Vocational Participation

Abstract

Work is a central aspect of life for all people, and employment is a primary route to community integration and social inclusion following disability. Identifying and incorporating best practices for supporting vocational participation is critical in medical rehabilitation. This chapter discusses how interdisciplinary teams can practically integrate effective vocational services into the rehabilitation setting. Topics covered include interdisciplinary assessment and treatment planning to support vocational participation and how to identify and target interventions that are most likely to lead to meaningful employment. The chapter concludes with tips that speak to all providers with special attention to the role of the rehabilitation psychologist.

Appendix

Sample Vocational Assessment Interview

Personal Information

• Tell me about yourself.

• What do you consider your strengths, skills, abilities, and passions?

• How would a friend describe you?

Employment

• What do you want to do for a job?

• What is your dream job?

• Why does that appeal to you?

• Talk about your career aspirations for the next 5 years.

• Describe your health history and your functional strengths and challenges.

• What is your educational background? List school degree(s), certification(s), dates, subjects, likes, dislikes, professional and personal connections made (for potential network contacts).

• What is your work history? List dates of employment, title, employer, tasks, likes, dislikes, professional and personal connections made (for potential network contacts), terms of job discontinuation.

Daily Life, Routines, and Community Involvement

• Describe your family and current living arrangements, including immediate and extended household members, primary family relationships, type of domicile, and configuration of living space.

• Describe access to community transportation.

• What can you tell me about your personal mobility?

• How do you spend your free time?

• What are your favorite activities and why do you like them?

• Describe a typical day.

Substance Use Information

• What is your current use of alcohol or drugs? Describe amount and frequency.

• Do you have any history of alcohol or drug problems? If so, how did it affect your employment? In what ways? Does substance use currently interfere with your life? What things should we consider in terms of current substance use now and looking for a job?

Justice System Involvement

• Have you ever been arrested?

• If so, have you ever been convicted of a crime? Inquire about dates, state, and type (misdemeanor vs felony; robbery, assault, sexual).

• Do you have any legal charges pending?

• Has legal involvement affected employment for you in the past?

• What needs to be considered in terms of your legal status now and looking for a job?

Supports

• How do you see your medical status impacting the way that you use your strengths?

• What anxieties/fears do you have about working?

• How do you typically handle it when you need help in accomplishing something?

• What do you generally do to help yourself feel calm and confident?

• What ideas do you have now for supports you might need for successful employment?

Networks

• We want to develop a network of people who might lead to future employment. Think of all the people you know in the community (e.g., family, friends, hair stylist/barber, coffee shop owner, grocery store manager).

• What places in the community do you go regularly? Do the business owners/organizers know you? (e.g., gym, church, Rotary Club, Boy Scouts, recreation centers, billiards hall, fabric store, gun range).