Vocational Evaluations are performed to determine an individual’s capabilities in returning to employment following an injury or sustaining a disability. We focus on the individual’s diagnoses, medical treatment, recovery, and objective medical evidence to develop a plan to assist the individual in moving towards a new career within their restrictions.

Vocational Evaluations focus on the socioeconomic and objective medical evidence for each individual. Each vocational evaluation presents transferable skills the individual possesses to ascertain what occupations within their local economy they can perform within their restrictions. Vocational testing is conducted to ascertain intellectual and academic abilities as well as occupational interests. Recommendations are made which will assist the individual in returning to employment either through Job Placement Assistance or vocational retraining.

Loss of earning potential can be considered, upon request.

An Ergonomic Analysis is utilized to ensure that an employee’s workstation is designed to minimize the risk of injury to the employee and maximize productivity for the employer. The analysis involves reviewing the individual’s job tasks and performance of these tasks focusing on body mechanics, positioning, and use of equipment to perform tasks.

Recommendations are made to highlight areas that may benefit from improvement or changes to improve safety and/or maximize productivity.

Job Placement Assistance focuses on assisting individuals in returning to employment within the restrictions issued by their treating physician, utilizing transferable skills, and in their local economy. This is consistent with the rehabilitation placement hierarchy in which the primary goals are to return client to work at the same job, a modified job, or a job utilizing transferable skills.

Throughout the Job Placement Assistance process, we seek out job leads with local employers for which the individual would be qualified and provide this information to the job seeker. We will meet with the job seeker periodically throughout their services to discuss the process of their job search, address any concerns which may arise, provide feedback, assist with application completion, or prepare for interviews. During services a résumé is developed highlighting the individual’s skills. Interviewing preparations and mock interviews are held. In addition, we request that individuals seek their own leads. All job seekers are asked to submit documentation of their job search activity which is followed up on with prospective employers. Overall, our responsibility is to advocate on the job seekers behalf in locating appropriate employment.

Once employment is obtained, we maintain contact with the individual and their employer to ensure that they can safely perform all job duties.

If needed, an ergonomic analysis will be performed.

Following an occupational injury, it is common for the injured worker to be issued temporary restrictions during their medical treatment that may limit their physical activity. Many employers want their employees to continue working, and the injured worker wants to continue working, during this period when light duty restrictions are issued. We understand that it can be complicated to determine what opportunities exist for the injured worker within their restrictions and utilizing their skills. In the process of a light duty consultation, we review the injured worker’s job description, observe job tasks as they are performed, determine their transferable skills, and review alternate positions within the company. We make recommendations as to how to accommodate their current position or what alternate positions could be filled by them with minimal on-the-job training, to ensure their safety while on light duty.

In addition, we can liaison with the medical treatment team and parties to provide feedback from the employer and injured worker regarding their ability to perform tasks within the restrictions issued.

Studies show that after a 6-month absence from the workforce, there is only a 50% chance that an injured worker will return to the workforce in any capacity. After one year out of the workforce, the return to work rate drops to 25%.

Early return to work intervention allows the injured worker to stay connected to co-workers, maintain condition to the regular work schedule, and maintain self-esteem. Each of these are essential in ensuring retention in the workforce.