Our conversation today with Sam Greenfield & Kim Martin from Virginia's Division of Rehabilitative Service was very insightful. Sam is a job placement counselor. She explained what that is and gave us an overview of the services her agency offers.
The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services provides and advocates for the highest quality of services to help older Virginians and those with disabilities maximize and secure their employment, independence, and full inclusion into society and guides the Commonwealth in preparing for an aging population.
Kim is an employment specialist with the agency. She told us about their coverage area and talked about their work with high schoolers.
The pair gave us details about the different services they offer to job seekers with disabilities, the types of skills their clients possess, and the kinds of jobs they're looking for. Sam explained the vocational rehabilitation services and told us about the different training options they offer. Most of their services are offered at no fee to the individual.
We also discussed their work with various employers in our area. They told us about hiring incentives (financial and otherwise) and the work DARS does to "pre-vet" potential employees. Sam explained the disability awareness/sensitivity training they offer - at no charge - to businesses of all sizes. She said they are always looking for businesses to open their doors for situational assessments and summer work experiences.
Get more information about their services from their website: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/. You can also call them at their Winchester office: (540) 722-3453 or send an email:
Samantha Greenfield: Samantha.Greenfield@dars.virginia.gov
Kim Martin: Kimberly.Martin@dars.virginia.gov
