D. Report Writing

9.11 Content

Vocational rehabilitation professionals (VRPs) write various types of reports during the rehabilitation process, including:

1. Types of Reports:

   • Intake Report: Initiated at the start of the vocational rehabilitation process, providing an overview of the client's subjective situation. It includes:

     • Introduction: Basic client information (e.g., marital status, claim number, etc.).

     • Third-Party Information: Summarized relevant external reports (e.g., medical, psychological).

     • Results of Interview: The client’s subjective view of their condition and future prospects.

     • Recommendations: Steps for progressing towards a rehabilitation plan (e.g., vocational testing, career exploration).

   • Initial Vocational Rehabilitation Plan (IVRP): A comprehensive report detailing the client's current state and future plans. Includes:

     • Introductory Data: Basic information about the client.

     • Background Information: Similar to the intake report.

     • Vocational Rehabilitation Services Provided: Documents counseling, medical restrictions, and skills assessments.

     • Vocational Direction: The client’s vocational goal based on assessments.

     • Vocational Rehabilitation Plan: Detailed steps to reach the vocational goal (e.g., job club, training, etc.).

   • Follow-Up Reports: Regular reports detailing progress towards vocational goals. Includes past recommendations, services provided, results, and future recommendations.

   • Employability Assessment: A final report detailing the client’s current earning capacity and job availability post-rehabilitation. Includes:

     • Pre-disability Profile: Earning capacity and work potential.

     • Vocational Rehabilitation Assessment: Summary of services and limitations.

     • Current Earning Capacity and Job Availability: Analysis of the client’s earning potential.

9.12 Confidentiality

Client files should be kept confidential, but exceptions include:

• Client Access: Clients have the right to review their own file.

• Third-Party Access: Reports paid for by a third party (e.g., an insurer) are available to them, but they likely do not have access to the full file.

• Legal Access: Files may be shared with legal authorities through proper legal processes (e.g., subpoena).

VRPs must be careful when including information that doesn't directly affect the vocational process, such as personal details unrelated to the rehabilitation plan.

9.13 Report Writing for Court

• Court-Requested Reports: These reports are written with the court as the audience, and should be completely unbiased and based on factual information.

• If a VRP is an expert witness, they may provide an opinion, but it must be based on objective facts and not speculation.

Quiz:

1. What is typically included in an Intake Report?

   • a) Only the client’s name and claim number

   • b) Client background, third-party information, results of the interview, and recommendations

   • c) Only a summary of medical reports

   • d) A list of job placements

2. What is the purpose of the Initial Vocational Rehabilitation Plan (IVRP)?

   • a) To document the client’s medical history

   • b) To provide a detailed vocational goal and steps to reach it

   • c) To summarize the vocational rehabilitation services provided

   • d) To detail the client’s job history only

3. Which section of the IVRP details the steps to move the client towards their vocational goal?

   • a) Vocational Rehabilitation Services Provided

   • b) Vocational Direction

   • c) Vocational Rehabilitation Plan

   • d) Background Information

4. What is the main focus of the Follow-Up Report?

   • a) Documenting client’s personal information

   • b) Detailing progress towards vocational goals and updating recommendations

   • c) Recording the client’s past medical history

   • d) Summarizing the final vocational goal

5. What is an Employability Assessment primarily concerned with?

   • a) Assessing the client’s medical condition only

   • b) Documenting the client’s vocational strengths and weaknesses

   • c) Analyzing the client’s current earning capacity and job availability

   • d) Determining the client’s education level

6. What information can be disclosed from a client’s file without consent?

   • a) Client’s personal life and family details

   • b) Legal system access via subpoena

   • c) All vocational rehabilitation documentation

   • d) None of the above

7. How should a vocational rehabilitation professional handle information not directly related to the vocational process?

   • a) Include all personal information for a complete report

   • b) Exclude unrelated personal details to maintain confidentiality

   • c) Share any personal information with third parties

   • d) Use the personal information to add context to the client’s situation

8. What is the key difference when writing a report for the court compared to other reports?

   • a) The report must include personal opinions and subjective analysis

   • b) The report must be completely unbiased and based on factual information

   • c) The report is not based on facts but only opinions

   • d) The report is less formal and more conversational

Answer Key:

1. b) Client background, third-party information, results of the interview, and recommendations

2. b) To provide a detailed vocational goal and steps to reach it

3. c) Vocational Rehabilitation Plan

4. b) Detailing progress towards vocational goals and updating recommendations

5. c) Analyzing the client’s current earning capacity and job availability

6. b) Legal system access via subpoena

7. b) Exclude unrelated personal details to maintain confidentiality

8. b) The report must be completely unbiased and based on factual information