Vocational Rehabilitation

These are programs, agencies or organizations that help individuals remain employed, retrain for other jobs, or otherwise help achieve the best quality of life you can.

The ESRD Conditions for Coverage specify that social workers should provide services that maximize the social functioning of the patient [Code 494.80 (a), (13); Code 494.90 (ad) (8)]. Social work efforts to promote vocational rehabilitation, including patients with job retention strategies, making referrals to job training, and employment counseling/placement services are important interventions in trying to improve the social functioning of patients; who are in their prime working years.

Below is the 2010 Vocational Rehabilitation Packet, which contains materials and resources to assist you in your vocational intervention with your patients:

This document introduces employers to the benefits of hiring a person with a disability:
SSA Fact Sheet for Employers: The Benefits of Hiring Workers with Disabilities

The document provides a brief description of the Ticket to Work Program:
SSA Fact Sheet: The Basics-Ticket to Work Basics

The document provides a brief overview of the changes to the Ticket to Work Program.:
SSA Fact Sheet: Overview-The New Ticket to Work Program

A handout article created by the Medical Education Institute, Inc for patients:
Keeping Your Job When You Need Dialysis Article

A copy of the Interpretative Guidance regarding the rehabilitation section of the Conditions for Coverage:
Summary of Rehabilitation Focused Survey Guidance - ESRD Program Interpretive Guidance Version 1.1

This checklist may be of assistance when discussing rehabilitation options with patients:
Guidelines for Assessment and Referral to Vocational Rehabilitation

The program helps people on SSI and SSDI return to work. The program provides needed information about work incentives and social security benefits on the Ticket to Work Program:
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program (WIPA)

This organization provides FREE downloadable information and resources for patients and professionals about living long and well with kidney disease at www.lifeoptions.org:
Life Options Rehabilitation Program: Building Quality of Life - A Practical Guide to Renal Rehabilitation
Life Options Rehabilitation Program: A Kidney Patient's Guide to Working & Paying for Treatment-Employment
Life Options Rehabilitation Program: : Unit Self-Assessment Manual for Renal Rehabilitation-Evaluation

Enclosed are copies of the three brochures that are recommended for information on working and keeping benefits “Working While Disabled-A Guide To Plans For Achieving Self-Support”(Pub. No. 05-11017), “Working While Disabled-How We Can Help” (Pub. No. 05-10090) and “Your Ticket to Work” (Pub. No. 05-10061). These publications and others can be downloaded from the SSA website www.ssa.gov or multiple copies can be ordered via phone at: (800) 772-1213, Fax at: (410) 965-2037 or email at: oplm.osw.rpt.Orders@ssa.gov.
SSA: Working While Disabled-A Guide to Plans for Achieving Self-Support
SSA: Working While Disabled-How We Can Help
SSA: Your Ticket to Work

These are samples letters that the facility/physician may want to send to a patient’s employer or prospective employer informing them of the dialysis treatment the patient is receiving. Enclosed is a sample letter for peritoneal and hemodialysis, as appropriate:
Sample Employment Facilitation Letters: Hemo, PD

The document lists several examples of QOL indicators that are available and the areas the tools measures. Websites where the tools can be accessed are also included:
Resource on Health-Related Quality of Life Indicators

The list is organized by county to assist you in referring patients to the appropriate State DOR office in their area:
Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Field Offices List

These sites are listed by county. The centers aid and assist the disabled/unemployed individual get back into the work force. They can assist with training and referrals. Please call the center for instructions prior to sending the patient. The patient should understand the process and be prepared for his/her visit. There are a few self-service centers that only provide listings (kiosk).
Southern California One-Stop Career Centers

This document is a list of websites that can provide information, assistance, and referrals on employment for the disabled person.
Vocational Rehabilitation Website Resources

This document explains the vocational rehabilitation eligibility/application process. Also includes an official Vocational Rehabilitation Services Application from the DOR office for your convenience. Please feel free to make copies of the application for your use. DO NOT SEND APPLICATION TO THE NETWORK.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Application

This document explains the vocational rehabilitation option of the Ticket to Work program and how to access its services.
Ticket to Work Program Information Sheet

This organization contracts with independent business or agencies to provide job training and other employment services to Ticket to Work holders. To find a list of providers serving your area please visit www.yourtickettowork.com/program and click on Directory of ENs.
Employment Networks Listing

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