Assessing The Aptitudes Of Vocational Evaluation Clients In The Evaluation Process

Author : Pamela Jean Buck
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 262 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (82 download)

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Download or read book How to Implement a Vocational Assessment Workshop for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors written by Pamela Jean Buck and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 262 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this project was to develop a training video for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors [VR Counselors] on how to implement and conduct a Vocational Assessment Workshop [VAW] for assessment of academic aptitudes and career exploration of consumers seeking vocational rehabilitation services. With one in five Americans affected by disability at some point in their lives, each of us has about a 20 % chance of becoming disabled (National Organization on Disability, 2006, 2008). Effective measurement of pre-employment skills levels and assessment of academic aptitude is a crucial part of a VR Counselor's counseling and guidance process when establishing a client's work readiness level. Currently, VR Counselors outsource for a client vocational evaluation with a private occupational evaluation service at substantial cost one client at a time. VR Counselors utilizing this VAW training program would benefit greatly by personally testing and assessing their client in a group setting, providing tools to clients to conduct their own job search, as well as demonstrate effective job interview methods and resume writing techniques. The VAW can be administered to several clients at the same time, equating to economies of counselor guidance, resources and testing materials. Finally, the Vocational Assessment Workshop provides the opportunity for clients to engage in group participation encouraging an exchange of ideas, an affinity of support, and shared experiences. The vocational exploration also fosters client informed consent by encouraging participation in their career choice. Clients experience a sense of community and support by participating in the Vocational Assessment Workshop that can engender feelings of empowerment, self-sufficiency, and self-determination. The workshop setting is communal and therefore encourages an open exchange of personal experiences, ideas, and creative solutions between the counselor and the client. The workshop allows the client to inventory his or her skills, capacities, strengths and interests, and how to prioritize them. They can take these identified skills and make an informed judgment as to how the client will fit in the labor market. Throughout this process, the search is ongoing and continuously refined. The Vocational Assessment Workshop folder included in the project is designed as a companion guide by providing examples of suggested tests and assessments to administer during the workshop specifically relevant to vocational rehabilitation consumers throughout California. Sources of Data Data for this project was obtained through professional journals, library resources, EBSCO host, interviews of vocational rehabilitation specialists and counselors, vocational assessment materials utilized by Auburn Branch of the Department of Rehabilitation, and variety of other internet resources. The data includes peer reviewed journal articles, textbooks, information from relevant websites, manuals, power point presentations that provide information on career and interest assessments, and testing of VR consumers. Results of Client Satisfaction Surveys completed after attendance at a Vocational Assessment Workshop are also included. Conclusions Reached A training video instructing VR counselors how to implement and conduct vocational assessments and testing for VR Counselors was developed. The training video includes materials and resources for clients to conduct career exploration, for counselors to administer the Holland Self-Directed Search, Values Survey, determine client transferable skills, Pearson Career Interest Inventory, EUREKA Career Search, Keirsey Temperament Sorter II, resume writing techniques, BETA III and Basic Achievement Skills Inventory [BASI], and suggested internet job search web sites. In addition, the workshop presentation also includes teaching clients successful career networking techniques, informational interviewing, effective resume writing and useful job search websites in the internet.