School-to-Work (S2W)

Getting employment services can be complicated. The best way to start S2W is to use a checklist and learn what needs to be completed by when. Starting the checklist early is one of the most important things you can do. Here is your Checklist for School-to-Work.

Watch this video to learn more about participating in S2W:

S2W can help you with your next step.  Just apply with a S2W Application when you first start your high school transition program. We accept applications as early as possible to work with you and your teacher toward your next step.

When to Apply:

Applications:

It is best to email, but you can also mail S2W your application:

Employment Service Agencies provide employment services for S2W students. Employment Consultants and Job Coaches work alongside students to offer their valuable talents and skills to businesses throughout King County. Employment Service Agencies also deliver ongoing support for students once hired.

It is important to learn about employment services and be prepared to meet with Employment Service Agencies. Here is a guide for selecting an employment agency: Family Guide for Selecting an Employment Service Agency

Different Employment Service Agencies work in different schools. Here is a list of S2W Employment Service Agency contacts and the primary school districts they serve: School-to-Work Providers and Primary School Districts

1. Learn about S2W, how to apply, and how employment is a primary pathway to services in Washington State:
   • King County: What is Employment First- Video
   • King County: Employment First Goal Areas- Video
   • S2W Brochure

      

2. All students served in S2W must be enrolled in DDA. Confirm your status or apply here:
   • Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

      

3. All students served in S2W must enroll in DVR. Anyone with a disability looking for employment should apply to DVR as early as age 14:
   • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

      

4. All students served in S2W must have a pathway to long-term funded employment supports. Supports can be paid for privately, but nearly all people with long-term supports are funded by DDA. 
   • To prepare for DDA funded long-term employment support, apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at age 18: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
   • Where SSI is not a path, less often Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) is a pathway to DDA funded long-term employment support. Apply for HWD when you start a job: Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) 

      

5. A useful timeline by age for students on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan:

• DSHS Transition Timeline

• Connect with agencies that can help you navigate the system, such as The Arc of King County, Open Doors for Multicultural Families, or Washington Multicultural Services Link.

• Reach out to King County S2W Program Managers for more information:

• Richard Wilson at 206-263-9044 or Richard.wilson@kingcounty.gov
• Cassie Glenn at 206-263-7999 or Cglenn@kingcounty.gov
• Emily Hart at 206-477-7661 or Emily.hart@kingcounty.gov
• TJ Protho at 206-930-2496 or Tprotho@kingcounty.gov