Definition - What does Vocational Objective mean?
A vocational objective is a career-oriented statement made at the outset of an education or rehabilitation program for individuals with disabilities and patients who sustained a work-related injury(s) who are seeking gainful employment or reinstatement to a previous position. A vocational rehabilitation counselor assists with coordinating, developing, and implementing an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) document covering information about the individual?s strategy to enter or reenter the labor force. A vocational objective serves as a fundamental guide for applicants and/or employees weighing career path opportunities while taking into consideration their abilities, expectations, interests, and strengths.
SureHire explains Vocational Objective
Selecting a potential new career after a disabling injury is often based on independent factors such as educational status, previous experience, and physical capacity. A consultant obtains vocational objectives from a client to align their personal ambitions and professional needs with achieving professional success. The process of realizing short-term and/or long-term goals may require modifying any preliminary steps set out from the beginning of the program.
A Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) counselor fills out the appropriate IPE documentation, with periodic reviews to determine any changes made for update purposes. The counselor instructs clients about their informed choice privilege that stipulates all rehabilitative programs and services tailored for a specific job position.
To accomplish vocational objective(s), counselors use clinical methods starting with an initial vocational assessment, functional analysis evaluation, physical demands analysis, and a return to work plan. Each subcategory targets different factors in helping people to attain their ultimate career goals within the scope of physical and cognitive requirements.
For instance, individuals with disabilities may be faced with certain limitations and restrictions, depending on their condition, accounting for variables that may potentially affect job placement. Relevant factors can include general job description duties and tasks, environmental hazards, available adaptive/assistive equipment, duration of work shift(s), modification to a current position, or reassignment to a different position. A vocational objective may be subject to altering an individual?s IPE action because the individual lacks physical stamina and/or is incapable of performing basic techniques such as bending, carrying, lifting, squatting, and twisting.
