Vocational Rehabilitation

Linda Terrell

We have been involved with this office for more than 4 years, what a waste of time! They are NOT a "government" office, this office as well as Vero Beach are independent contractors with contracts with Florida Department of Education. Yet answer to no one! Four counselors have worked with us over the years and I wont say the problem is counselors it is the company. I think this company pays their employees very low wages, they are overwhelmed with the case work they get assigned, counselors are not allowed to do what is right for the client instead must offer and do as little as possible to save money and increase the profits for this nonprofit! In more than 4 years NO Life skills, not one cent for college. No on the job training, No job seeking skills... NOTHING except make money for the independent contractors! State of Florida should be ashamed using a contractor like this and then NEVER check what is happening! WASTING our TAX DOLLARS! It is time to have 'Score cards" if they don't produce favorably then "OUT" (Actually the same should apply to Florida Schools how can you have so many with such low grades?!) Don't waste your time! I got my grandson through college to include an Associates degree, took student loans and applied endlessly for grants and scholarships. He completed his degree in August and even though we contacted his caseworker heard NOTHING from them until January! Begged them to purchase books for certifications for more than a year still none! In the last year there were 2 contacts, one was to sign the "plan" and the last one to say "sorry, I have been really busy" ... 5 months after completing degree, no job skills, no OJT, no life skills, no study guides for certifications, no learning how to apply for a job, interview skills nothing at all! Now, after 8 months, repeated emails, they bring in "Employ U" to do OJT for 4 weeks 14 hours a week! Are you kidding me!? Susan Marino, rude, condescending, arrogant. She asks what do you want from me? I said why don't you tell us what you have to offer him? She very loudly and in a confrontational manner says "I am not offering him anything, I am an employer I don't offer him anything!" , she thought if he wanted study guides he should get a job and pay for them himself! There is no way this person should ever be working with persons with disabilities, developmental delays or emotional disturbances, after 5 minutes with her I can see why anyone would go postal! Voc Rehab has on his "plan" a $15,000 cost for the year!! For 3 phone calls, one short meeting and telling their client he should get a job and get his own study guide and certifications! Please someone tell me just what Vocational Rehabilitation is supposed to do/provide?