The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation presented performance and recognition awards to eight individual employees and other team members at its training conference on Oct. 26.

Among them were Bobbie Bosworth of the Minot office, who received the Director’s Award for Excellence, Allyson Berner, of the Minot office, who received the Award for Counselor Achievement, Minot region employee Kyle Peterson, who received the Award for Counselor Achievement – Honorable Mention, and Tanya Ide and her colleagues in the Minot DVR office, who received the Exemplary Service Award. Stephen Vassell of the Williston office was named Rookie of the Year.

VR Team Participation Awards were presented to both the Minot and Williston DVR offices for their involvement in community activities on behalf of the division

Department vocational rehabilitation professionals helped 613 North Dakotans with disabilities obtain competitive, integrated employment in their community last federal fiscal year.

Division staff members provide assessments and counseling to help individuals identify strengths and goals, connect individuals to training, education, assistive technology and supportive services, and provide job placement assistance.