VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

A Vocational Assessment is a comprehensive process performed in order to identify an optimal occupational outcome for an individual. Depending on the particular needs of a client, the vocational assessment process may be supplemented with work samples, situational assessments or labour market analysis.

A vocational rehabilitation assessment incorporates relevant medical, psychological and functional information regarding competencies, limitations and tolerances when exploring a person’s capabilities. As such, the vocational evaluator often relies on the involvement of experts in several areas to provide information specific to his/her field of expertise, as it pertains to an individual’s vocational rehabilitation.

Performed by a Certified Vocational Evaluator (Commission on Certification of Work Adjustment and Vocational Evaluation Specialists)

Indications:

• Reasonable occupational alternative(s) are sought for individuals unable to return to previous employment or exploring new options.
• Assistance is sought in career development.
• Determination of an individual’s potential for reintegration into the workforce.
• Uncertainty as to the likelihood of success for upgrading and/or retraining program.
• Earning capacity is in question
• Appropriateness of vocational direction is in question
• Strategies, recommendations are sought to facilitate return to work.

Content:

The content of each assessment is tailored to meet the needs of the client and specific referral objectives. The vocational assessment will generally include standardized psychometric testing of educational achievement, work-related aptitudes, vocational interests and personality traits/temperaments.

It also examines an individuals previous training and work experience, transferable skills and special abilities that an individual may possess. The vocational evaluator analyzes and interprets test data and together with information provided by the client, as well as other professionals involved, provides appropriate and reasonable vocational alternative/planning. Analysis and interpretation are key to the assessment process and require specialized training and expertise. This is particularly important when determining the vocational implications of a disability.

PSYCHO-VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

In certain instances, specific information regarding an individual’s psychological functioning is necessary in order to develop appropriate vocational planning. Although the vocational assessment examines personality traits/temperaments, as they relate to work, clinical assessment of psychological functioning may be required if the client is experiencing significant emotional or behavioural difficulties, which interfere in maintaining employment. Working together, the psychologist and vocational evaluator at WorkWise, combine the knowledge and expertise within their respective fields to enhance the opportunity for successful reintegration into the workforce. The generated report integrates the findings of the two assessors.

Service Features:

Assessments are performed by a clinical psychologist and certified vocational evaluator. A single report is developed consolidating assessment results and thereby, facilitating employment planning.

Indications:

Psychiatric, psychological or other behavioural issues have impacted or are anticipated to impact, successful reintegration into the workforce.

Content:

The content for each assessment is tailored to meet the needs of the client and specific referral objectives. The psychological portion of this assessment generally includes standardized psychometric testing of cognitive functioning (expressed as an intelligence quotient) clinical-diagnostic assessment of personality traits/temperaments, educational achievement, work-related aptitudes, vocational interests, as well as previous training and work experience, transferable skills and special abilities that an individual may possess.

Duration 2 to 3 days testing.

TRANSFERABILITY OF SKILLS ANALYSIS

Transferability of Skills Analysis is a process of identifying occupational alternatives for an individual consistent with a client’s capabilities based on past employment and educational history, current level of physical functioning or other relevant or other relevant information pertaining to the individual. Through the use of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) and its American counterpart, the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), one may determine the levels of employment aptitude, level of physical demand, vocational interests, academic requirements, temperaments, environmental conditions and training requirements required to competently perform the essential demands of each occupation listed. It is assumed that any individual who has performed an occupation for at least as long as the specific vocational preparation time indicated, will have developed all the skills and knowledge associated with that occupation. Occupations may thereby be identified with a similar worker qualification profile to that reflected by the client’s past employment history while taking into account any current reduction in function due to illness or injury. In general, traits and skills are identified (as demonstrated from previous jobs) that “match” similar trait and skill requirements in other jobs. It should be noted that the Worker Qualification Profile (WQP) developed based on historical data, does not necessarily reflect an individual’s true potential, which would not be apparent without a vocational assessment.

Service Features:

Performed by Certified Vocational Evaluator

Indications:

Identify occupations requiring the types of skills possessed by a client.
Client is unable or unwilling to participate in a vocational assessment.
Compare pre-injury/illness worker qualification profile with that assessed post-injury/illness.

