“Matching People with Jobs” Washington Vocational Services (WVS) began its non-profit operation on May 3, 1976 in Seattle, Washington. The purpose of the agency was and continues to be to assist persons who have disabilities succeed in the workplace. With the assistance of Edmonds Community College, funding was secured that allowed WVS to move into its present location in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. Due to the increased need for vocational services, in the early part of 2000 WVS opened its first satellite location in Mount Vernon, Washington.

Since that time, we have expanded to other communities, increasing our assistance to persons with disabilities and employers. Washington Vocational Services now provides rehabilitation services throughout the Northwest Territory from Tacoma, Washington to the Canadian border and Anchorage Alaska. We continue to be an integral part of the community we work in. Our staff and board participate and contribute through membership in community based organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, Association of Washington Businesses, Economic Development Council and the Washington Restaurant Association due to our ownership of a franchise. Our Board of Directors and our dedicated and well-trained staff have assisted well over 4,000 people in their search for appropriate employment. Our main funding is provided by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Education (Projects with Industry) and our Social Enterprise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact you?
You can call us at: Mountlake Terrace (425) 774-3338, Voice/TTY / Mt. Vernon (360) 416-3591 / Anchorage Alaska (907)-722-5284.

You can E-mail any of the program managers below at: Info@wvs.org

•  Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Peggy Frisk
•  Deaf Services - Paula Bouwer
•  Developmental Disabilities Services Skagit County - Shari Sennett-Kelly
•  Developmental Disabilities Services Snohomish County – Bretta Williams
• Developmental Disabilities Services Island County- Shari Sennett-Kelly
• Snohomish County Travel Training Services- Sarah Combs

How do I apply?
Call or email the program manager to discuss application requirements for the service you are interested in. Their numbers are located above in the “How do I contact you?” Section.

Do I need to have a DVR counselor?
No, but if you have not applied for services through DVR we recommend that you do so.

What if I need an accommodation to meet with Employment Specialists?
We will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. Please notify us in advance of the accommodation needed; some accommodations take time to schedule (ASL interpreters, for example).

How long will you help me after I get a job?
The usual amount of time for follow up and retention services ends 90 days after you start the job, however we will check in with you at the end of a year to make sure you are still working and happy with your job. If you receive services under the Developmental Disabilities grants we can provide long term supported employment services.

Who will find a job for me?
Washington Vocational Services Employment Specialists work with you as a team to find a job. We encourage you to be as active and involved as you are able.

Where will I meet you for appointments?
We can meet you at a location that is convenient to you. We meet people at our office, at the library, at WorkSource offices, and even at restaurants at times. We will take into consideration your location and transportation.

What should I bring with me the first time?
You should bring your resume if you have one, a portfolio from school if you have one, documentation of your disability, information about jobs you have applied for, a record of your jobs and work experience, and ideas for your job search.

Can someone come with me?
Yes you can bring someone who is helping you or supporting you in your job search.

Can you help me write a resume?
Yes, we can. If you have a resume please bring it and we will review it with you and make revisions if needed; if you don’t have one we will work with you to create one.

Do I need a driver’s license?
No, but you do need to have reliable transportation for meetings, interviews and job search activities and to get to a job. You also need to have identification when you are hired.

Are your handouts available in Braille?
Yes, we can have them printed in Braille or in large print, upon request. Please give us advance notice in the event we have to have copies made.

Who pays for the interpreter for our meetings?
Washington Vocational Services will pay for interpreters when we meet with you to provide services.

Who pays for the interpreter for my job interviews?
It is the responsibility of the employer to provide interpreters for interviews.

I don’t know what kind of job I want to do. Can you help me figure that out?
Yes, but it depends on the plan we have from the funding source. For DVR clients, your DVR counselor will work with you to determine your employment goal. For Supported Employment Clients we provide extensive person centered planning services and ongoing support. If you desire services under the Project With Industry grant you need to have a vocational goal established and be ready to go to work.