DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

 

QUESTION: What is a Work Evaluation?

 

ANSWER: Work Evaluation is a diagnostic tool that, when properly utilized, can assess an individual's:

 

      a. Physical functionality (tolerances, stamina, and endurance)

 

      b. Current level of skills and aptitudes

 

      c. Vocational interests

 

      d. Personality and worker traits

 

 

QUESTION: When is a Work Evaluation needed?

 

ANSWER: If after the initial interview between the counselor and the individual, any of the following questions remain unanswered, it is advisable to schedule a work evaluation:

 

      a. Can the individual work in the competitive labor market?

 

      b. What physical activities can the individual perform?

 

      c. What skills, aptitudes, cognitive processing abilities, or interests does the individual have?

 

      d. What transferable skills does the individual have?

 

      e. How does the individual's usable skills relate to the current job market?

 

 

QUESTION: What is the potential outcome of a Work Evaluation?

 

ANSWER: There are many potential outcomes of a Work Evaluation.

 

      a. In general, most evaluations determine whether the individual's physical functioning is or is not reflective of  the capability of returning to work at the present time.

 

      b. The individual's ability to benefit from competitive employment will be documented.

 

     c. Specific vocational alternatives can be addressed in terms of aptitudinal potential as well as physical   abilities.

 

      d. The individual's ability to profit from on-the-job training, direct placement, or formalized classroom training will be addressed.

 

      e. In cases where the individual did not demonstrate the ability to sustain participation in the simulated work day, documentation is provided.

 

      f. Worker traits which would affect employability (such as grooming, hygiene, motivation, work values, work attitude, work pace, and work attitude) are addressed in the report.

 

      g. Identification of reasonable accommodations that would assist the individual sustain employment.