Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics (SORCC)

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Mission/Vision 

VA SORCC Vocational Rehabilitation Program is a twelve year CARF accredited matrix of integrated employment services founded on the principle that the ultimate success in vocational rehabilitation services is to assist each Veteran in the development of his/her Vocational Plan. Through this Veteran centered partnership it is our intent to provide income opportunities, training opportunities and supports suitable for the Veterans to achieve their immediate and long term vocational goals.  To provide integrated employment services wherein the ultimate successes of the vocational rehabilitation plan is to assist each Veteran to achieving his/hers personal goals and objectives, both immediate and long term.

Scope of Service

VRP offers a full range of vocational and employment services through a comprehensive continuum of specific program elements designed to meet the individual needs of each Veteran. These programs include Employment Planning Reports, Employment Skills Training, Employee Development, and Community Employment.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Staff as representatives of the VA SORCC maintain close partnerships including VA agencies: VBA, VANC, community agencies Job Council, Oregon Employment Division, Easter Seals, Goodwill Industries, Transitional Work Employers and are members of Community Organizations affiliated with Services to Veterans.

Employee Development Services

The goal of this treatment element is to make available to veterans, Work Adjustment Training opportunities that are a part of the Employment Services continuum of care. This program will help the veteran, in an individualized process, develop or re-establish skills, attitudes, personal characteristics, work behaviors, and functional capacities that will help them return to work and retain employment. The two programs which fall under Employee Development Services are Incentive Therapy (IT) and Transitional Work Experience (TWE).

Work Therapy as Incentive Therapy (IT)

The IT positions available throughout the VA SORCC reflect a wide variety of therapeutic work settings.  Whenever possible, the IT assignment should be closely matched with the veteran’s employment interests.

Transitional Work Therapy (TWE)

TWE also includes work adjustment training positions that are located on-station and in the local community.  On-station may include work in the Nutrition and Food Service department and is managed by a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS). Community employers work closely with a VRS in the screening and work experience process with potential permanent employment offered at the end of the training period. Typical candidates for this program are capable of working in minimally supervised environments.  The general timeline for TWE is 1-3 months.

Supported Employment (SE)

Supported Employment provides vocational rehabilitation services (vocational evaluation, employment plan, job placement and maintenance support) to patients with severe mental illness. Services include additional work site support (job coaching), transportation  as possible for applications processes, interviews and employment. The Supported Employment Specialist is directed to assure coordination of care with mental health providers, social workers and the team as assigned. The goal of treatment is to obtain and maintain competitive community employment or meaningfully engaged as defined under the Supported Employment.

Employment Skills Training

Employment Skills Training services consist of three occupational skills training formats. (1) Three formal training programs located at the SORCC: Housekeeping Aide Training (HAT), Supply, Processing and Distribution (SPD), and the TURF maintenance program. (2) Short-term classroom training through Rogue Community College. (3) Occupational Skills Training or on-the-job training located in the local community. The timelines for each program vary from 5 months to one year.

Community Employment Services

Is designed to give the veteran resources and information while seeking employment in a manner understandable to them. VRS’s and veterans both gather information about prospective employers and job opportunities for employment in the veteran’s chosen field.  VRS’s may provide job analysis, consultation and/or recommendations for work site or job modifications if appropriate. The VRS/SE Specialist maintains regular contact with the veterans and employers at job sites to ensure continuation of employment and appropriateness of job placement and employer satisfaction. If problems result in a job loss and ongoing communications between the Veteran, Employer and staff member have been maintained after placement. The veteran may meet with his VR/SE Specialist for a review of the situation, guidance and further placement opportunities as possible.