Most Common Questions About Vocational Evaluation

A vocational evaluation is an integral part of different kinds of cases, from divorce proceedings to filing for workers' compensation. It also plays a major part in disability claims as the judge decides who gets disability benefits with the help of a vocational expert.

While clients can usually benefit from going through the vocational evaluation, many are skeptical about the whole process. 

To dispel any confusion and put your mind at ease, here are some frequently asked questions about vocational evaluation.

1. What is vocational evaluation?

It’s a process in which a trained expert gathers information about an individual regarding their skills, potential, abilities, and limitations in the workplace. This process might include reviewing past employment records, conducting a comprehensive interview, and performing vocational tests that check the abilities and skills necessary to perform workplace tasks.

2. What is the purpose of this evaluation?

The purpose here is to assess the employability and earning capacity of a person to present in front of the court. It might include a vocational report that clarifies details of how that person will return to the job market and details such as:

1. Necessary training time

2. Appropriate programs

3. Ceiling to earning upon completion of the training

4. Job availability

3. Who may request an evaluation?

The question isn’t as clear-cut as it depends on the case and the circumstances. 

For example, in divorce cases, a vocational evaluation might be required if one of the parties is unemployed or even underemployed. They might claim they are unable to increase their income. To illustrate, a spouse with specialized training and work experience might allege they cannot find unemployment. To objectively examine their claims, the court may order an evaluation of their true earning potential. 

Additionally, one of the parties might also file a motion requesting the court to order the other party to go through this evaluation. 

In workers’ comp cases, the insurance company might require the injured worker to go through this evaluation to determine if they are ready to return to work to a full or limited capacity.

4. What are the qualifications of the expert performing the evaluation?

Vocational experts have extensive knowledge of lost earnings, earning capacity, and the cost of replacement labor. In serious personal injury cases, they might determine which jobs are available to the person with the same physical limitations and any possible limitations in the future caused by the injury.

This position requires a master's degree and at least three years of experience that includes necessary recommendations from their supervisors. 

Vocational experts also must complete a written examination that covers different competency areas of career counseling.

5. Are there limitations to this evaluation?

This evaluation isn’t a method of diagnosing or treating any psychological issues. If not a part of the referral, it doesn’t allow for counseling over a period of time. This means that it doesn’t cover job placement or development. 

An individual cannot fail this evaluation as it’s only a method of identifying the person’s strengths, work capacity, interests and personality, and transferable skills.

6. Is it possible to prepare for the vocational evaluation?

Most clients usually ask this question, but since it’s not ‘’scored’’ per se and you cannot fail or pass, you don’t need to study. 

However, there are some things you should have on hand when going through the evaluation. For example, we recommend you bring your resume. If you don’t have one, make sure you can remember your work history and educational background in detail. 

If you are going through a training program, it’s helpful to have information that covers things such as the description of the program, how long and comprehensive it is, as well as how much it costs. 

If you’re in the process of finding employment, you should bring a detailed record of your job-hunting efforts. 

You should also bring any medical records and reports. 

Don’t lie or try to manipulate the information in your favor. If you have a lawyer, they’ll prepare you and tell you if there is any information you shouldn’t disclose.

Extra tip: Be nice, as your behavior and attitude will be noted in the evaluation report.

7. What are your rights?

As a citizen of the United States, you have the right to an impartial evaluation. You should also be able to review any test results. You may also disagree with the conclusions of the examiner, and if you do, have the right to take the report to a different vocational expert. 

Do keep in mind that this evaluation is not confidential and everything you say may be used in forming the conclusions in the report.

8. What does the evaluation look like?

Here’s the entire vocational evaluation broken down into smaller steps so you know what to expect:

A diagnostic interview

In this interview, the evaluator will gather information about your employability. You’ll be able to ask any questions about the process as well. You may be asked questions about matters such as:

1. Work experience

2. Age

3. Health

4. Absence from the workforce

5. Education

6. Goals and priorities

7. Motivations

8. Personal matters

Vocational testing

10. These tests are performed to develop a work trait profile. In other words, the evaluator will try to assess your employability. You 11. may be tested on your:

1. Ability

2. Personality/Interests

3. Work values

4. Skills

Labor market research

The counselor will try to generate information about your vocational outlook, potential earnings, and training requirements for job positions in your geographical area. You’ll be able to review this information when you receive the report.

Integration of the information

Next, the vocational counselor will combine the information disclosed in the process. This might include your self-report, the counselor’s observations, as well as any medical or psychological report and data gathered in the test.

Recommendations

According to your long-term career goals, the evaluator will recommend the steps you should take based on your interests and your employment abilities.

A vocational evaluation can be a learning experience

Regardless of which side of the curtain you’re on, vocational evaluation is very important. Even if it’s a part of a divorce case, it’s very beneficial for both parties as it ensures fair spousal support, which eventually might translate into a better life quality for both spouses.

Whatever it may be, a vocational evaluation is an opportunity to learn more about your marketable skills and how you can find better employment. 

Who knows? You might even discover a new career that perfectly fits your abilities, skills, and interests.