Recently I saw a client for a Vocational Assessment. Just to refresh your memory a vocational assessment  is used to identify the worker’s employment history, skills, strengths and interests. We also discuss a variety of industries/employment opportunities that could be suitable for sustainable job prospects whilst considering the restrictions related to the worker’s injury. This assessment can also be used to identify suitable short and long term job options and investigates the training and/or up-skilling required for job preferences when re-entering the open labour market.

They lady I saw had a physical injury and a subsequent psychological condition as a result of her physical injury.  Her psychological symptoms in particular were making it difficult for her to stay in her custom relations position within the aviation industry. At the start of the vocational assessment this lady did not appear to have much confidence in being successful in obtaining alternative work, and she was unsure of exactly what type of job she could do.  By the end of the assessment and with my guidance we were able to identify a multitude of transferable skills including but not limited to her ability to meet deadlines, effectively liaise with customers and service providers and her administrative skills. We also identified several alternative employment options as part of the vocational assessment which gave my client direction and confidence in her ability to work in another role. She then felt able to go out and start networking and subsequently found out about an available position within her identified interest areas of customer relations and administration.

Through a series of Job Search Training Sessions where I assisted this lady with resume development and mock interviews she was now ready to start applying for work. I am happy to say that she applied for and was successful in obtaining the position that she identified through her networking.  This is just one example of the many benefits of a Vocational Assessment and Job Search Training.

Blog –  Angela Hesson (Occupational Therapist)