Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Employment

What is the difference between the State Division of Developmental Disabilities and the King County Developmental Disabilities Division?

The DSHS/DDD is responsible for determining eligibility and authorizing paid services. The DSHS/DDD currently provides the following services and programs: case management, Medicaid Personal Care, residential services, residential habilitation centers, family support, dental, mental health, Voluntary Placement Foster Care program, and the Medically Intensive program. The DSHS/DDD administers services on a regional basis. Region 4 is the DSHS/DDD office that serves King County.

The KCDDD is responsible for providing employment and day program services. The KCDDD currently provides the following services: Early Intervention/birth-to-three, employment, community access, housing, in-home family counseling, social and recreational activities, information and assistance, advocacy, homelessness projects, and program development/technical assistance.

How can I get employment services from KCDDD?

You must be a client of DSHS/DDD. See eligibility information: Who We Serve. For information on steps to take to access KCDDD employment supports see: Navigating the Employment System

How do I apply for DSHS/DDD services?

If you are, or will be, living in King County, contact DSHS/DDD at 206-568-5700 or 1-800-314-3296. For additional information, visit their website. (external)

How do I apply for Social Security benefits?

To receive benefits from the Social Security Administration, you must go through an application process. To begin this process, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website.

What is the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)?

DVR, which is a Division of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, provides a wide variety of services that support eligible individuals to obtain employment, including vocational guidance, counseling, and development of an employment plan. For more information about their services, including how to apply, visit their website (external).

What is the Working Age Adult Policy?

The Working Age Adult Policy is a policy issued by State DDD that promotes gainful employment in integrated settings in the community for adults with developmental disabilities who are between the ages of 21 and 62. Find out more here.

What is an Employment Service Provider?

An Employment Service Provider is a King County DDD contracted agency that supports people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain successful employment.

There are over 20 Employment Service Providers contracted with King County, many with years of expertise in supporting individuals with disabilities to reach their work goals. Many of these Employment Service Providers are also contracted with DVR. Employment Service Providers can also be referred to as Vendors, Employment Agencies, and CRPs (Community Rehabilitation Programs).

See list of King County Employment Service Providers.

How do I choose an Employment Service Provider?

Choosing which Employment Service Provider to work with can depend upon a number of issues, including geographic location, availability of funding, and the overall sense that the relationship is a "good fit." You are encouraged to call different agencies and gather more information about their mission and services before making a decision. Find out more about how to choose a provider. (pdf)

How do I pay for services offered by an Employment Service Provider?

Employment Service Providers can be paid through a variety of resources, including DVR, State DDD, County DDD, State DDD Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, Social Security Work Incentives, and private payment.

Do I need to utilize the support of an Employment Service Provider?

No. Employment Service Providers are just one option for having job support. For example, some people locate jobs on their own or with the support of family. Additionally, once employed, some people may solely utilize the natural support of coworkers and supervisors at their place of employment.

What is a King County DDD Employment Resource Coordinator?

A King County DDD Employment Resource Coordinator can assist you with understanding your Social Security benefits, how work impacts those benefits, the availability of Social Security Work Incentives, and how to navigate the employment system. Find out more about these services.