DVR Service Provider Menu

DVR Internship/Temporary Work - Information for Work Site Businesses

Updated June 2026

PDF Printable Version (DVR-17538-P)

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce, Development Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) supports individuals with disabilities by providing career planning, training, and connections to Wisconsin businesses. As the single largest source of disability talent in the state, DVR provides employers with direct access to a well-qualified pool of talent.

DVR’s Internship/Temporary Work (I/TW) service is a time-limited, paid work experience. DVR will partner with your business to help train a DVR job seeker at your work site. An agreement will be developed to reflect the roles and responsibilities of each party. This DVR service is designed to provide DVR job seekers with exposure to day-to-day work requirements in a real work setting.

Internship/Temporary Work Experience Program Information

An I/TW experience through DVR:

• Can last from 10 to 90 calendar days.
• Can help determine if the job is a good mutual match for the DVR job seeker and business.
• May be set up by a DVR Service Provider or DVR staff.
• Cannot be used to replace current employees or result in reduced hours.
• Is not a permanent position and can be ended by any party at any time.

Wages for I/TW experiences are paid by DVR through an Employer of Record service while the DVR job seeker participates in the program. The rate of pay must reflect the prevailing and customary wage paid by the employer for the position worked and may not be less than minimum wage.

Payroll services and costs associated with unemployment and worker’s compensation insurance are covered by DVR's Employer of Record service (certificate available upon request).

Role of the Work Site Business

A work site business participating in a DVR Internship/Temporary Work agrees to:

• Assist in completing the I/TW Agreement.
• Provide a written job description and workplace rules, if available.
• Provide training for the DVR job seeker.
• Maintain regular communication with all parties.
• Share necessary information with DVR or the DVR Service Provider so that payroll and worker's compensation insurance coverage can be coordinated through the Employer of Record.
  • Note: The Employer of Record carries General Liability Insurance to meet the State of Wisconsin's contractual requirements. This coverage applies only to the Employer of Record, and it does not extend to the work site business where the Internship/Temporary Work occurs.
• Verify hours worked weekly by the DVR job seeker.

DVR Business Consultation Services

DVR's Business Services Consultants (BSC) are ready to support you in development of short and long-term strategies related to disability inclusion. Whether you are striving to attract, hire, or retain your workforce, or are interested in disability education for your business, BSCs will listen and learn about your company and its unique needs to help develop a customized service plan.

Not sure if an internship/temporary work experience best meets your business needs?

If your business needs are best met by hiring a DVR job seeker directly, the On-the-Job Training (OJT) might be a valuable tool for consideration. The OJT is a hands-on method of teaching your new employee the duties, knowledge, and skills needed to perform a specific job within the workplace. Employers who enter into an OJT agreement with DVR to hire a DVR job seeker may receive wage reimbursement of up to 50% (up to 100% for students). Reimbursement is available for up to the first 90 days of employment, or for students up to 500 hours or 12 months. This is meant to help you with up-front training costs to support long-term success for your new hire. Please reach out to your local DVR Business Services Consultant (BSC) to learn more!