The latest news
- VIP is extended Three Years.
- L&I is recruiting new Vocational Technical Stakeholder Group (VTSG) members
- Funding for Retraining.
- Changes coming on accessing HOD through Transact.
- The May 3rd 2013 L&I Spring vocational conference presentations are now available.
- Report on Vocational Improvement Project is now available.
- VSS job opportunities statewide.
VIP is extended Three Years
June 17, 2013.
On May 21st, 2013 Governor Jay Inslee signed into law Substitute Senate Bill 5362. The bill extends the Vocational Improvement Project (VIP) through June 30, 2016. The VIP changes were originally implemented in January 2008.
Among some of the important VIP changes that will continue:
- Current worker retraining benefit (re-indexed each July 1st to state tuition rates)
- Option 2
- Partnerships at six WorkSource locations across the state
The only change going forward is that the University of Washington will no longer have a role as independent researcher. L&I will conduct the research instead.
The bill received overwhelming support in both the House and the Senate. A big thanks to those folks who have worked so hard to make many of the VIP changes very successful!L&I is recruiting new VTSG members
June 12, 2013.
We are seeking front-line, direct service providers to serve on the VTSG. Expectations include:- Serving 3-year terms.
- Attending 3-5 hour meetings:
- Bi-monthly.
- Alternating between Olympia and Tukwila.
- Participating in discussions and providing input concerning vocational services policies.
- Participating in subgroups tasked with exploring policy options.
Note: L&I may be able to assist members with transportation costs.
How will members be selected?
L&I will select 2 members by an application process. We are looking for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC) who can add diversity to policy discussions. Some of the qualities being sought are:
- Individual counselors.
- Significant State Fund experience.
- Self-insurance experience.
Funding for Retraining
June 11, 2013.
RCW 51.32.099 section (3 ) (d) states: Costs for the vocational plan shall be adjusted effective July 1.
Until the legislature passes final state budget that adjusts the amount available for retraining the new funding limit for plans approved after July 1 will not be known.
Do not delay the submission of proposed retraining plans pending the passing of state budget. All plans approved after July 1, 2013 will be subject to the revised amount allowed by the budget and can be adjusted by plan modifications as necessary.
Please monitor this site closely as new amount for retraining will be posted as soon as possible once state budget is final.
Changes coming on accessing HOD through Transact
June 12, 2013.
Support for digital certificates is ending on June 30, 2013. Read more about the changes and what you need to do on how to access VocLink Connect.
If you have any questions contact Web Customer Support at 360-902-5999
The May 3rd 2013 L&I Spring vocational conference presentations are now available.
May 20, 2013.
The PowerPoint presentations from the L&I spring vocational conference “Disability to Ability: Continuing Improvements in Workers’ Compensation” held on May 3rd in the Tumwater L&I auditorium are now available. View the following PowerPoint presentations:
December 24, 2012. December 15, 2010 L&I has job opportunities for Vocational Services Specialist (VSS) positions at multiple locations statewide. These positions provide professional vocational services in addition to supporting claim operations and WorkSource.
Customer Research(940 KB)Lean Overview(404 KB)Subcommittee(132 KB)VIP Research(165 KB)Report on Vocational Improvement Project is now available
VSS job opportunities statewide
