D.S.H.S. Project H.I.R.E (Hiring Individuals Ready for Employment) contractors around the state are currently accepting program applications from qualified people with a disability who are immediately ready for employment.

The goal of the project is to have 1,000 successful applicants placed in full-time, in-demand permanent jobs with benefits and mid-to-high salaries by 2011.

For the first six-month phase of the project, DSHS has contracted with 11 community organizations, colleges and Workforce Development Councils located in Spokane, Seattle, Kennewick, Bellingham, Tacoma, Snohomish, Kennewick/Pasco/Richland, Vancouver and other areas. More contractors in additional communities will be added on an incremental basis and contracts extended as hiring goals are reached.

Project H.I.R.E. follows the DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s guiding principle that every person who enrolls in the program is a valued customer with unique career objectives, skills and capabilities. "Our focus is on our customers’ goals and abilities and what they bring to the organizations that employ them." said Peg Evans-Brown, a program specialist for the DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. "Business owners return to us often because they know that our customers become some of their most valued employees,"

Once accepted into the program, Project H.I.R.E. customers receive individualized support services that can include job leads, interview and resume guidance. In some cases, other services such as work clothing, tools or equipment, on-the-job-training transportation for job search, short-term training to upgrade skills and paid internship opportunities may be provided when necessary to secure the job.

"Contractors tailor program services to the individual’s needs to get our customers on a fast track to the kinds of jobs that careers are built on. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach to employment; one person may just need job referrals and interview guidance, another may need more specialized training or accommodations," Evans-Brown explained.

Customers will also be guided through government, private sector and other resources available that may aid them in getting and keeping a position in growing fields such as green energy, which will provide benefits and mid-to-high wages.

Project H.I.R.E is funded through a one-time federal grant of $8.8 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as federal stimulus funds.

Potential candidates for the program can contact Peg Evans-Brown at the DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or call (360) 725-3636 or toll free 1-800-637-5627 for more information.

People with a disability who want to work but may not qualify for the Project H.I.R.E. program are encouraged to apply for any of the other services offered by the DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

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DSHS does not discriminate, and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran’s status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.