Resources

The Job Foundation Program provides more employment supports at an earlier age to help high school transition students leave school with a job at 21. This is made possible through a partnership between school districts, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), County Developmental Disabilities, employment providers, and others.

A Value Based Program for Washington State High School Students

Early Start Equals Better Results

The Job Foundation Program provides more employment supports at an earlier age to help high school transition students leave school with a job at 21. This is made possible through a partnership between school districts, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), County Developmental Disabilities, employment providers, and others.

Process

Job Foundation
Age 19 – 20
(second to last year)
Student completes job foundation report with a qualified provider.

Job Development & Placement
Age 20 – 21
(last year of school)
Student referred to DVR. DVR commits to opening plans in fall of final year. Ideally job placement will occur by June.

Stabilization
Age 21 – 22
(by June)
Job stabilization and coordination of long-term employment services.

Key Benefits

• Job Foundation Report. Eligible students will connect with DDA contracted employment providers, with the support of their teacher, to discover skills, abilities, interests and support needs at an earlier age, increasing their chances of leaving school with a job.
• Expertise and Supports. Participants will have access to employment experts and supports, such as assistive technology, or technical assistance, to help create improved job outcomes for people with higher support needs.
• Values Based Project. Everyone has the opportunity to receive Job Foundations. An extra emphasis is placed on increased job placements and jobs that provide 10 or more hours per week of paid employment for students who need a higher level of support.
• Partnerships that Increase Results. Improved coordination between a variety of partners maximizes the specialties of each partner, and provides continuity across service systems as the student prepares to exit school.

Eligibility

DDA eligible clients, age 19-22, enrolled in high school within a county that is participating in this project.

To learn more about Job Foundations you can reached out to DDAHQTransition@dshs.wa.gov or find your County Coordinator by following this link to the county developmental disabilities websites

Resources for School Partners

Job Foundation Project: Information for School Partners (PDF)

Job Foundation Project Overview for School Partners (YouTube)