GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
OWL established a Vocational Evaluation Program in order to assess an individual's work behavior and vocational potential. The program goal is to assist a person in developing a feasible vocational goal within their interests, skills and capacities.

SERVICES PROVIDED:
A comprehensive evaluation of an individual's work habits, present academic skill level, vocational potential and recommendations for reaching the individual's vocational goal is presented. The comprehensive vocational evaluation may last from three days to two weeks full-time, part-time or flexible hours depending upon the individualized needs of the participant. A vocational analysis (lasting one to two days) is available for people who have a previous work history and who would benefit from having functional capacities and vocational goals fine-tuned.

TECHNIQUES AND METHODS USED:
In order to assist a consumer in their vocational efforts, OWL utilizes two specialized techniques and methods. The techniques and methods are Vocational Testing and the Simulated Job Station (Situational Assessment). The techniques and methods can be utilized in various ways in order to fully evaluate an individual's work potentials and abilities. A consumer can be referred for only Vocational Testing, the Simulated Job Station, or a combination of both.

VOCATIONAL TESTING:
The Vocational Testing consists of testing in the areas of physical and psychomotor capacity, intellectual capacity, emotional stability, occupational interests, and knowledge of occupational information.

Testing for occupation aptitudes and transferable skills is also included in the evaluation report. Work habits are observed and are a vital part of the recommendations for further vocational rehabilitation services and other considerations.

We also evaluate such work capacities as mobility, communication, hygiene, money management, and job seeking skills.

SIMULATED JOB STATION (SITUATIONAL ASSESSMENT):
The Simulated Job Station is utilized to evaluate a participant's work habits and skills in an actual work setting. This technique is accomplished by assigning the consumer to work within OWL's production area. Although the purpose of the referral could be varied, this technique could be utilized to assess the following in a work setting.

A staffing is held with the consumer, referral source, OWL staff, and any other persons invited by the consumer to discuss the evaluation and formally develop further vocational goals based on the evaluation results. At the end of the evaluation, a comprehensive report is written.