Employment Services and Resources

Working and Receiving Benefits

Employment Service Organizations

Throughout Virginia, there are over 85 community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) who are approved by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to provide a variety of employment related services to individuals with disabilities. These organizations, known by DARS as Employment Service Organizations (ESOs), provide employment and vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities.

The Choice Group
Chesterfield Employment Services
Hanover Community Services Board
Goodwill Industries of Central and Coastal Virginia
Supported Employment of VA
RSVP, INC

Career Support Systems

Click here for DARS’ Employment Service Organizations Interactive Directory for additional ESOs.

Work Incentives Special Advocacy (WISA)

Work Incentives Specialist Advocates are certified to provide work incentives counseling services to DARS clients and to those who participate in Virginia’s Development Disability (DD) Waiver Program.

The Choice Group

VCU Research, Rehabilitation, and Training Center (RRTC) on Workplace Supports and Job Retention

Resources

ASA EMPLOYMENT RESOURSE
Employment plays a pivotal role in adulthood. By using appropriate services and support and taking advantage of an individual’s strengths and abilities, employment is attainable for most adults who experience Autism. Planning for future employment should be part of every child’s life plan and career pathways should be expected in adulthood.

CHARTING THE LIFECOURSE
This guide is one in a series of LifeCourse domain guides focused on Daily Life and Employment. It is intended
to help you, your family, or the people who support you think about what you like and want to do as you
grow from childhood into young adulthood and beyond. This guide will help you think about questions to ask,
things to do, and resources to access that lead to a job, career, volunteer position, or continuing education of
your choice.

SOFTSKILLS TO PAY THE BILLS
A curriculum developed by ODEP focused on teaching “soft” or workforce readiness skills to youth, including youth with disabilities. Created for youth development professionals as an introduction to workplace interpersonal and professional skills, the curriculum is targeted for youth ages 14 to 21 in both in-school and out-of-school environments. The basic structure of the program is comprised of modular, hands-on, engaging activities that focus on six key skill areas: communication, enthusiasm and attitude, teamwork, networking, problem solving and critical thinking, and professionalism.

Didn’t find what you were looking for?  Still have questions?  Please reach out to us via email or by calling 804.259.3188.