Vocational Services

To find new positions for injured workers and other clients, Mr. Ogren:

• Researching job openings and calling local contacts to discover employment options
• Completing a resume for the client and filling out necessary job applications to present the client to employers
• Coaching the client through practice interviews to ensure success in live interviews

The Job Placement procedure utilizes the Vocational Resources offered on this site as well as local resources such as State Job Centers and Vocational Rehabilitation programs.

The hierarchy of goals of Job Placement and Development for injured workers is to return the person to the closest viable option first. Following this path allows for the least amount of Vocational Adjustment in the Return to Work Process.

Vocational Evaluations are used to determine the employment and educational history, as well as the medical conditions affecting the ability to work. Evaluations include a medical file review to determine limitations from physical or mental health conditions.

Evaluations can include a variety of standardized testing such as the following:

• Interests tests allow vocational interest to be quantified
• Academic tests in reading, math, vocabulary, spelling
• Intelligence tests to determine cognitive ability
• Aptitudinal tests to discover areas of ability

Evaluations can determine a range of information, such as:

• Potential for entering a training program
• Career options and possible vocational goals
• Vocational potential in terms of earning capacity

The outcome of an evaluation can be a vocational plan for employment, or a report to determine impairment in earning capacity.

Mr. Ogren performs Job Analysis by examining the requirements of a job. Occupational information can be found in job resources such as the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, O*Net, and the Occupational Outlook Handbook, but on-site analysis allows for more specific analysis.

Visiting a potential job site determines:

• The amount of weight required to be lifted and carried
• The amount of time to be spent standing or sitting
• The type and amount of use of the arms
• If stairs, ladders, or working at heights is required
• The speed required to work competitively

These measurements and observations can determine:

• Whether accommodations would be appropriate or possible, such as a stool or adaptive equipment
• What type of ergonomic equipment would be possible in the particular work station
• The appropriateness of a client in a job based on physical limitations and requirements

An initial interview begins this process as well as the relationship between Mr. Ogren and the client. In the interview, background information is obtained and the following areas are performed:

• The goals and interests of the client are assessed, and a Vocational Evaluation is completed
• Clients are taught various methods of Career Exploration, to allow them to take charge of their vocational rehabilitation
• A vocational goal is written into a vocational plan
• The client is monitored throughout their training programs or aided in their job search