VOCATIONAL SERVICES

Vocational Services provides evaluation and adjustment services to individuals with disabilities that hinder their ability to obtain, maintain or return to competitive employment. Disability groups served include, but are not limited to, head injury, chronic pain, spinal cord injury and stroke. Outpatient vocational evaluations can be accommodated to meet the particular needs of a disability group or referral source. The staff at Vocational Services includes certified vocational evaluators and qualified vocational specialists. Staff provide community and employer education to advocate for employment of persons with disabilities and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By conducting job analysis and job site evaluation (see below), staff provide valuable information to the Carolinas Rehabilitation treatment team so that a reasonable return-to-work plan and recommendations for accommodations can be developed.

Vocational Evaluation Program
The Vocational Evaluation Program serves clients who need assistance to return to or enter into competitive employment. Individuals are interviewed concerning their work history, education, home environment and disability related concerns. A vocational evaluator will develop with the client a plan to explore vocational goals.

Job Site Evaluations
Job site evaluations give clients an opportunity to be assessed at their job under the supervision of a Vocational Services staff member. This process benefits both employee and employer alike by identifying modifications and reasonable accommodations.

Job Analysis
Vocational Services staff can conduct a Job Analysis for their clients, referral sources or businesses. During the Job Analysis, vocational services staff will observe workers performing the occupation to identify the essential functions of the job, determine the physical demands of the job and assist in determining reasonable accommodations for the job. We can also assist employees in writing job descriptions.

Work Adjustment Program
The Work Adjustment Program is available to individuals needing specific training to develop or improve work behaviors and skills to meet the demands of competitive employment. The client and a vocational specialist develop an individual work adjustment plan to accomplish these goals. Vocational Services provides job development and on-the-job support as needed through a job coach model.

Job Placement Program
The Job Placement Program helps people identify, obtain and/or maintain employment that matches their specific needs. Services can include preparation of the person for employment, job development and placement, follow-up and post-employment services, and employer education. Individuals having an identified job or employer can be provided a job analysis to identify those areas where accommodations may be needed.

Volunteer Program
The Volunteer Program is an active component of Vocational Services. Volunteer work experiences are available in a variety of areas including dietary, gift shop, clerical and cafeteria. Volunteer positions and job descriptions are often utilized during evaluation or work adjustment to obtain feedback from a real work supervisor. Volunteering also enables individuals to gain work experience.

Supported Employment Program
Supported Employment is individualized assessment and training to assist individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain community integrated competitive employment. Vocational Services provides supplemental evaluation to assist in determining appropriate job match. The job coaches are responsible for helping the person locate and interview for appropriate jobs. Once a job is secured, the job coach provides on-the-job training for the individual as needed. When the new employee, employer and job coach are satisfied with the job performance, the job coach becomes a resource person to help ensure job maintenance.

For more information about Vocational Services at Carolinas Rehabilitation, to make a referral or schedule an appointment, please call 800-634-2256 or e-mail.