helping her return to work!

For questions or comments, email the Vocational Recovery Project.

Intern supervisor expectations documents due Jan. 31

Jan. 3, 2023

Vocational intern supervisors need to record and report on their interns’ progress in demonstrating the skills developed through observation, participation, and supervised independent practice using the Vocational Intern Supervisor Expectations document. This requirement only applies to vocational providers assisting with State Fund referrals.

How and when should supervisors send us the expectations documents?

By Jan. 31, 2023, supervisors should send expectations documents—for all interns—to Private Sector Rehabilitation Services (PSRS) at PSRS@Lni.wa.gov. Both the supervisor and intern must sign the documents.

The intern supervisors must send updated expectations documents for each intern every six months after.

What happens if PSRS doesn’t receive the documents every six months?

If the intern supervisor doesn’t submit their expectations documents, PSRS may remove the individual’s intern supervisor status and contact the firm’s owner or manager, asking them to identify the intern’s new supervisor. An intern supervisor who has been removed may reapply, but multiple infractions will result in permanent removal.

How will PSRS use the documents?

PSRS will keep the expectations documents on file. When an intern applies to become a vocational rehabilitation (VRC), PSRS will review the latest expectations document on file for that intern. Before PSRS can consider the intern’s application, the documentation must show the intern has achieved all the listed essential knowledge and skills required to become a VRC.

Where can I learn more?

For more information, see:

Vocational Firm Quality Assurance Plan, under the heading “Supervisor development of interns.”
Interim Policy 6.07 – Vocational Interns and Supervisors (State Fund Claims)

To read the policy:

Follow the directions to access the Claim and Account Knowledge Base. (Open a separate browser window to keep the directions handy.)
After you’ve logged in to the knowledge base, in the search bar at the top, enter ‘6.07’.
Click on the policy to view it.

If you have questions or concerns, please email VocRecoveryProject@Lni.wa.gov.