Vocational Provider News Bulletin
October 2025
Attention all vocational firm owners/managers: Please share with your staff.
In this monthly digest, you'll find important updates, reminders, and resources.
We will still send individual GovDelivery messages when your action is requested or when information is time sensitive.
Interpretation Services
Return to Work Partnerships continues to welcome your feedback about your experiences when seeking interpreter services. This is one of our most common questions:
Question: When I’ve requested an in-person language access provider, the appointment time is approaching, and it has not been accepted yet, should I cancel the appointment?
Response: If SOSi has not secured an in-person interpreter 48 hours before the appointment, we recommend that you edit the request to switch to Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) or Telephonic Interpretation (OPI). This way there is adequate time for the worker to adjust and prepare for the appointment. If SOSi still has not secured an interpreter, leave the request “Open” in the system. On-demand telephonic interpretive services remain available by calling 833-748-0032 a few minutes before the appointment start time.
We understand that changing plans is not ideal. In-person meetings are best in most cases, and some workers or attorneys will not be available to meet on video or by phone. When possible, adjusting the appointment to a video or phone call may help to prevent delays.
Please continue to submit your requests to WordBridge and share feedback when adjustments are required. We are in regular communication with SOSi to monitor any coverage issues and address the feedback received. SOSi is adapting their recruitment efforts depending on the demands. Your feedback is valuable.
For more information, please see this update from L&I’s Interpreter Services: Free Interpretation services available for L&I Providers.
For assistance with securing an interpreter or to report interpreter issues, email Support@WordBridge.io or call 888-224-0126.
Feel free to include L&I Interpreter Services program when reporting issues to SOSi.
Pacific Rehabilitation Closure
Pacific Rehabilitation Centers are closing and will no longer start new patients or accept referrals effective Oct. 1. They will continue to provide care for their current patients through the date of closure.
- Puyallup clinic closure: Oct. 31
- Moses Lake clinic closure: Oct. 15
If you have clients with Pacific Rehabilitation who will need continued pain rehabilitation services after closure, please help them connect with other providers in Washington that offer multidisciplinary programs.
Updates
Vocational Services Specialists Contact Lists
The VSS Contact List is updated and the printable phone list for vocational services specialists and supervisors have both been updated.
Anytime there are changes with VSS staff, the webpage and printable VSS Contact List are updated as soon as possible. Please regularly check that you have the most updated contact information from the webpage.
Counselor Spotlight
We regularly hear from Vocational Services Specialists, VRCs, and sometimes workers who express gratitude for the services delivered by VRCs. This month we heard great things from all three perspectives:
From VSS Jennifer Fleetwood to Sean Miller of Duo Consulting, LLC:
"Sean wrote a retraining plan that will enable a bilingual worker to obtain a bachelor’s in healthcare management/administration. Sean utilized the worker’s prior education and skillset to find the path that was best for her. This plan will enable her to return to a physically appropriate job for which she is both interested and well-qualified. Great job, Sean!"
From a worker to the team at Ability Vocational Consulting:
We heard from a worker who was moving across the country and was very thankful that you provided them with a list of doctors to approach upon landing in their new state. This helped them to be motivated about establishing care quickly upon relocation. Proactive actions like this can help to minimize disruption of treatment, while setting the worker up for success with transitions.
From VRC Leslie Carollo to VRC Deborah Allemand at Eastside Vocational:
"Thank you for encouraging me to reach out to employers no matter how long it’s been since my last contact or how many “no's” I've received. After being out of work since October of 2023, my client is starting light duty on Monday with his employer of injury! This is a big deal, the worker is excited to be doing something again and the employer is so grateful to have his experience and leadership to supervise the newer employees. Thank you for your guidance and encouragement, Deb!”
Reminders
Email your monthly data to the Vocational Firm Data mailbox on the 21st day of every month.
Feedback
Questions about the bulletin? Email the Vocational Recovery Project.
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