6.7 Developing a vocational rehabilitation plan

Summary: Developing a Vocational Rehabilitation Plan

The Vocational Rehabilitation Plan (VRP) is a crucial step in helping clients enter or re-enter the workforce. It involves gathering information, setting vocational goals, and matching a client's attributes with recommended services such as job search training or direct placement. The plan is developed collaboratively with the client and follows these key steps:

1. Information Gathering

   • Third-party information: Medical reports, neuropsychological assessments, job demands analysis, education/employment records, etc.

   • Subjective information: Client's self-reported skills, limitations, and goals. Discrepancies between client perception and medical reports may require a case conference.

2. Return to Work Hierarchy (prioritizing job options closest to pre-disability employment)

   • Return to pre-disability job

   • Return to alternative job with the same employer

   • Return to alternative job in the same industry (different employer)

   • Return to any job

   • Retraining (some jurisdictions include self-employment)

3. Occupational Exploration

   • Clients may lack awareness of different job opportunities, requiring education on available options.

4. Job Matching

   • Identifying suitable jobs based on limitations, transferable skills, interests, potential income, long-term employability, and other factors.

5. Setting Goals

   • Short-term goals: Address barriers (e.g., completing GED, securing childcare, anger management).

   • Long-term goals: Typically achieving permanent employment.

Quiz: Developing a Vocational Rehabilitation Plan

1. What is the primary purpose of a Vocational Rehabilitation Plan?

a) To provide financial assistance to clients
b) To determine whether a client qualifies for disability benefits
c) To help clients enter or re-enter the workforce through structured planning
d) To diagnose medical conditions affecting employment

2. What are the two main sources of information for developing a VRP?

a) Government data and employer reports
b) Third-party information and subjective client information
c) Online job postings and career assessments
d) Family input and social service recommendations

3. What is the correct order of the Return to Work Hierarchy?

a) Any job → Alternative job in same industry → Pre-disability job → Retraining
b) Pre-disability job → Alternative job with same employer → Alternative job in same industry → Any job → Retraining
c) Retraining → Any job → Pre-disability job → Alternative job in same industry
d) Alternative job with the same employer → Retraining → Any job → Pre-disability job

4. Why is occupational exploration important in vocational rehabilitation?

a) Many clients lack knowledge of job market opportunities
b) It helps determine the highest-paying career for the client
c) It ensures clients stay in their previous industry
d) It allows the vocational rehabilitation professional to select a job for the client

5. What is typically the long-term goal of a vocational rehabilitation plan?

a) Completing a short training program
b) Managing psycho-social barriers
c) Achieving permanent employment
d) Increasing government benefits

6. What factor is NOT considered in job matching?

a) Client's transferable skills
b) Client’s age
c) Potential income
d) Client’s long-term employability

Answer Key

1. c) To help clients enter or re-enter the workforce through structured planning

2. b) Third-party information and subjective client information

3. b) Pre-disability job → Alternative job with same employer → Alternative job in same industry → Any job → Retraining

4. a) Many clients lack knowledge of job market opportunities

5. c) Achieving permanent employment

6. b) Client’s age