In my Iowa State Days and into the Fall of 1994, one course I recall quite well was Microbiology. Here I am, a new mother, messing around in a laboratory with germs. Okay, microbiology is better defined as “The branch of biology that deals with microorganisms and their effects on other living organisms.” Luckily I had a smart lab partner who knew what needed to be done with the microscopes, dyes, stains, aseptic procedures, identification, etc.. My partner helped me to learn and helped me to keep myself and my new baby at home safe from bad germs!
My Grade for the Microbiology Course ~ B+
I believe my grade proves I took the course seriously and I tried my hardest! This leads me to discuss the topic of the serious nature of my role and function as a vocational evaluator.
Because there is a need for vocational evaluation services to persons with or without disabilities, I continually expand my professional capacities in these areas:
1) Vocational/Career Expert 2) Disability Specialist 3) Educator
A Vocational Evaluator has 3 roles in 1!
I work with a wide variety of people and provide a mix of services to improve and expand my 3 in 1 role as a vocational evaluator.
I’ve come across several “competitors” vocational evaluation reports and found they served the best role shredded in the bottom of a recycling bin. Of course, I learn from reading them and can apply data from them, only if it makes sense to me!
In fact I’ve read two reports on two separate people by one vocational evaluator. Boy they read similarly! These reports were canned, used computer generated data, laced with irrelevant statistics, tossed with strange jargon, citing outdated sources, sprinkled with wording that all sounded the same. Both reports concluded the same thing: this person is totally and permanently disabled from all work. Wow! Was I missing something? Were there germs lurking?
The “competitor” reports I’m referring to did not contain important information (that I include in my individualized reports) such as:
- detailed information about the workers’ vocational background
- an analysis of the person’s transferable skills
- what type of work the person is interested in
- a look into current employment opportunities that match those interests and skills
- a review of reasonable accommodations and/or other ways to perform work efficiently
- real life job placement perspectives and actual comments from local employers
- recommendations for skill enhancement or ways to learn a new skill
- offering of job placement or referral to community sources for help!
The information I include is based on the context surrounding the individual and the goal of the evaluation.
Poorly written reports get shredded!
I’ve performed hundreds of vocational evaluations (and have shredded many, too)! When I combine my educational abilities and career counseling expertise while providing disability specific resources when needed, my goal as a good rehabilitation counselor is fulfilled!
I’ve posted several times on the subject of vocational evaluations ~ which happens to be one of my favorites! ~ Please take a look around my blog and let me know how I can help you.
Contact me at 515-282-7753 or vocresources@gmail.com
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My professional rehabilitation counseling practice is focused on helping people participate in the world around them, particularly in their own world of work.
