Nez Perce
Vocational Rehabilitation
Services
Mission Statement
To assist American Indians with disabilities in
obtaining and retaining employment and
maximizing their ability to live
independently in
their communities. Our primary objective
focuses on
individual plan of employment. We
are committed to the tribe and both public
and
private organizations.
Services Provided
We assist applicants with counseling, vocational
training, and placement services in order to
improve employment
opportunities, quality of
living, and seek financial independence among the
tribal community.
Qualifying Disability
To receive NPVRS services you need to have a
disability which is
severe enough that you have difficulty getting or
keeping
employment specifically because of your disability.
There are many other types of disabilities
other than those listed. The purpose of this list
is to provide examples.
Who is Eligible?
-
Applicant must be an enrolled member of a federally
recognized tribe and be residing on or near the Nez Perce Reservation.
-
Applicant must have a physical or mental impairment which
for that individual constitutes or results in substantial impediment to
employment.
-
Anyone who can benefit in terms of an employment outcome
from vocational rehabilitative services.
Nez Perce
Vocational Rehabilitation Services Application
The Rehabilitation Process
A typical series of steps individually developed
to help an
applicant obtain or maintain
employment based on his or her disability.
-
Apply for service
-
Complete diagnosis and Evvaluation
-
Eligibility Determined (within 60 days)
-
Develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
-
Receive VR Services
-
Get Employment Search and Placement Assistance
-
Receive Follow-Up Counseling
-
Conclusion and Successful Service
Vocational Rehabilitation may provide other
essential services if proven to be needed to
achieve your goal of employment.
(However; we
are not a social services agency) We can refer you
to other
appropriate public and private agencies
for their special services.
Participation in a
vocational rehabilitation program can give you
more
independence, improve your self esteem,
and empower you to take charge of
your life.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lapwai > PHONE:
1--866-440-1109 or
208-843-9395 FAX:
208-843-9396
Kamiah PHONE: 1-888-637-8376 or
208-935-4116 FAX:
208-935-4101
VISION
The vision of the Nez Perce Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NPVRS), is
to enable American Indians residing on or near the Nez Perce Reservation, the
right to enhance or regain their self reliance which has been weakened by
disability. Our primary objective focuses on individual employment.
With the individuals and ourselves forming a partnership in all aspects of our
service.
GOALS
The goals of NPVRS are to:
-
Reduced joblessness by assisting disabled job seekers to enter or reenter
the local labor market.
-
Enhance basic skills of the disabled and development of educated adults.
-
Support life-skills development that may lead to an individuals
self-sufficiency.
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
The NPVRS prepares clients to overcome their disabilities and become
employable. Our services will be provided to meet our clients needs
commensurate with their ability to benefit from them. Services are
designed for each individual served according to their needs.
Counseling to overcome barriers or disabling conditions; vocational guidance
to empower client to make choices about career decisions; academic and on the
job training assistance can be offered to achieve self-reliance for our clients.
NPVRS STAFF
Our highly motivated staff consistantly prioritizes
community awareness and involvement. We are here to assist all applicants who
desire to improve their lives through the VR counseling, training, and placement
services.
-
David Miles, M.Ed.
Program Director
-
Lucinda George, M.S.W.
Vocational Rehababilitation Councilor
-
Sonia Van Woerkom
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The Nez Perce Vocation Rehabilitation Services (NPVRS) agency is part of the
Nez Perce Tribal Education Department. NPVRS provides education,
employment, and training services that are funded by the Department of Education
and administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
Confidentiality
Counseling is strictly confidential. Who is in
counseling
and what is discussed is held in
the strictest confidence. We do not
exchange
information with anyone outside our agency
without your
expressed written permission.
Exceptions to this policy are determined by
Nez Perce
Tribal and Idaho State Law which
(a) directs NPVRS to contact the
appropriate
agency if we become aware that you or
someone else is in
imminent danger or if a
minor or dependent adult ( e.g. elderly person,
impaired person) is being abused ( including
sexual abuse) and
(b)
permits courts to subpoena counseling
records for legitimate reasons.