Content:

The TSA involves obtaining an employment history provided by either the referral source or client. A telephone interview may be conducted with a client in cases where he/she is willing. Additional information, usually provided by the referral source, regarding current functional abilities, barriers to employment or other relevant information is considered in developing the client’s worker qualification profile.

VOCATIONAL FCE

The VOC/FCE at WorkWise provides an integrated approach to the assessment of a client’s physical functioning and overall level of employability. Open lines of communication between Physiotherapist and Vocational Evaluator, ensures accurate and thorough transfer of information regarding the client’s assessed physical strengths and limitations, often crucial to the selection of appropriate occupational alternatives as part of the vocational assessment.

Service Features:

FCE performed by Physiotherapist
Vocational Assessment performed by Certified Vocational Evaluator

Indications:

Clients unable to return to their previous occupation require determination of current physical abilities and limitations in order to assist in identifying appropriate occupational alternatives through vocational assessment.

Clients with disabilities entering or returning to the workforce require assessment of their functional abilities and vocational strengths/weaknesses in order to proceed with employment planning.

In cases where difficulty may be anticipated for a successful return to work, such as serious injuries or prolonged recovery, the VOC/FCE may be employed as a tool for identifying barriers to employment. By evaluating not only a client’s residual functional abilities but also his/her level of vocational functioning, including aptitudes, interests, needs and motivation to work, specific actions may be identified to overcome such barriers. It provides a method of gathering information for vocational rehabilitation planning.

Content:

Content of both the FCE and Vocational Assessment will remain the same as each individually administered assessment (see relevant service page). The combined report will include the results of each individual assessment plus a synopsis of the overall results and conclusions, including potential barriers to a return to work, as well as a list of occupational alternatives appropriate to the client’s worker qualification profile.

Advantages:

The FCE and VOC referrals are coordinated for rapid
response times.

Integrated nature of VOC/FCE consult and report synopsis provides consistent conclusions and recommendations regarding return to work.

Average Duration:

3 days testing (2 week report turnaround)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS ANALYSIS

A PDA is an objective analysis and quantification of the physical demands of a specific job as well as risk factors within the work environment. It assists in determining the level of function required for a job as well to determine the possibility for modifications of the work tasks or the work environment

The Physical Demands analysis can vary from a general overview of a job and its tasks to a detailed description of the forces required to perform one specific operation.

Service Features:

• Create or update accurate job descriptions
• Identify problems in an existing job or workplace
• Help identify issues and potential problems before a new design or system is implemented
• Trace the origin of an injury
• Provide medical professionals with guidelines for an employee’s safe return to work
• Identify areas where ergonomic changes may be required
• Establish a screening system for job applicants to ensure safety and improve productivity

SITUATIONAL ASSESSMENT

A Situational Assessment is a work simulation test designed to measure a client’s abilities, limitations and behaviours in a variety of work activities. The client is able to explore his/her interest areas through a variety of “hands-on” tasks while assuming the role of a worker and minimizing typical test-taking anxiety. The evaluator is able to observe the client’s behaviours in work related situations, his/her physical stamina over time, frustration tolerance, competency, interests as well as temperaments. A variety of standardized work samples (Valpar) are also included which are effective in identifying specific skills and aptitudes related to employment.

Service Features:

Work Wise provides vocational testing/training area devoted to situational assessment as well as in-depth monitoring of each client’s performance by experienced vocational counsellors.

Indications:

Traditional vocational assessment primarily employing standardized psychometric testing would not provide valid information regarding employability due to the presence of severe physical or psychiatric disability, significant cultural differences, reading deficits and/or debilitating test anxiety.

To determine a client’s stamina, for work over an extended period of time, compatible with the client’s functional abilities.

Directly assess a client’s work-related behaviours and attitudes, interpersonal skills, as well as quality of work performed in order to delineate areas of improvement that would be necessary in order to enter the competitive job market and thereby plan appropriate rehabilitation.

Assist the client to develop proper work habits and behaviours, work tolerance and work confidence in a supportive work environment.

Content:

The types of work related activities that the client engages in would depend on the nature of the referral and client history. There may be a question of a client’s potential to perform a specific job or activities associated with a specific job classification (e.g. data entry operator or clerical work). On the other hand, tasks may be designed to assess more general questions relating to work attitudes and behaviours, overall level of employability or stamina.

Average Duration:

1 to 3 weeks (2 week report turn around)