Vocational Provider News Bulletin
August 2025
This news bulletin covers important updates, reminders, and resources that the Return-to Work-Partnerships (RTWP) program wants to share with vocational providers.
We will continue to send individual GovDelivery messages when your action is requested.
In the News
The Washington Chapter of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP) included a spotlight on L&I’s Skill Enhancement Training incentive (SET) in their spring newsletter. In case you missed it, here's what was shared:
In January 2025, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries’ (L&I) launched the preliminary phase of a new worker incentive called Skill Enhancement Training (SET).
SET allows vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) to provide earlier support for workers who wish to gain skills and reach their return-to-work goals. Vocational services providers have submitted 86 applications for SET courses, 75 of which have been approved.
SET programs were initially limited to Adult Basic Education, English language acquisition, and high school completion programs. To date, over half (52) of SET participants speak a primary language other than English. Total applications were split evenly between language access and adult basic education course types.
We have already seen some great examples of how workers are leveraging SET while recovering.
One worker began English as a Second Language (ESL) classes during Assessment while continuing medical treatment. They have passed their test to advance further in their training and are submitting a SET request to advance to the next level. Another worker received their high school diploma while in Vocational Recovery and participating in physical therapy.
More course types are available now or coming soon:
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On July 1, L&I added basic computer literacy as an appropriate course type for SET. We heard from many of you that computer skills are an immediate need. The change came in time to accommodate fall quarter enrollments.
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On October 1, SET will expand to courses that teach “other skills that prepare an injured worker for gainful employment.” Details about the SET expansion will be available on L&I’s website this fall.
SET offers a great opportunity for workers to build foundational skills, complete pre-requisites for formal re-training, and stay motivated. We encourage vocational services providers to learn more about how workers can benefit from this exciting incentive by visiting the SET webpage.
A few reminders to note:
- VRCs must submit new SET applications at least 20 days before the class start date. Applications submitted less than 20 days in advance may not be approved in time.
- Detailed and informative Narrative Reports that accompany the SET applications have contributed to the high approval rate. Submitting clear course descriptions and justification is key.
- Vocational firms will continue to receive updates through our Vocational Provider Bulletin. Be sure to see the latest bulletin and read up on news for all VRCs on L&I’s "What's New"
- VRCs should work with their supervisor or quality assurance lead/manager for assistance identifying opportunities to initiate SET with a worker.
Counselor Spotlight
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Delena Holcer, VRC at Single Handed Consulting, was recognized by a worker who said that “she was very supportive of me throughout the entire claim process.” The worker reported that he’s now back at work and thankful for Delena’s assistance.
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VRC Amee Gilbert received appreciation from a worker for her professionalism and compassion, while also remaining neutral. The worker also noted that Amee helped him understand his case, providing clarity and removing stress.
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Bailey Ramsdell, VSS, recognizes VRC Jamie Clark who had two very successful retraining plans. One plan involved a 71-year-old person who earned a 4.0 in his Computer Network training. The second plan involved building on a person’s prior experience to complete an Associate’s degree in Medical Records. Bailey noted that Jamie is proactive, quick to remove barriers, listens to each workers training ideas, and identifies the site that is best suited for them.
VSS Updates
VSS Vocational Activities Report
May - June
Resource Updates - Effective July 1
- The SET Schools and Training Programs Resource is updated to include new guidance.
- The SET application process has changed; details are outlined in this GovDelivery message, and on the application itself.
- The LEP Resource reflects 2025 changes for Loss of Earning Power benefits. Remember to encourage workers to call their Claim Manager if they have specific questions about entitlement to benefits or how the benefits are calculated.
- The Guide to Retraining Plans reflects the maximum retraining funds for 2025. See changes on page 8.
Reminders
Intern Supervisor Application
All intern supervisors must reapply annually to keep their status by submitting a Vocational Intern Supervisor Application by Sept. 30. For details, see the Aug. 5 memo.
Annual Background Checks
It’s time for L&I to conduct criminal background checks on all vocational providers, as required by Washington Administrative Code (WAC-296-19A-268).
Any results of concern associated with a criminal background check will be communicated to the firm manager.
We consider the same criteria used by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). If permanent sanctions appear to be warranted, L&I will obtain recommendations by an independent panel of private sector peers in accordance with state regulations outlined in WAC-296-19A-269.
For questions regarding background checks, please email PSRS@Lni.wa.gov.
QA Data
Email your monthly data to the Vocational Firm Data mailbox on the 21st day of every month.
Upcoming Webinars
Register now: Skill Enhancement Training - Phase Two
L&I is hosting a webinar for vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) to learn about the Skill Enhancement Training (SET) Phase Two expansion.
You may register for one of the following webinars:
Feedback
Questions about the bulletin? Email the Vocational Recovery Project.
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