Bismarck  (NDDHS)  The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) presented performance and recognition awards to over a dozen employees at its annual training conference in Bismarck.

Together, division vocational rehabilitation professionals helped 525 North Dakotans with disabilities obtain competitive, integrated employment in their communities between Oct. 1, 2019 and Sept. 30, 2020.

The division presented Raena McIntyre of the Jamestown office with the Director’s Award for Excellence. In nominating her, peers stated McIntyre is focused and dedicated in her work with clients and inspires team members to do more. They also said she is a major contributor to the positive and collaborative culture of their office and is a great representative of the VR program in the community, as she works with schools, businesses, clients and other community partners.

Casey Howell and Megan Stone from the Fargo office and Tami Froelich from the Grand Forks office received the Award for Counselor Achievement, which recognizes the top 10 percent of counselors who helped the most people become employed.

Jacque Harder and Rebecca Martin from the Fargo office and Jerry Severson from the Grand Forks office received the Award for Counselor Achievement – Honorable Mention for having the second highest number of clients to achieve employment.

DVR presented Allyson Berner and her colleagues in the Minot office with the Exemplary Service Award for providing outstanding case service to clients through creative thinking, direct work with multiple agencies and consistent client follow-up.

The VR Team Participation Award was presented to the Minot office for their involvement in community activities on behalf of the division.

The division named Williston office employee Danielle Jenkins Rookie of the Year. This award honors a DVR employee who has less than two years of service, exceeds performance goals and displays a high level of community service and involvement.

The Pillar Award, which recognizes support staff who contribute to the success of individuals with disabilities to become employed, was presented to Bobbie Bosworth from the Minot office and Connie Gange from the Jamestown office.

The division also presented career achievement awards, which are based on the number of people with disabilities placed into employment over the course of a VR counselor’s career. Catherine Quintane of the Bismarck office and Megan Stone of the Fargo office received the Career Achievement – 100 Club Award. Becki Hoff of the Dickinson office and Tanya Ide of the Minot office received the Career Achievement – 200 Club Award.

Division staff members provide assessments and counseling to help individuals identify strengths and goals, connect individuals to training, education, assistive technology and supportive services, and provide job placement assistance.

To receive VR services, North Dakotans must have a disability that is an obstacle to employment, and they must want to work and be available to work.

The DVR team also connects businesses to qualified prospective employees who can meet their workforce needs and provides assistance so businesses can retain employees affected by disabilities and find solutions to other disability-related issues.

Information about services is available online at www.nd.gov/dhs/dvr/index.html or by contacting the division at 1000 E Divide Ave., Bismarck, N.D., 58501, 701-328-8950, toll-free 800-755-2745, 711 (TTY) or dhsvr@nd.gov.