The RSA TBI Specialist Program

Seeking Employment?

If you have a Traumatic Brain Injury, but now want to pursue employment, RSA can help. 

Many people with a traumatic brain injury are ready and willing to go back to work.

And working can help you play a larger role in your community and become more independent at the same time.

Employment is good therapy, and a solid road to a better future.

The TBI Specialist program is a joint effort of the Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the Arizona Governor’s Council on Spinal and Head Injuries.  TBI Specialists around the state offer employment services for persons with TBI who are seriously pursuing either full or part-time employment. 

Who’s Eligible for Services

What We Can Do

What We Can’t Do

RSA TBI Specialists by Area

Who’s Eligible for Services

You may be eligible to work with a TBI Specialist if:

• you have a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• you are able to work and want to work
• you are eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services
• you need the special attention of someone skilled in working with individuals with TBI
• you do not have other disabilities that would be more suitably served by specialists in those areas (such as mental illness, significant hearing or visual impairment, or developmental disabilities)
• you are not eligible to participate in a school-to-work or youth transition program

You are also required, with the help of your TBI Specialist, to set reasonable and measurable employment objectives. To understand the complete program requirements, you may contact one of the TBI Specialists listed on the back of this brochure.

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What We Can Do

Arizona’s TBI Specialists provide services that help you secure and maintain meaningful employment. These specialists may provide assistance in the following areas:

• Job skills assessment – we’ll determine the kind of work you are able to do as well as those areas of employment that would be most suitable for you;
• Job training – we’ll help you develop skills that may help you succeed in your chosen employment or expand your options;
• Job search and preparation – we’ll put you in touch with appropriate employment opportunities and we’ll help you prepare for the interview;
• Job support – we’ll help you with counseling and guidance as well as providing, if appropriate, the tools, transportation and other employment-related expenses you’ll need to succeed;
• Employer/employee relations – we’ll work with you and your employer to create a positive environment, one in which you’ll be more likely to succeed.

There are no financial eligibility requirements for participation in this program, although certain support services are limited to those individuals meeting income guidelines.

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What We Can’t Do

The TBI Specialist employment program provides only goods and services that are directly related to getting or keeping a job and are part of an individualized plan for employment.  Your counselor can help you determine if this program applies to you.

However, there are some limitations on the services provided. The TBI Specialist program:

• does not provide medical care either at home or at work
• does not pay insurance claims
• does not pay for emergency medical care
• does not pay for services that are available through other programs
• does not pay for daily living expenses, such as food, shelter or clothing
• does not currently provide funding for supervised/supported employment

In short, our TBI Specialists provide services specifically for individuals with TBI who are seeking employment and who are motivated to succeed.

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For more information, please talk to your RSA counselor, or contact the TBI Program Representative in your area:

Governor's Council on Spinal & Head Injuries

"VISTAS" Newsletter of the AZ Governor's Council