IARP Rehabilitation and Disability Case Management (RDCM) Section
Member at Large
Candidate:
Michelle Hultine
1. Describe your qualifications for the position.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an endorsement in Pre-law. I have a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. I have worked in the private sector for the past 24 years in a wide variety of capacities. My foundation in VR began in college when I began working as a job coach for people with developmental disabilities in competitive work settings. As I moved through my educational career, I had the opportunity to work with various populations that experience barriers to employment on many levels. After completing my education and working a short time for a VR company in Kansas, providing case management services, I opened a private practice in Nebraska and have been working with my company, Western Vocational Services, Inc., since. In my practice, we provide services such as workers’ compensation case management and loss of earning power evaluation, vocational assessment, vocational counseling, job development and situational assessment.
2. What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?
Should I be elected, I hope to accomplish two things (at a minimum): 1.) Continue to ride the wave of and facilitate the new branding process IARP has begun; and 2.) Assist in propagating an understanding of IARP goals and stimulate growth in our professional organization.
3. What is your vision for IARP during your term?
My vision for IARP during my term would involve solidifying our new brand via recognition and involvement with partnering agencies and organizations. I would like to see us being more recognized and accepted as the “go to” organization for colleges with programs offering vocational rehabilitation studies. Additionally, I believe there is much to be learned from other countries in terms of functionality and effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation. I think we should always be open to learning and gleaning from others what “works best” and “best practices”. With the dramatic changes in our health care system, can we also anticipate, and possibly be involved with directing, the future of VR in our country?
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