Vocational Evaluation

Vocational Evaluation Services assist DVR consumers to identify viable employment options and make decisions about their vocational direction by participating in identified assessment services. In partnership with a credentialed vocational evaluator, these services allow consumers to explore their individual interests, skills, abilities, personality, and values as they relate to employment and training.

Vocational Evaluation may be appropriate for consumers who have limited work history, unclear vocational direction, or who need structured assessment information to support vocational planning and IPE development.

Summary of Services Table

• Vocational Evaluation Assessment
• Vocational Evaluation and Work Sample

Vocational Evaluation Assessment

Service Overview

Vocational Evaluation Assessment is completed by a credentialed vocational evaluator using primarily standardized testing and interview methods to support vocational decision-making. The purpose of the Vocational Evaluation Assessment is to assist the consumer in determining an appropriate employment goal and to identify resources or services that may support achievement of that goal. This service may be appropriate for consumers who have limited work history, unclear vocational direction, or training goals. The assessment provides information about the consumer's vocational interests, skills, personality, and values as they pertain to their achievement, abilities, aptitude, and potential for learning new skills related to work.

Best Practice: DVR staff are strongly encouraged to provide referral information in the notes section of the purchase order (PO), including the purpose of the evaluation, any specific questions to be addressed, and any other information DVR or the consumer are seeking (e.g., transferable skills).

Service Components

• Individual interview to gather background and vocational information. Evaluators are responsible for selecting valid and reliable assessment instruments appropriate to the consumer's background and circumstances.
• Minimum Testing Requirements - Administer at least one standardized test in each of the following areas:
  • Vocational interests
  • Achievements or abilities
  • Personality and values
  • Aptitude

    Note: Specific test types and requirements are listed in the Vocational Evaluation Assessment Report.

• Interpret and translate testing and interview results into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Participate in a review meeting with the consumer and DVR to explain evaluation results and vocational planning recommendations. The review meeting may be held in person, by phone, or virtually, unless otherwise specified by the DVR case facilitator, and should be scheduled at the time of authorization.
• The Service Provider is encouraged to offer amendments or additions to initial recommendations during the review meeting, and the nature of these discussions should be reflected in the report.

Reporting Requirements

The Vocational Evaluation Assessment report must include:

• Tests administered and rationale for selection.
• Description of testing environment and any accommodations.
• Observations of work behavior, learning style, and vocational soft skills.
• Identified vocational assets and limitations.
• Responses to specific referral questions.
• Transferable Skills Analysis.
• Local and statewide LMI for recommended vocational goal(s) and related occupations.
• Recommendations for short- and long-term vocational or training goals.
• Identified barriers and options for consumer action.
• Summary of the review meeting discussion and any updates to recommendations.

Additional Considerations

Evaluators may include additional tools, situational tasks, or other tests as needed to answer referral questions or explore transferable skills. If a testing instrument was used outside its normed population (e.g., due to disability, cultural, or age factors), the evaluator should note the potential impact on validity and reliability.

Vocational Evaluation and Work Sample

Service Overview

The Vocational Evaluation and Work Sample includes all components and requirements of the Vocational Evaluation Assessment listed above, with the addition of individualized work sample activities. Consumers may participate in this evaluation due to a significant change in vocational direction or other relevant work history, with transferable skills to consider in planning. The service provides in-depth information to support vocational decision-making and planning.

Service Components

• Completion of all Vocational Evaluation Assessment activities.
• Design and implementation of individualized work sample(s).
• Observation and documentation of consumer performance during work sample(s).

Service Requirements

• Conduct work samples in person in a realistic, safe environment that reflects competitive employment as closely as possible.
• Individualize work samples to the consumer's learning style, abilities, and disability-related needs.
• Work samples are typically limited in scope and duration and are used to test specific skills, environmental fit, or performance under certain conditions. Generally, work samples should not exceed two or three instances of simulated work. (If more extensive assessment is needed to evaluate stamina, attendance, or tolerance for a regular work schedule, DVR should consider using alternate services such as On-the-Job Assessment).

Reporting Requirements

In addition to all Vocational Evaluation Assessment reporting elements, the report must document:

• Date(s) and duration of work sample activities.
• Rationale for work sample selection.
• Observations and findings from each work sample.

Additional Considerations

• Work samples may require assistive technology or reasonable accommodations, including using adapted materials, instruction methods, or safety precautions.

• Certification Regarding Vocational Evaluation Credential
• Shared Roles and Responsibilities in DVR
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction STEM
• Wisconsin STEM Apprenticeship Program Guide
• Job Center of Wisconsin
• Wisconsin labor market information: Visit WisConomy.com

Qualifications

Service Providers who deliver Vocational Evaluation services must agree to have qualified personnel complete the services.

Test administration, scoring, interpretation, and reporting must be done by an individual who has a Vocational Evaluation Credential Certificate, or under the supervision of an individual who has a Vocational Evaluation Credential Certificate, or who otherwise meets the DVR-defined qualifications listed in the Certification Regarding Vocational Evaluation Credential document.

Metrics

DVR has identified service-specific criteria for all statewide services. The list below contains objective information that DVR will collect to establish baseline quality data and, over time, set goals for continuous quality improvement in partnership with Service Providers. DVR recognizes that gathering accurate data, verifying information, and developing meaningful targets will take time and collaboration. These criteria are included in the technical specifications to help Service Providers understand the elements DVR considers important in delivering high-quality statewide services.

Statewide Service Specific Criteria