Working for the Division of Rehabilitation Services Maryland State Department of Education

1. Working for the Division of Rehabilitation ServicesMaryland State Department of Education

2. Helping people reach their goals and build a future is what we do.

4. DORS is a Mission Driven Agency The mission of the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) is to provide leadership and support in promoting the employment, economic self-sufficiency and independence of individuals with disabilities.

5. It’s great to work for a place where you can: • Help people • Be creative • Have a flexible schedule • Be goal oriented

6. Working with our consumers is what we do best

7. A variety of careers await you in . . . • More than 20 vocational rehabilitation field offices in the Office of Field Services • Workforce & Technology Center • The Disability Determination Services • The Office for Blindness & Vision Services

8. Staff Specialist and other positions at DORS Headquarters • Information technology, fiscal and human resource administration, business support services, security and skilled maintenance

9. “The DORS environment is supportive and professional. I feel comfortable asking questions or seeking professional advice from all staff and colleagues. DORS team members work collaboratively to best serve the needs of our clients.”DORS Rehabilitation Counselor

10. Specialized Skills Welcome • Ability to speak other languages • Knowledge of deaf culture & sign language • Expertise in Assistive Technology • Experience in service delivery to people who are blind, visually impaired or deafblind • Allied health professionals

11. Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist: Disability Determination Services • Evaluates claims for the Supplemental Security Program and the Social Security Disability Insurance Program • Makes professional decisions regarding level of impairment, capacity of work and vocational rehabilitation potential of disabled individuals under the Social Security Act • Works closely with medical consultants, school personnel, and other community resources

12. “I like interacting with doctors at DDS and the medical community in general. I like the fast-paced work environment.” Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist--DDS

13. Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist: Field Offices, WTC and OBVS • Provides career guidance and counseling and other individualized vocational rehabilitation services leading to employment or independent living for people with disabilities • Some counselors may specialize in job placement, career assessment or working with individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired.

14. “The most significant work I have ever done I have done with DORS.” Avery Smith Rehabilitation Specialist

15. Why we do what we do . . . DORS professionals have a unique opportunity to assist clients to find answers for life’s biggest questions.

16. DORS Has a Commitment to Continuous Improvement “Being the best means never being satisfied with today’s accomplishments.” E.C. Townsend, Regional Director, Eastern Shore

17. DORS Believes in and is Committed to its Employees (l-r) Tom Rothrock & Jim Wilhide

18. DORS Values Collaboration and Teamwork (l–r) Dr. George Albright, Dr. Bella Conanan, Dr. James Biddison, Dr. William Hakkarinen, Dr. Irving Kramer

19. Collaboration & Teamwork “The spirit of customer service, teamwork, and commitment to our mission is most impressive. I applaud it whole-heartedly and appreciate the dedication shown by all!” Harvey Davis, Director Office of Field Services, now retired after 38 years of service

20. Working for DORS has its benefits

21. The State contributes a set amount of the insurance premium for each employee. Employees can purchase dental, term insurance, health care & dependent care spending accounts. Preferred Provider Option Point of Service Various health maintenance organizations Health Insurance

22. Pension Each permanent employee is enrolled in the State Employees Pension System and fully vested after five years.

23. Days Off

24. Other Benefits • Deferred Compensation Programs • Direct Deposit • Tax Sheltered Annuity Program • Credit Union • Blood Donor Program • Employee Assistance Program • US Savings Bonds • Salary Increases

25. Professional Development DORS has a commitment to on-going development of our professionals through: • The Leadership Academy • The Mentoring Program • Continuing Education

26. Continuing Education DORS offers: • Tuition Reimbursement • In-Service and Out-Service Training • Continuing Education Credits

27. “DORS gave me the confidence to get back into the workforce at a time when I had no idea what to do.”

28. Employment Contact Information Division of Rehabilitation Services Office of Personnel Services and Benefits 2301 Argonne Drive Baltimore, Maryland 21218-1696 410-554-9424 TDD 410-554-9391 Fax 410-554-9397 www.dors.state.md.us

30. “We’re not simply a group of employees doing a job. We are more of a community, a family of dedicated, caring individuals. Compassion as well as professionalism are demonstrated time and time again . . . the lives of individuals are more independent, more productive, more meaningful because of your efforts.” DORS Regional Director, addressing staff