Division Policy 2.21

SUBJECT

Qualifications and Requirements for performing vocational assessments

EFFECTIVE DATE

February 16, 2010

REVIEW DATE

January 18, 2013

EXPIRATION DATE

This policy will be reviewed and updated as needed

PURPOSE

To provide minimum acceptable standards for those individuals the division uses for vocational assessments who are not Certified Vocational Evaluators and gained the Certified Vocational Evaluator, CVE, designation. 

POLICY

Individuals who have not gained the CVE designation must meet requirements set by the Division of Blind Services in order to provide quality services to our clients.  The services and initial samples of reports from the prospective evaluator will be reviewed by a panel that will include the DBS’s Vocational Assessment Consultant, selected DBS Client Services staff member and CRP representative.  Any evaluator’s services and/or reports that do not meet quality standards and requirements will not be utilized by the Division of Blind Services. Any evaluator that has been approved and is currently providing services and reports to the Division of Blind Services can be reviewed by the Vocational Assessment Consultant and panel at any time.  If these services do not meet the requirements and quality of services, the evaluator’s services will not be utilized. Vocational Evaluators associated with a facility/agency that has expertise in vision rehabilitation will be the preferred vendor

Educational and Other Requirements:

1. A Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, education or related field.
2. Courses/classes will include Testing and Measurement, Methods of Research, Personnel Testing Methods, Job Analysis, Labor Market Information, Report Writing, Test Administration/Interpretation, Work Samples, and Computerized assessment instruments.  If a prospective evaluator wants to request that a class be considered as an equivalent to the listed class areas, a class description and transcript must be provided to the Vocational Assessment Consultant and panel.
3. Transcripts of the listed class areas from an accredited university will be provided to the Vocational Assessment Consultant and panel along with a copy of proof of successful graduation from an accredited university.
4. Experience in working with the visually impaired is preferred.

Review Process:

After all transcripts, class descriptions, sample reports, and proof of successful completion of class work have been provided to the Vocational Assessment Consultant and panel, these materials will be reviewed.  An interview with the evaluator will be included as part of this process which can be face to face or by telephone. Additional information may be requested depending on individual situations.  After review and analysis, the panel will make a decision to accept the prospective evaluator or not within three weeks of receipt of materials.  The consultant will call the evaluator to inform of DBS’s acceptance of them providing services to our District Office. In addition, a letter will be provided to the evaluator of acceptance with a copy provided to the appropriate District Office. 

After acceptance of the evaluator to provide vocational assessment services to DBS, continuing educations credits of 80 hours with five years will be required to maintain acceptance by DBS.  These credit hours will be in the areas of vocational assessment, job development, career counseling, professional ethics, vocational testing, Job Analysis, Occupational Information, Functional Aspects of Disability, Vocational Interviewing, Work samples, types of assessments, Behavioral observations, Assessment of Learning, Functional Skills assessments, Report Writing, Modifications and Accommodations, Professional Enhancement, and Standardized Testing.  Blindness courses from the Hadley School will also be included.

Original signed by Joyce Hildreth, Director, on February 16, 2010.