The Val Ogden Center
We believe that work is a vital component of recovery. However, it can often be difficult to transition back into the workforce after mental health or addiction struggles. The Val Ogden center specializes in supporting participants in their vocational and academic goals. We try our best to provide support and education in making the transition back to work a success. The staff at the VOC work with you to overcome employment barriers and make progress with your employment and academic goals. At the Val Ogden Center, we strive to create an empowering environment to support you in meeting your employment and educational goals. We know that recovery is possible, and that past struggles are not an indicator of what the future may hold.
The Val Ogden Center is a Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Community Rehabilitation Program
Phone
(360) 253-4036
Hours
Monday-Friday
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location
10201 NE Fourth Plain Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98662
Participation
Participation at the VOC is completely voluntary and free of charge. You can utilize the resources and staff however you want to best meet your individual goals. We're here to help you take the steps needed to reach your education or employment ambitions. Come in any time to work on your resume or cover letter, gain support in your job search, practice interviewing skills, work in the computer lab, volunteer, improve on specific job skills, attend workshops or classes, or seek general peer support.
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Employment Support
Working is an invaluable component of mental health recovery. We work with you to search and apply for jobs that fit your interests, skills, and abilities. We will help you to develop compelling resumes and cover letters, and prepare for interviews by helping you with mock interviews. The VOC will assist you in locating community resources that address your employment needs. Once employed, we provide ongoing support to help maintain employment and develop a career. We strive to help you gain competitive paying jobs.
Image: Young woman in a graduation cap looking over ledge. Photo: Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash
Education Support
The VOC will assist you in furthering your educational goals by helping you take advantage of adult education opportunities in the community. You can explore local GED programs, technical schools, colleges and universities. The VOC provides assistance with obtaining financial aid, completing admission applications, degree program selection, and class scheduling. Once enrolled as a student, you can receive support with homework and test preparation. If necessary, VOC staff will collaborate with school disability access counselors to arrange special accommodations.
The Work Order Day
Volunteer at the Val Ogden Center!
The Daily activities of the Val Ogden Center are organized around a structured system known as the Work-Order day. The Work-Order Day is meant to parallel the structure of a normal work day in the community. VOC participants work side by side staff members, as colleagues to perform the work needed to keep the center up and running. Participants volunteer to participate as they feel ready and according to their individual interests. By participating in the Work-Order Day you will gain new skills, stamina and experience to help you make the transition to the working world. At the Val Ogden Center we split the Work-Order Day into two different teams: Administration and Facilities. You are invited to volunteer on any of the teams regardless of established employment or education goals.
Administration Team
This is an excellent unit to work in if you’re keen on clerical work, want to develop your computer skills, or if you ultimately want to work in an office with a fun and vibrant team. The Admin team is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the Center and is divided into two sub units: Reception Unit & Clerical Unit.
Facilities Team
Inside: Duties include dusting, trash disposal, vacuuming, bathroom cleaning/disinfecting, toiletry restocking, cleaning dining area, offices, floors, lobby & computer lab maintenance.
Outside: Groundskeeping duties include mowing grass, trimming hedges, pulling weeds, planting flowers, watering plants, and removing trash from the parking lots and landscaped areas around the building.