Vocational Rehabilitation Process

Vocational Rehabilitation helps to identify and achieve an appropriate occupational goal for a person, given their state of health and the extent of their education, skills and experience. Vocational intervention services with PCVRS aim to improve employability so the Participant can build the skills and confidence needed to find meaningful employment. Every Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program (RSVP) Participant receives an initial vocational assessment by PCVRS to determine potential for employment.

Vocational Rehabilitation Goals

Once all vocational assessments are complete, occupational goals will be identified. Vocational Rehabilitation goals focus on what the Participant needs to be employable, with consideration of their skills and abilities. This means identifying occupational goals that are comparable to their work experience, skills, and income, while ensuring that any health considerations are fully considered. Participants can work toward their vocational goals while receiving medical and psycho-social interventions.

The Objective of Vocational Interventions and vocational support

Vocational interventions help RSVP Participants become employable in life after service. The Rehabilitation Service Specialist VOC (RSS - VOC) will work closely with program Participants to identify occupational goals that build on their education, skills, and experience while taking into consideration any limitations caused by their eligible health problems. Medical interventions to improve employability may include working with a Rehabilitation Service Professional to provide targeted support, such as improving fine motor coordination or memory training. Depending on the Participant’s needs and occupational goals, vocational interventions may include formal training or skills building, job search preparation and support, and active job search assistance, including job placement services.

What does Vocational Rehabilitation look like?

If the Participant has a wide range of work and training experience acquired before, during or after their military career, the RSS-VOC may explore options that align with their experience.

There are several possible scenarios.

If the Participant has experience in the mechanical field but no longer has the ability to do physical work, supervisory or teaching roles in this field could be explored.

If the Participant started their military career at an early age and accumulated management experience, the RSS-VOC can help them identify positions with this type of responsibility, build a resume that accurately reflects their skills, and identify short training courses based on prior learning.

If time has passed since the Participant’s military career ended, and they have subsequently gained valuable experience , the RSS-VOC will look at the skills they have developed recently to identify the best strategy for a return to appropriate employment.   

Depending on the Participants specific challenges, their interventions might include targeted therapy to improve cognitive skills for situational decision-making, or technology training to enhance computer skills.

Why Vocational Rehabilitation Matters

Vocational Rehabilitation aims to enhance quality of life, addresses social determinants of health, and support financial independence through appropriate employment. . By engaging in vocational rehabilitation, Participants can gain confidence through community participation while improving emotional well-being. The PCVRS team supports Participant’s vocational rehabilitation every step of the way.