We do NOT provide employment services directly, but we work with other state agencies and community partners to help people with:

• Developmental Disabilities
• Behavioral Health (BH) needs

We support employment by:

• Offering training and technical assistance to individuals, families, providers, and agency staff
• Promoting access to competitive integrated employment
• Tracking and reporting statewide employment rates and outcomes

Everyone!  People with DD or BH needs can benefit from working just like anyone else.  Employment can provide:

• A sense of purpose and self-worth
• Independence
• Financial Stability
• Health and well-being

With the right job and the rights supports in place, work can be a positive part of anyone’s life!

While DBHDS doesn’t provide services directly, we work with: 

• The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
• The Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
• DBHDS Programs

These services include:

• Pre-Employment Transition Services
• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services
• Supported Employment through the DD Waivers

Jobs may look different for people with DD or BH needs, but the benefits are the same.  Some people may need extra support at work – and that’s okay.    

Even though work may look differently for someone with DD or BH needs – their rights are the same as everyone else and they should be treated the same.  Employment should be:

• In the community in a job the person chooses
• Fairly paid and equal to others doing similar work with a similar background
• Inclusive and integrated, with opportunities to interact with coworkers both socially and in job-related activities
• Growth-oriented – with opportunities to learn and advance

The best way to support someone is to get to know them – what they enjoy, what they are good at – and start a conversation about work and current and/or future employment-related goals.  

• Family FAQ on Supported Employment
• Support Coordinator (FAQ)

• Employment Module 
• What is an Employment Outcome?
• Guidance: Having Conversations on Employment

Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services 

• Transition Services Overview
• Pre-ETS Overview
• DARS Introductory Video

E1AG Framework Document

• Governor McDonnell’s Employment First Certificate of Recognition 
• POLICY 1044 (SYS) 12-1 Employment First 

• Employment First Work Plan FY24-FY26
• Employment Data Reports

• EPIC
• VCU Center on Transition Innovations (CTI)
• VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC)
• Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)

Coming soon!

ADL Activities of Daily Living

APS Adult Protective Services

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act

AR Authorized Representative

AT Assistive Technology

BCBA Board Certified Behavior Analyst

BSP Behavior Support Plan

CAP Corrective Action Plan

CAT Crisis Assessment Tool

CEPP Crisis Education and Prevention Plan

CHRIS Computerized Human Rights Information System

CIL Center for Independent Living

CIM Community Integration Manager

CI Compliance Indicator

CIT Crisis Intervention Training

CL Community Living (HCBS Waiver)

CLO Community Living Options

CM Case Manager

CMS Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services

COVLC Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center

CPS Child Protective Services

CRC Community Resource Consultant

CSB Community Services Board

CSB ES Community Services Board Emergency Services

CTH Crisis Therapeutic Home

CTT Community Transition Team

DARS Department of Rehabilitation and Aging Services

DBHDS Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

DD Developmental Disabilities

DDS Division of Developmental Services, DBHDS

DMAS Department of Medical Assistance Services

DOJ Department of Justice, United States

DS Day Support Services

DSP Direct Support Professional

DSS Department of Social Services

DW Data Warehouse

ECM Enhanced Case Management

EDCD Elderly or Disabled with Consumer Directed Services

EFAG Employment First Advisory Group

EPSDT Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment

ES Emergency Services (at the CSBs)

ESO Employment Service Organization

FRC Family Resource Consultant

GH Group Home

GSE Group Supported Employment

HCBS Home- and Community-Based Services

HPR Health Planning Region

HR/OHR Office of Human Rights

HSN Health Services Network

IADL Individual Activities of Daily Living

ICF Intermediate Care Facility

ID Intellectual Disabilities

IDD Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities

IFSP Individual and Family Support Program

IR Independent Reviewer

ISE Individual Supported Employment

ISP Individual Supports Plan

ISR Individual Services Review

KPA Key Performance Areas

LIHTC Low Income Housing Tax Credit

MLMC My Life My Community (website)

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

MRC Mortality Review Committee

OCQI Office of Continuous Quality Improvement

ODS Office of Developmental Services

OHR Office of Human Rights

OIH Office of Integrated Health

OL Office of Licensing

OSIG Office of the State Inspector General

PASRR Preadmission Screening and Resident Review

PCR Person Centered Review

PCP Primary Care Physician

PHA Public Housing Authority

POC Plan of Care

PMI Performance Measure Indicator

PMM Post-Move Monitoring

PST Personal Support Team

QAR Quality Assurance Review

QI Quality Improvement

QIC Quality Improvement Committee

QII Quality Improvement Initiative

QMD Quality Management Division

QMR Quality Management Review

QRT Quality Review Team

QSR Quality Service Reviews

RAC Regional Advisory Council for REACH

REACH Regional Education, Assessment, Crisis Services, Habilitation

RFP Request For Proposals

RNCC RN Care Consultants

RST Regional Support Team

RQC Regional Quality Council

SA Settlement Agreement US v. VA 3:12 CV 059

SC Support Coordinator

SELN AG Supported Employment Leadership Network, Advisory Group

SEVTC Southeastern Virginia Training Center

SIR Serious Incident Report

SIS Supports Intensity Scale

SW Sheltered Work

SRH Sponsored Residential Home

VCU Virginia Commonwealth University

VHDA Virginia Housing and Development Agency

WaMS Waiver Management System