Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 32, issue 3

Authors: Hart, Tessa | Dijkers, Marcel | Whyte, John | Braden, Cynthia | Trott, Charlotte T. | Fraser, Robert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Previous research on vocational rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has suggested that coaching and other services provided following job placement are particularly important for successful work re-entry in this population. Methods of defining and measuring these services are needed to estimate more precisely their effects on vocational outcomes. In this study we developed a measure of the type, amount, and location of post-placement interventions that could be completed by treaters in “real time”. Treatment was measured prospectively for 6 months after job placement for 65 people with moderate to severe TBI treated at 5 TBI Model System centers. Centers …were found to differ substantially in the amount and location of treatment provided following job placement; centers providing more intensive treatment and treatment at the workplace also served more severely impaired clients at a longer interval after injury. Within centers, participants’ cognitive speed and emotional distress predicted certain aspects of amount and type of treatment provided. Three-fourths of the sample were still working at the placement job after 6 months. Due to the confounding between case mix and treatment variables, unique effects of treatments on outcomes could not be determined. Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, vocational rehabilitation, treatment definition

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0505

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 135-150, 2010

Authors: Sulewski, Jennifer Sullivan | Kugler, Rick | Kramer, John

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Misunderstanding and fears about the impact of earnings on benefits represent a significant barrier in the return-to-work efforts of people with disabilities. This pilot project evaluated an approach to spreading a positive message about work and dispelling myths about the effects of work on Social Security benefits through outreach and networking in the disability community. A peer leadership project was developed by enlisting 33 people with disabilities, mainly through disability advocacy organizations, who had experience with disability benefits. They received several days of basic training about work incentives, networking strategies, and community resources that support employment. These peer leaders then …developed and pursued outreach plans in their communities. Peer leaders reported making 1046 contacts through their personal networks. One hundred and thirty of the people contacted participated in a survey rating the quality of the interaction and their activities involving employment. The majority of respondents reported they had received helpful information from the peer leaders and had less concern about the negative effects of work on benefits; approximately one-quarter took some steps toward going to work. The evidence from this project suggests that a peer to peer approach may be effective in promoting a positive message about and creating interest in employment. Show more

Keywords: Work incentives, benefits, outreach, peer, employment, work, dissemination

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0506

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 151-161, 2010

Authors: Lui, John W. | Chan, Fong | Fried, Juliet H. | Lin, Chen-Ping | Anderson, Catherine A. | Peterson, Megan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the roles and functions of benefits counseling specialists. One-hundred and forty-eight benefits counseling specialists rated the Benefits Specialists Practice Inventory – Revised using a 5-point importance rating scale. Data were analyzed using multi-trait analysis. The multi-trait analysis tentatively supported the three-factor structure of the Benefits Specialists Practice Inventory – Revised, indicating that benefits screening (M = 4.43, SD = 0.47), benefits advisement (M = 4.49, SD = 0.56), and benefits management (M = 4.07, SD = 0.88) are most central to the job performance of benefits counseling specialists. In addition, benefits counseling …specialists in the current study rated themselves as relatively well prepared to perform these benefits counseling job functions, with benefits advisement rated the highest (M = 4.23, SD = 0.76), followed by benefits screening (M = 4.15, SD = 0.70), and then by benefits management (M = 3.75, SD = 0.96). However, multi-trait analysis also suggested that there might be more than three essential job functions for benefits counseling specialists and more comprehensive research in the future is warranted. Show more

Keywords: Professional competency study, practice analysis, roles and functions, disability benefits specialists

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0507

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 163-173, 2010

Authors: Peer, Jason E. | Tenhula, Wendy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: There has been an intensified focus on assessment of community functioning in individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Several reviews of functional measures for SMI have been published, yet the assessment of vocational functioning has received limited attention. The purpose of this review was to describe existing measures of vocational functioning developed for individuals with SMI. Twelve measures were identified: 9 situational assessments and 3 performance based measures. Information on the development, intended purpose, administration and psychometric properties of each measure was compiled from published reports. To further evaluate and compare these measures they were each rated on 4 criteria: …practicality, reliability, validity, and comprehensiveness. Results indicated that no single measure emerged as superior across all criteria. Most measures had adequate reliability and tended to be well validated, particularly those developed in a research context, while situational assessments had greater practicality. Few measures provided information on their sensitivity to change as a result of intervention. Suggestions for use of specific measures for clinical assessment and outcome evaluation purposes are presented. Challenges to implementation of these measures in contemporary vocational rehabilitation settings are identified and the need for further research in this area is highlighted. Show more

Keywords: Serious mental illness, vocational assessment, situational assessment, vocational outcomes

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0508

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 175-189, 2010

Authors: Donoso, Oscar A. | Hernandez, Brigida | Horin, Elizabeth V.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study examined the testing practices of 150 professionals who conduct psychological assessments for the vocational rehabilitation (VR) system. A convenience sample, participants represented five large and culturally diverse states (i.e. California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas). They responded to a semi-structured, online survey that was created by the authors to examine testing practices. Results indicated that (a) the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory ranked highly in terms of use; (b) the overall test ranking, for the most part, did not vary based on participants’ demographic and professional characteristics; (c) neuropsychological instruments were commonly endorsed; …and (d) projectives were not commonly used. Although findings corroborate prior research with regards to continued use of “popular” instruments, they also suggest increased use of psychometrically sound tests. Show more

Keywords: Psychological assessment, vocational rehabilitation, test usage

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0509

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 191-200, 2010