Making connections that work: partnerships between vocational rehabilitation and chemical dependency treatment programs

One of the most exciting and frustrating times in the treatment process or a client in recovery is the period when that individual moves into aftercare. There are many challenges and obstacles to maintaining his or her clean/sober status, and support systems are key to a client s success in aftercare. Unfortunately, a group of professionals who can have a very strong impact on that success-- those in Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)-- are often left out of the system. Treatment and aftercare counselors may have a good understanding of many of the social services needed by clients who are transitioning into aftercare, but most are not aware of, or are under-informed about, the scope of services offered by VR that can meet the client s rehabilitation needs. Clients in recovery from substance abuse are eligible to apply for VR services. Bringing VR counselors into the process and encouraging them to be active participants in the aftercare of the client can therefore help a client prevent relapse and become a contributing, successful member of society. However, if treatment and aftercare counselors are unfamiliar with VR programs, they will not include VR counselors in aftercare planning and service provision. In an effort to assist such partnerships to be established and maintained, this article will discuss VR and its history, briefly outline its case management format, and discuss the limitations of the format. It will touch upon ways to incorporate VR staff into the aftercare process. This article will also discuss partnership efforts in the state of Oregon between American Indian- based treatment center and the Oregon Department of Human Services; Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS), and outline suggestions to allow the reader to create and maintain ties for improving collaboration in their communities.