S & H offers a full range of worker’s compensation, LTD/STD, personal injury and major medical case management services, customized for your individual needs. We are dedicated to your complete satisfaction.
Vocational Assessment and Intervention
Entails an initial in-person meeting with the injured worker/insured by the vocational specialist. The purpose being to obtain their work history, educational background, medical status, ADLs, skills, hobbies, motivational levels, goals and current functional levels based on medical documentation. Assets and Barriers are identified and recommendations are made for appropriate ongoing vocational services.
Employability Evaluation or Hypothetical Employability Evaluation is utilized when the Claims Examiner needs a basic understanding of the employability of the injured worker/insured without an in-person assessment. Based on material obtained from the claim file, the vocational specialist will determine the insured’s ability to be employed given their age, education, work experience and abilities. Labor force and wage statistics are also provided as part of this evaluation.
Using data obtained during the Vocational Assessment or from claim’s documents, the vocational specialist will identify alternative employment options consistent with the injured worker/insured’s physical abilities and prior experiences. This analysis is utilized in conjunction with both Vocational and Employability Assessments. The results of the analysis are then covered in our initial report with other information obtained during the Vocational Assessment.
Once specific occupational goals are identified, the Vocational Specialist will assist the injured worker/insured with development of a resume, job seeking skills training and training in how to access local resources to support their job placement process. When the injured worker is job ready, our employment specialists engage in contacting employers and arranging for interviews. We also expect the injured worker to be actively involved with job search activities, a condition reflected in their rehabilitation plan. Once placement occurs, the vocational specialist will follow up to ensure a successful transition back to the work force.
Based on direct contact with employers in the injured worker/insured’s geographic area, employment opportunities are identified, along with hiring trends and salaries. These surveys can be performed nationwide and can be used in conjunction with Employability Evaluations.
A job analysis is performed when questions arise as to whether an injured worker/insured can perform their job duties or to address causation issues. S&H routinely includes a video of the job as part of this written analysis. The analysis can also be reviewed with the physician to assist in securing a release, establishing a base line for a work hardening program or to provide an opinion regarding issues of causation. This product includes a video as well as a detailed report outlining the essential functions and required physical demands of the job.
This evaluation of the injured employee’s work area is made to determine if modifications of the work station/area can be made to accommodate the injured worker/insured’s medical restrictions and allow for a successful return to work.
Retraining Support is at times useful in providing the insured/injured worker with short term retraining to supplement their skills; increasing their ability to enter their local labor market. The Vocational Specialist will conduct vocational testing to identify interests and abilities; ensuring the injured worker/insured is able to succeed in the proposed training program. The Vocational Specialist will also coordinate the insured/injured worker’s registration for courses with the training facility, and will closely assess the injured worker/insured’s performance and intercede if problems develop.
Our Vocational Specialists will provide testimony as a vocational expert regarding an individual’s vocational status. We will offer opinions at depositions and trials, on the employability and earning capacity of an individual determined to have diminished physical capacity. Testimony is usually based on a vocational assessment and review of medical, vocational, educational and financial records.
Third Party Vocational Assessments
These evaluations are performed at the request of defense or plaintiff attorneys to determine the vocational/employability potential and earning capacity of an individual who has suffered a personal injury resulting in diminished physical or cognitive capacity. Depending on the circumstances, the vocational evaluation may be conducted in person or based on documents provided by the attorney. Vocational testing may be included if an in-person evaluation occurs.
