Everything You Should Know About Vocational Evaluation and Vocational Assessment
In many legal cases, attorneys rely on vocational evaluations to determine a persons ability to work and earn income. Whether to support their clients claim or challenge the opposing partys position, hiring a qualified vocational evaluator is often crucial.
What Is a Vocational Evaluation?
A vocational evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a certified vocational evaluator that examines an individuals work capabilities and earning potential. It answers questions such as: Can the person work at all? What types of jobs are suitable? And what wages can they expect?
Vocational evaluators typically hold advanced degrees and certifications and use reliable methods and data to evaluate skills, limitations, and employment options.
When your lawyer requests a vocational evaluation, your participation is important. If the evaluation is ordered by the opposing side, your attorney will advise you on how much to cooperate.
How Does a Vocational Evaluation Work?
A typical vocational evaluation follows several steps:
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Review of Documents
The evaluator reviews relevant recordslike education, work history, medical files, and trainingto understand your employability. -
Interview with the Client
Youll discuss your work history, career goals, limitations, training needs, and job search efforts. -
Collateral Interviews
The evaluator may speak with family, healthcare providers, or past employers for additional insights. -
Vocational Testing
Standardized tests assess your aptitudes, skills, personality, and work preferences. -
Transferable Skills Assessment
The evaluator identifies your skills and potential alternative jobs you might perform. -
Labor Market Research
Research is done on local job availability that matches your qualifications and abilities. -
Preliminary Findings Review
The evaluator might review initial conclusions with you for accuracy. -
Final Report
A detailed report is created for your attorney, outlining your employability, possible jobs, and expected earnings.
When the evaluation is conducted for the opposing party, some steps (like direct interviews) may be skipped, relying more on documents and deposition testimony.
Why Are Vocational Evaluations Important?
Vocational evaluations play a key role in cases involving:
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Disability benefits claims (government or insurance), to demonstrate reduced work ability.
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Personal injury lawsuits, to prove lost earning capacity.
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Wrongful termination disputes, to evaluate prospects for similar employment.
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Family law matters, where earning potential affects alimony or child support.
The Four Main Parts of a Vocational Evaluation
A thorough vocational evaluation generally includes:
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Interview and Medical Record Review
Gathering detailed information about your work, education, health, and personal situation. -
Vocational Testing
Administering tests to assess abilities, coordination, interests, and work values. -
Labor Market Research
Analyzing local job opportunities that fit your skills and qualifications. -
Integration and Reporting
Combining all data to form an expert opinion about your employability and earning capacity, summarized in a comprehensive report.
Vocational Evaluation vs. Vocational Assessment
Though related, these terms differ. A vocational evaluation is the full process the evaluator undertakes. The vocational assessment is the experts final opinion and summary that results from the evaluation.
Cost of a Vocational Evaluation
Today, a vocational evaluation typically costs between $4,900 and $5,400, with additional fees if the evaluator must testify in court. While costly, the value it adds in supporting or defending your case often outweighs the expense.
Is Hiring a Vocational Evaluator Worth It?
In most cases, yes. A professional vocational evaluation can protect your financial interests and provide crucial evidence. Its particularly important if underemployment, disability, or future earning capacity is in question.
Choosing the Right Vocational Evaluator
Select a vocational evaluator with extensive experience who can conduct a detailed evaluation and prepare a strong report tailored to your case.
Conclusion
Knowing what is a vocational evaluation and how a vocational assessment is performed is vital in legal matters involving work ability and income potential. Talk to your attorney to decide if a vocational evaluator can benefit your situation.
