What is a Vocational Assessment?

Not every worker returns to the same job with the same Employer following an illness or injury.  For these workers, a Vocational Assessment is recommended.

Vocational guidance assessments are used to identify alternate occupations for individuals who are returning to work in a different role or in a different job sector.  Vocational assessments can recommend suitable occupations for an individual based on a person’s interests, work capacity and the results of labour market research.

Such reports provide basic information regarding:

• The current injury;
• Treatment;
• Current abilities and medical restrictions;
• Current symptoms;
• Any previous injuries
• Training and education;
• Employment history and experience;
• Level of motivation regarding returning to work;
• Social history and psychosocial barriers to return to work;
• Hobbies and interests;
• Employment and training interests;
• Clinician expectations regarding outcomes;
• Labour market research results on identified job options;
• Transferable skills analysis.

Workers can prepare for their Vocational Assessment by bringing their resume or a list of previous employment (employers, length of time, duties).  Workers are also encouraged to think about their hobbies and interests, and to consider possible job areas of interest.