Building Pathways to Employment
The Career Renewal Program (CRP) provides vocational rehabilitation services that help eligible members of Federally Recognized Tribes overcome barriers to employment and achieve meaningful careers.
Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, changing careers, returning to work after an injury or illness, pursuing education or training, or exploring self-employment, our team is here to support your journey.
Every participant receives individualized services designed to help them reach their employment goals through partnership, informed choice, and personalized planning.
Our Mission
The mission of the Career Renewal Program is to empower eligible Tribal members to achieve meaningful employment, greater independence, and long-term career success through quality vocational rehabilitation services.
We believe every individual has unique strengths and abilities. Our goal is to help participants identify those strengths, overcome employment barriers, and build a future that reflects their personal goals and aspirations.
What is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federally funded employment program that helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, maintain, or advance in employment.
Career Renewal is funded through the U.S. Department of Education under the Rehabilitation Act and provides individualized employment services based on eligibility and an approved employment plan.
Career Renewal is an eligibility-based program, not an entitlement program. Every participant completes an application and eligibility determination before services can begin.
Who May Be Eligible?
You may qualify if you:
- Are an enrolled member of a Federally Recognized Tribe.
- Live on or within 50 miles of the Coeur d’Alene Reservation.
- Have a documented physical, mental, emotional, or substance use disorder that creates a substantial barrier to employment.
- Intend to pursue competitive, integrated employment.
Eligibility is determined individually through an application, assessment, and review of supporting documentation.
Our Services
Services are individualized and based on each participant’s employment goal. Depending on eligibility and your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), services may include:
Career Planning
- Career exploration
- Vocational counseling and guidance
- Employment planning
- Goal setting
- Labor market information
Employment Services
- Job search assistance
- Resume development
- Interview preparation
- Employment placement assistance
- Job retention support
- Workplace accommodations
Education & Training
- College or vocational training
- Apprenticeships
- Certification programs
- Licensing fees
- Required books and supplies
- Required tools and equipment
Employment Supports
- Transportation assistance
- Work clothing
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Assistive technology
- Disability-related accommodations
- Employment-related assessments
Self-Employment
Career Renewal may assist eligible participants pursuing self-employment when it is determined to be an appropriate vocational goal.
Services may include:
- Business planning
- Entrepreneurship training
- Business licensing
- Required startup equipment
- Initial business supplies
- Technical assistance
Disabilities We Serve
Career Renewal serves individuals whose disabilities create barriers to employment.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
Physical Disabilities
- Orthopedic impairments
- Neurological conditions
- Mobility limitations
- Respiratory conditions
- Chronic pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Other physical disabilities
Vision & Hearing Disabilities
- Blindness
- Low vision
- Deafness
- Hearing loss
- DeafBlindness
- Communication disorders
Mental Health Disabilities
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Learning disabilities
- Cognitive impairments
- Behavioral health conditions
- Other mental health disabilities
Substance Use Disorders
Individuals in recovery from alcohol or substance use disorders may qualify when the condition creates a substantial barrier to employment.
Our Process
Step 1 – Submit an Application
Complete the Career Renewal application and provide any requested documentation.
Step 2 – Orientation
Attend a Career Renewal orientation to learn about the program, eligibility requirements, participant rights, responsibilities, and available services.
Orientation is held every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
Virtual attendance may be available upon request.
Step 3 – Eligibility
Your counselor will review your application and supporting documentation.
Eligibility is generally determined within 60 days after all required information has been received.
Step 4 – Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
If eligible, you and your counselor will develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
Your IPE outlines:
- Your employment goal
- Services needed
- Responsibilities
- Timelines
- Progress expectations
Step 5 – Begin Services
Once your IPE is approved, Career Renewal will begin providing approved vocational rehabilitation services.
Family-Centered Services
Employment success often involves the support of family and community.
With your permission, family members may participate in planning and supporting your employment goals throughout the rehabilitation process.
We believe successful rehabilitation happens through collaboration and partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Career Renewal cost?
There is no cost to apply.
Services are provided based on eligibility, financial need (when applicable), available funding, and an approved Individualized Plan for Employment.
Does Career Renewal pay for college?
Possibly.
Education or training may be approved if it is necessary to achieve your employment goal and is included in your Individualized Plan for Employment.
Can Career Renewal help me find a job?
Yes.
We provide:
- Career counseling
- Resume assistance
- Interview preparation
- Job search support
- Employment placement assistance
Can Career Renewal help me start a business?
In some cases, yes.
Self-employment may be approved when it is determined to be an appropriate vocational goal and is supported through your Individualized Plan for Employment.
How long does eligibility take?
Federal guidelines generally allow up to 60 days to determine eligibility after all required documentation has been received.
Will Career Renewal pay for tools, work clothing, or equipment?
These services may be available when they are necessary to achieve your employment goal and have been approved through your Individualized Plan for Employment.
Can I receive transportation assistance?
Transportation assistance may be available when it is directly related to approved vocational rehabilitation services.
Participant Rights
Participants have the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect.
- Participate in decisions regarding their services.
- Make informed choices about employment goals and service providers.
- Receive services without discrimination.
- Maintain confidentiality of personal information.
- Appeal decisions or request mediation if disagreements arise.
Participant Responsibilities
Participants are expected to:
- Actively participate in services.
- Maintain communication with their counselor.
- Attend scheduled appointments.
- Notify Career Renewal of changes affecting eligibility or services.
- Follow the requirements outlined in their Individualized Plan for Employment.
Forms & Resources
Download the following forms:
Meet Our Team
Raila Garrick
Program Manager
Phone: 208-686-6403
Email: CRP@cdatribe-nsn.gov
Lovinia “Beanie” Alexander
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Phone: 208-686-7216
Email: CRP@cdatribe-nsn.gov
Roxanne Pluff
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Phone: 208-686-2061
Email: CRP@cdatribe-nsn.gov
Contact Us
Career Renewal Program
Coeur d’Alene Tribe
Email: CRP@cdatribe-nsn.gov
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Our Commitment
Career Renewal is committed to providing equitable, culturally responsive vocational rehabilitation services that empower Tribal members to achieve meaningful employment and greater independence.
We are honored to partner with each participant as they pursue education, training, employment, self-employment, and lifelong career success.