Vocational Evaluation
A vocational evaluation examines an individual’s ability to engage in the world of work and takes into consideration the person’s age, education, work experience, measured aptitudes, interests, and abilities and further their physical and/or cognitive capacity to engage in work basis on a sustained basis. The following areas are commonly assessed and can be divided into three broad domains:
Clinical Interview
Psychometric Testing
Work Sample Testing
1. Clinical Interview
A clinical interview is a directed conversation in which we gather information regarding an individual’s history. Areas of focus may include:
Education
Work History
Medical History
Current Medications
Activities of Daily Living
2. Psychometric Testing
Psychometric testing is often included as an aspect of a vocational evaluation to assess an individual’s aptitudes, interests, and abilities. It is important to obtain a current evaluation of various aptitudes to help make informed opinions. Common domains assessed include:
Intelligence
Vocational Interests
Academic Aptitude Testing (Reading and Math)
Psychological Functioning
3. Work Sample Testing
Work sample testing is a hands on measure of an individual’s ability to compete with entry level workers in the market place as well as a person’s physical and/or mental ability to engage in work activity on a day after day basis.
This in-depth level of evaluation is what distinguishes Metropolitan Rehabilitation from other rehabilitation organizations. The number and type of tests administered is determined on a case by case basis and is dependent on the referral question and personal characteristics (i.e. if a person has sustained an injury and has ongoing complications or restrictions), etc.
The tests utilized by MRS represent scientifically developed instruments which are utilized across the United States.