Find or Keep Employees

We have a talented team of Business Service Specialists (BSS) to find qualified people in an untapped labor market.

Our team works with all communities to address disability-related challenges in the workforce. We find solutions to get or retain qualified people to keep your business running.

Meet your workforce needs

VR works with people with disabilities to find meaningful work. Whether you are looking to find qualified people or want to keep current employees, VR can help. We will connect you with skilled applicants to help your business to succeed.

A common misunderstanding is, if you have a current worker with a permanent injury, illness, or impairment it will be costly to keep them. The truth is many solutions can be provided for under $500. 

On-the-Job Training (OJT) program helps build a skilled team by covering the training costs for new employees who have a permanent injury, illness, or impairment. Over time, training will decrease as they develop the skills to do the job. There is minimal paperwork to benefit from this program.

Employer benefits from OJT include:

• Train employees to meet business needs.
• Increase or advance workforce.
• Assist in developing a training plan.

Internships are a valuable tool to connect potential employees and employers to build the next generation of employees.

Benefits to Employers:

• Connect to potential employees.
• Increase skills and build talent.
• Increase employee retention and productivity.
• Receive low-cost labor.
• Gain access to a talent network.
• Build community visibility and awareness.

VR has specially trained staff to complete job-site recommendations, solutions for reasonable accommodations, assistive technology (AT), and ergonomics. AT refers to products that help a person to function or be more independent. Products may range for low tech such as a magnifying glass to high-tech such as a computer.

Types services VR can assist with:

• AT devices for specific disabilities.
• Job Site recommendations on accessibility and safety issues.
• Ergonomics in the office.

To find out more information at assistive technology visit ND Assistive.
 

Disability-related knowledge is important to understanding diversity. Knowledge, awareness, and understanding are the keys to creating a positive work environment for everyone. You can set your business apart by knowing how to work with an employee or customer with a disability. VR offers education in a variety of areas to work with people with disabilities.

Benefits:

• Increased knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Access to professional knowledge and expertise.
• Increased staff morale and retention.
• Better customer service.
• More diverse workforce.

Training and Education:

• Job-site consultations (to see if you are ADA compliant).
• Etiquette and appropriate language.
• What is a reasonable accommodation?
• Disability myths.
• Creating an accessible work site for employees and customers.
• Types of assistive technology.
• State and federal guidance for businesses and the ADA.
• Service animals.

Ensuring access for all people is critical for success. To minimize expenses, you may qualify for tax credits.

ND Customized/Supported Employment Tax Credit

This program fosters the hiring of people who have faced barriers to employment. It provides a tax credit to employers for hiring an individual identified as having a developmental disability or a severe mental illness. 

• Equal to 25% of wages (up to $6,000) for an eligible employee.
• Allowed for each qualifying employee hired.
• Allowed each tax year the employee is working.

Customized/Supported Employment Tax Credit Certification Form - SFN 683

North Dakota Customized/Supported Employment Tax Credit Program Brochure

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

WOTC is offered through Job Service ND. Employers can take advantage of this federal tax credit if they hire people referred by VR or are getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It is a federal income tax credit available to employers. 

Tax credits can range from $2,400 up to $9,600 and for the first year of employment (400+ hours). After the required certification the employer can claim the credit as a general business credit. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website. 

Barrier Removal Tax Deduction

Access to products or services is critical for the success of a business. By removing barriers, you are providing better access to the elderly and people with disabilities. Businesses may claim up to $15,000 per year for approved expenses. This can be used in conjunction with the Disabled Access Credit. 

For more information, visit Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) website.  

Disabled Access Credit

This tax credit is for small businesses (less than $1 million per year and no more than 30 full time employees). It is equal to 50 percent of the eligible access expenditures for the year ($250 - $10,250). These include barrier removal, providing interpreters or other materials, and/or assistive technology. For more information, visit IRS website.