Monday, June 6, 2011

A Vocational Evaluation As A Tool For Employment

By Sharon Wyatt


For individuals entering the workforce for the first time or re-entering the workplace a vocational evaluation is an often used tool. It is designed to give individuals insight and answers about their interests, job skills, mental capabilities and strengths. People from all job classifications can benefit from the assessment, it is not only designed for individuals with handicaps.

There are different levels of evaluation, from basic to in-depth and lasting from one day to four days. The necessity and complexity of the testing rests with the individual. An individual that is already proficient in a specific area need not be evaluated for that again.

The testing is not set up to result in a pass-fail consideration. It is designed to be a personal assessment of their interests, skills, capabilities and any limitations that will affect their functioning in the workplace. Strengths that can be transferred to the work environment are discussed and job and life goals are set up with the aid of counselors and evaluators.

The individual remains the primary focus through the entire process. If needed mechanical or electronic aids are considered to allow the person to overcome limitations and adapt to the workplace. If the testing indicates a person is very suited to a specific task then the emphasis is to remove any barriers in that being possible.

A modification to the workplace may be required for the individual to be able to complete the skills needed. The focus is on both being able to complete the job and the person reaching their employment and life goals.

Evaluations are also done of the workplace and the individual at the job site. Skills change with physical abilities and an accurate measure of that requires an on site evaluation. The individual and the evaluator then gains a better understanding of how that individual fits that specific job environment.

In considering all the information and results gathered the focus remains on the capabilities and well being of the individual. The persons life goals, happiness and ability to feel satisfied with the employment process is all considered. If a person can physically complete a task but mentally and emotionally it creates a problem, other opportunities are taking into evaluation.

Vocational evaluations are always conducted one on one with counselors, staff and employers. The long term care and success of the person is the foremost concern in the entire evaluation process. Outside factors play a huge part in the process however, it is all reduced to whether or not it is best for the individual.




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