32 Miss. Code. R. 23-15.02

Current through December 10, 2024
Section 32-23-15.02 - Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services

Vocational Evaluation is a comprehensive process that systematically utilizes formal testing instruments for assessment and vocational exploration. The purpose is to assist the person with vocational development leading to employment options. Vocational

Evaluation incorporates medical, psychological, social, vocational, cultural, assistive technology, and economic data into the process of evaluation.

A. Vocational Evaluation Admission Criteria

The requirements for Vocational Evaluation are as follows:

1. Client has VR/VRB or 3rd party sponsorship
2. Is at least 16 years of age
3. Has prior medical evaluation appropriate to disabling condition(s)
4. Is free of any acute medical and/or psychological conditions
5. Is not dangerous to self and/or others
6. Is able to care for personal needs
7. Vocational potential is uncertain
8. Adjustment service needs have not been determined
B. Vocational Evaluation Services

Services are comprehensive and assess information about the following:

1. Physical and psychomotor capacities and limitations
2. Cognitive functioning
3. Social, personal, and work related behaviors
4. Interests, attitudes, career aspirations, and knowledge of occupational information
5. Personal, social and work histories
6. Aptitudes
7. Achievements (e.g., educational and vocational)
8. Job seeking and retention skills
9. Identification of work and non-work related needs
10. Possible employment objectives
11. Ability to learn about self as a result of the information obtained from evaluation
12. Learning style (including ability to understand, recall, and respond to various types of instruction)
13. Transferable skills
14. Environmental conditions
15. Assistive technology and reasonable accommodations
16. Community and employment supports
17. Independent living skills
18. Mode of communication

The program has the capacity to assess all of the above, but does not assess every person's functioning in each of these areas. The needs of the person served dictate the areas in which assessment is done.

C. Vocational Evaluation Techniques

A variety of tasks are utilized to ensure the evaluation needs of the client are met. Vocational evaluation services draw on one or more of the following techniques based on the specific abilities and needs of the persons served:

1. Psychometrics
2. Work samples
3. Situational assessment (if needed)

The area set aside for Vocational Evaluation is designed with sufficient space for these activities. The use of specific instruments is based on the individual client's needs, interests, and capacities. All diagnostic and technical data are supplemented with personal interviews and behavioral observations. Time frames for the evaluation of a client are determined by the individual needs of the client.

D. Individualized Vocational Evaluation Plan (IVEP)

Each client shall participate in the development of his/her Individualized Evaluation Plan (IVEP). For clients who are also receiving Personal Adjustment Training services, the IVEP is considered an addendum to the Individualized Adjustment Plan (IAP). Any assessment plan is based on the referral information, intake interview, questions asked by the referral source, stated purpose of the evaluation, and the individual's interests and capabilities. The plan:

1. Identifies specific questions to be answered in evaluation
2. Specifies what accommodations are utilized including assistive technology
3. Specifies the individuals to be involved in carrying out the plan with evidence of their participation (signatures will suffice for this)
4. Is modified if necessary
E. Vocational Evaluator Participation in Monthly Client Staffing

For clients in PAT, the vocational evaluator attends the initial or evaluation staffing to provide recommendations and information to instructors. The evaluator also meets with instructors separately on an as need basis to assist in planning for individualized approaches which take into consideration learning styles and special needs of the client.

F. Vocational Evaluation Summary

A meeting is held with the client prior to the completion of evaluation. The meeting is attended by the Vocational Evaluator and person served if the individual has received only Vocational Evaluation. This meeting addresses the preliminary results of the evaluation and any recommendations for further services.

G. Vocational Evaluation Report

The Evaluation Report is completed, disseminated and properly interpreted to the client/district counselor in a reasonable amount of time (20 working days) following the completion of the evaluation. A cover letter is sent to the referring counselor stating the date the meeting was held, persons present, barriers to employment, recommendations (including vocational goal, if appropriate), and starting dates of any new services. The evaluator has 20 working days from the client's exit date in which to complete and disseminate the report.

Any possible vocational goals are expressed in terms of D.O.T. job titles/families when vocational goals are not found, non-vocational goals are specified and related to resources available in the community.

H. Vocational Evaluation Exit Criteria

A client exits the evaluation services unit for any of the following reasons:

1. All the questions contained in the IVEP are completely addressed or answered
2. Vocational potential and direction is determined
3. Lack of vocational potential is determined
4. Client exits program of his/her own accord prior to termination and/or completion of the IVEP
5. Client fails to carry out his/her assigned responsibilities in the IVEP
6. Client develops an acute medical and/or psychological condition
7. Client develops behaviors that pose a danger to self or others

32 Miss. Code. R. 23-15.02