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.
The requirements for Vocational Evaluation are as follows:
Services are comprehensive and assess information about the following:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
A client exits the evaluation services unit for any of the following reasons:
32 Miss. Code. R. 23-15.02