Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services

Comprehensive vocational evaluation services provide an individualized, timely, and systematic process by which a person seeking employment, in partnership with an evaluator, learns to identify viable vocational options and develop employment goals and objectives. A vocational evaluator or vocational specialist provides or supervises the services.

An accredited comprehensive vocational evaluation service is capable of examining a wide range of employment alternatives. The following techniques are used, as is appropriate to the person being assessed, to provide comprehensive vocational evaluation services:

• Pre-evaluation assessment of assistive technology needs.
• Assessment of functional/occupational performance in real or simulated environments.
• Work samples.
• Employment exploration model.
• Psychometric testing.
• Preference and interest inventories.
• Personality testing.
• Extensive personal interviews.
• Other appropriate evaluation tests, depending on the individual.
• Analysis of prior work and/or volunteer experience and transferable skills.

Some examples of the quality results desired by the different stakeholders of these services include:

• Realistic job opportunities are explored and identified for individuals.
• Employment barriers are identified and ways to overcome these are suggested.
• Assistive technology or other accommodations needed are identified.
• The evaluation is completed within the authorization period.
• The person served understands the results.
• The cost per evaluation is acceptable.
• Interests of the persons served are thoroughly explored.
• Evaluation reports lead to job goals.
• Transferable skills are identified.