Making the transition from High School life to the real life is a difficult time for many.
WorkForce Central in coordination with Vadis Supported Employment Agency, and REACH are offering Pre-Employment Transition Services, funded by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
These services are available to young adults who meet the following qualifications:
- Are currently enrolled in school
- Are between the ages 14 and 21
- Have either an IEP, 504 plan, or otherwise documented disability
- Are not currently a DVR customer.
All secondary schools in Pierce County will have access to services, except for Mt. Tahoma and Steilacoom HS, who are served through another provider. Click here to find the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) liaison assigned to your school
RESOURCES
STUDENTS
Prep for post-high school life
The Pre-Employment Transition program was created to help in-school youth make a smooth transition into the working world.
In this program, you’ll learn the many skills needed to be a successful employee, all while gaining real world experience. The program includes:
- Workplace Readiness training
- Individualized work-based learning activities
- 90-hours of paid, work-based learning experiences (during the summer only)
Workplace Readiness Training
Vadis will be delivering DVR-approved curriculum designed to explore and address the following themes:
- Vocational Interests and Skills
- Building a Resume
- Building Your Profile – Cover Letters, References, and Letters of Recommendation
- Finding a Job using S.M.A.R.T. Goals
- Submitting a Job Application
- Interviewing – From Start to Finish
- Mock Interviews
- You’re Hired! Adulting 101
- Best Practices, Attitude, & Behavior
- Work-Life Balance
Work-Based Learning Activities
Individual Work Based Learning Activities are defined as activities which take place away from the traditional school setting that teach a student about various occupations and workplaces that are based on their vocational interests, including Job Site Tours, Job Shadow Visits, and Informational Interviews.
Paid Work-Based Learning Experiences
Paid Work-Based Learning Experiences means activities where a student is placed into a competitive, integrated work setting where they get paid the Washington State or local minimum wage, whichever is higher, to perform a non-permanent job at an employer’s worksite in accordance with Washington State Teen Worker Rules established by the State Department of Labor and Industries.
TEACHERS
Schedule a visit to your classroom
Use the calendar to schedule a Liaison to visit your school and talk about one of the Pre-Employment Transition topics.
- Vocational Interests and Skills
- Building a Resume
- Building Your Profile – Cover Letters, References, and Letters of Recommendation
- Finding a Job using S.M.A.R.T. Goals
- Submitting a Job Application
- Interviewing – From Start to Finish
- Mock Interviews
- You’re Hired! Adulting 101
- Best Practices, Attitude, & Behavior
- Work-Life Balance
Schedule here
Find your school’s liaison
| School District | High School | Designated DVR Liaison | Email Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel | Bethel High School Acceleration Academy Challenger High School |
Puyallup DVR Office: Elizabeth Oluwaleye | oluwaee@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 256-0173 |
| Clover Park | Clover Park High School Lakes High School Harrison Prep (6-12) Open Doors |
Tacoma DVR Office: Haley Gross | grossha@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 983-6536 |
| Eatonville | Eatonville High School | Puyallup DVR Office: Stacy Ricker | rickes@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 256-0166 |
| Fife | Fife High School | Tacoma DVR Office: Amy Diederich | diedea@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 983-6531 |
| Franklin Pierce | Franklin Pierce High School Washington High School Gates High School |
Tacoma DVR Office: Haley Gross | grossha@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 983-6536 |
| Orting | Orting High School | Puyallup DVR Office: Elizabeth Oluwaleye | oluwaee@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 256-0173 |
| Peninsula | Gig Harbor High School Henderson Bay High School Peninsula High School |
Tacoma DVR Office: Mishana Probst | probsm@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 983-6517 |
| Puyallup | Rogers High School Puyallup High School Emerald Ridge High School Gateway Program Walker High School Advance Program 1 |
Puyallup DVR Office: Roseanne Morales | moralr@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 256-0167 |
| Rogers: Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program | Puyallup DVR Office: Karen Burke | burkek@dshs.wa.gov | Videophone: (253) 693-2144 |
|
| Chief Leschi High School | Puyallup DVR Office: Stacy Ricker | rickes@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 256-0166 | |
| Sumner-Bonney Lake | Bonney Lake High School Sumner High School |
Puyallup DVR Office: Roseanne Morales | moralr@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 256-0167 |
| Tacoma | Foss High School IDEA Lincoln High School Oakland High School Stadium High School Wilson High School Willie Stewart High School |
Tacoma DVR Office: Mandy Kipfer | kipfeaj@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 983-6535 |
| University Place | Curtis High School Curtis Bridge Program |
Tacoma DVR Office: Haley Gross | grossha@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 983-6536 |
| White River | White River High School | Puyallup DVR Office: Elizabeth Oluwaleye | oluwaee@dshs.wa.gov | (253) 256-0173 |
These services are made possible by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
DVR services are provided by State and Federal Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Funds. The VR program typically receives 78% in Federal funds and 22% in State funds. For detailed information on the dollar amount of Federal Funds for the program, please visit https://rsa.ed.gov/programs.cfm?pc=basic-vr&sub=awards.