A summary of VocWorks’ vocational rehabilitation services provided in partnership with the Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC), the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) and the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired:

Vocational Evaluations
Performance-based evaluation that correlates medical findings and physical functioning ability to vocational potential.

What is the purpose of vocational assessments?
A vocational evaluation will identify an individual’s vocational aptitudes, interests, cognitive abilities and physical abilities, in an effort to identify appropriate options for remunerative employment. Vocational assessments can expedite the return to work process by assisting individuals in identifying appropriate job goals.

When do you refer an individual for a vocational evaluation?
When an individual is unable to physically perform original work tasks secondary to injury or disability.

Vocational Evaluation
A one- to two-day evaluation of a consumer’s transferable skills, academic abilities, aptitudes, interests, education and work history, while taking into account any physical restrictions to determine a vocational plan of action when a consumer has been unable to work. This evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that includes an in-depth interview. Based on the information collected, the evaluator identifies appropriate job goals, vocational services and includes local labor market information to support the recommendations.

Vocational Screening
A three- to four-hour assessment of a consumer’s work history, education and interests is conducted while taking into consideration the consumer’s physical restrictions to identify appropriate job goals and determine if the consumer is an appropriate candidate for job search services. Recommendations are made based on an in-depth interview and minimal testing measures.

What are the benefits of a Vocational Evaluation?
The benefits of a Vocational Evaluation are two-fold:

  1. The evaluation provides recommended return-to-work options for the individual tested.
  2. A vocational evaluation identifies options to overcome barriers that an individual may have in relation to returning to work, including but not limited to, an individual’s motivation and compliance.

Job Seeking Skills Training (JSST) & Job Placement Programs
Training to develop job search skills teamed with the professional assistance and guidance in finding new employment. It is recommended that all clients who will be entering a job search take our intensive training program, which includes:

  • Identifying employment objectives and needs.
  • Resume development and job application instruction.
  • Interviewing skills, including appropriate grooming and hygiene.
  • Education in employer correspondence (ie., thank you letters).
  • Instruction on how and where to find a job.
  • Training on post-interview follow-up.
  • Job retention skills.

Job Placement Program
A structured job search provides daily assistance and guidance from a Job Placement Specialist. The specialist networks on behalf of the consumer in their local community, our placement programs involve:

  • Assessment of job seeker’s vocational goals.
  • Daily contact with the job seeker and employers to monitor job search efforts.
  • Job seeker will be expected to have a daily job search plan.
  • Assistance with employer correspondence (ie., writing cover letter and thank you letter).
  • Marketing job seeker to local employers and supplying job leads.
  • Internet access to employment Web sites.
  • Use of job search resource information.
  • Traveling to the local and surrounding areas and speaking with employers in order to get them to hire consumer.
  • Setting up On-The-Job-Training (if necessary) with employer.
  • Making “cold calls” to employers on behalf of consumer.
  • Practical, concise bi-weekly progress reports.
  • Ongoing training including mock interviews, etc.
  • Link up with the local Department of Job and Family Services.
  • Documentation of program participation in daily progress notes.

Employability Assessments and Labor Market Surveys (LMS)
Employability Assessments and Labor Market Surveys (LMS) examine current and past labor market trends for optimal placement of the consumer. A Vocational Specialist examines a geographic area to determine if certain jobs, job openings and industries exist in a local labor market. A variety of resources are utilized, including direct contact with local employers, department of labor information/statistics and local Bureau of Employment services information.

These services can be used to determine if a consumer is underemployed based on their physical capabilities and local labor market. Labor market information can also be used to ensure certain jobs are available for a consumer to search for during their job search or determine if certain occupational fields are saturated and no openings exist. In determining if a consumer is underemployed and/or employable, the vocational specialist will examine the local labor market for employer location, average wages, current job openings, number of people employed, size of employers/industry and also the unemployment rate in the local area.

Referral Process
For additional information regarding VocWorks vocational rehabilitation services, as well as authorizations for vocational rehabilitation, please contact:

VocWorks’ Kimberly Wickert
Phone: (330) 722-3098
Fax: (330) 760-3597
Email: kimberly.wickert@vocworks.com.