Vocational Provider Newsletter

June 2026

Attention all firm managers, please share with your staff.

In this monthly digest, you'll find important updates, reminders, and resources.

We will still send separate GovDelivery messages when your action is requested or when information is time sensitive.

Updates

New resources are available in the VRC Resource Library:

• The On-the-Job Recovery Guide and Agreement was created to help vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) outline how a worker can safely return to work by using modifications and/or a gradual re-entry. The guide will help you develop and agree on a plan for returning to work while healing. As you confirm with the worker’s medical providers and coordinate with the employer, the agreement form will help you plan, document, and communicate with everyone involved. See details here to register for the On-the-Job Recovery Webinar on July 15, where you can learn more.
• The Out-of-Country Payment Policy & Fee Schedule FAQ outlines the changes that are effective as of July 1, 2026.
• Vocational Retraining and Skill Enhancement Training Fund (SET) adjustments have been updated and are effective July 1. These updates are also posted on the Skill Enhancement Training webpage.

Counselor Kudos

From Katherine Morken, Claim Manager to Robyn Caynak, VRC:

“Robyn’s work on this claim is an excellent example of the meaningful and important work we do. She helped the worker find providers, coordinate appointments, and ultimately get us the information so travel requests could be made.

She helped connect him with providers, arrange appointments, secure approval for travel requests, and even locate a provider to supply the power wheelchair we approved.

The worker has three upcoming appointments scheduled, and I think this is largely due to how Robyn has helped him become active and motivated. Robyn’s compassion and hard work on this claim made things happen for the worker”.

From Corinna Triance, TPA to Amee Gilbert:

“I wanted to send a kudos for the AWA progress reports from Amee Gilbert, BA; specifically on this claim. Her reports are very thorough and give a clearer picture of what is going on with vocational services. I was very impressed with the details that were provided in her most recent progress report and how she balanced medical progress with worker and employer engagement. Her progress report also clearly explained her action plan.”

Reminders

• The Vocational Provider Conference is on July 10. If you registered and cannot attend, please email VocationalConference@Lni.wa.gov so we may offer your spot to those on the waiting list.
• L&I is hosting an the On-the-Job Recovery Webinar from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 15. We’ll orient you to the new resource: On-the-Job Recovery Guide and Agreement, which you can review in advance. Bring your questions.
• Remember to submit your Vocational Intern Supervisor Expectations, due July 31.
• Save the date for the QA Leadership conference, Oct 1.

Email your monthly data to the Vocational Firm Data mailbox on the 21^st of every month.

Feedback

If you have questions, send an email to the Vocational Recovery Project inbox.

Help us improve! Take our quick survey and tell us what you think. 

This bulletin will be posted on L&I’s “What’s New for Vocational Counselors” page.

© Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

Webmaster@Lni.wa.gov

Access Agreement | Privacy & Security Statement | Intended Use/External Content Policy