![](https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/plugins/coa-wp/media/COA_logo_bw_print.png)
Vocational Rehabilitation Services Definition
Purpose
Individuals with disabilities who receive vocational rehabilitation services achieve increased community integration, social inclusion, and self-determination through the realization of their vocational goals.Definition
Note: The Vocational Rehabilitation (PA-VOC) Standards cover a range of programs that support individuals with disabilities in achieving their vocational goals. These services can include skill development training, vocational evaluation, work adjustment, job development and placement, supported employment, and work services.
Note: Supported Employment programs will complete PA-VOC 1, PA-VOC 2, PA-VOC 3, PA-VOC 4, PA-VOC 8, PA-VOC 9, and PA-VOC 11.
Note:Please see the PA-VOC Reference List for the research that informed the development of these standards.
Note:For information about changes made in the 2020 Edition, please see the VOC Crosswalk.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PA-VOC) 1: Person-Centered Logic Model
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-VOC 1.01
A program logic model, or equivalent framework, identifies:
- needs the program will address;
- available human, financial, organizational, and community resources (i.e. inputs);
- program activities intended to bring about desired results;
- program outputs (i.e. the size and scope of services delivered);
- desired outcomes (i.e. the changes you expect to see in persons served); and
- expected long-term impact on the agency, community, and/or system.
Examples: Information that may be used to inform the development of the program logic model includes, but is not limited to:
- needs assessments and periodic reassessments; and
- the best available evidence of service effectiveness.
PA-VOC 1.02
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PA-VOC) 2: Personnel
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-VOC 2.01
- an advanced degree in social work or a comparable human service field;
- an advanced degree from a program in vocational rehabilitation or vocational counseling;
- a bachelor’s degree in a human service field and two years experience in the vocational rehabilitation field; and/or
- national or state certification, licensing, or registration in the vocational rehabilitation field.
PA-VOC 2.02
PA-VOC 2.03
- assigning a worker at intake or early in the contact; and
- avoiding the arbitrary or indiscriminate reassignment of direct service personnel.
PA-VOC 2.04
- the qualifications, competencies, and experience of the worker, including the level of supervision needed;
- the work and time required to accomplish assigned tasks and job responsibilities; and
- service volume, accounting for assessed level of needs of persons served.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PA-VOC) 3: Intake and Assessment
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-VOC 3.01
- how well their request matches the agency's services; and
- what services will be available and when.
PA-VOC 3.02
- gather information necessary to identify critical service needs and/or determine when a more intensive service is necessary.
- support timely initiation of services; and
- provide placement on a waiting list, or referral to appropriate resources, when individuals cannot be served or cannot be served promptly.
PA-VOC 3.03
- completed within established timeframes;
- updated as needed based on the needs of persons served; and
- focused on information pertinent for meeting service requests and objectives.
PA-VOC 3.04
- vocational interests, preferences, and goals;
- vocational history, experience, and training;
- skills and aptitudes;
- the need for accommodations or assistive technology;
- level of functioning and relevant health, social, and behavioral factors;
- the need for support services;
- available community resources; and
- individual strengths and resources.
Interpretation: The Assessment Matrix - Private, Public, Canadian, Network determines which level of assessment is required for COA’s Service Sections. The assessment elements of the Matrix can be tailored according to the needs of specific individuals or service design.
designed work stations, enlarged print, special lighting, or text-based telecommunications equipment.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PA-VOC) 4: Vocational Planning and Monitoring
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-VOC 4.01
- agreed upon vocational goals, desired outcomes, and timeframes for achieving them;
- barriers to employment and methods for minimizing their impact;
- services and support to be provided, and by whom;
- possibilities for maintaining and strengthening family relationships and other informal social networks; and
- the individual’s signature.
PA-VOC 4.02
- assume a service coordination role, as appropriate, when the need has been identified and no other agency has assumed that responsibility;
- ensure that they receive appropriate advocacy support;
- assist with access to the full array of services to which they are eligible; and
- mediate barriers to services within the service delivery system.
PA-VOC 4.03
PA-VOC 4.04
- vocational plan implementation;
- progress toward achieving agreed upon goals and desired outcomes; and
- the continuing appropriateness of the agreed upon vocational goals.
PA-VOC 4.05
- review progress toward achievement of agreed upon vocational goals; and
- sign revisions to vocational goals and plans.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PA-VOC) 5: Skill-Development Training
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-VOC 5.01
PA-VOC 5.02
- job search skills;
- job expectations;
- job maintenance skills;
- time management;
- money management;
- work-related interpersonal skills; and
- other work practices, such as payroll deductions, union dues, and insurance.
PA-VOC 5.03
PA-VOC 5.04
- is reviewed every two years with input from local businesses; and
- provides a written course description including the curriculum, location, and meeting time of training sessions.
PA-VOC 5.05
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PA-VOC) 6: Vocational Evaluation Services
Currently viewing: VOCATIONAL EVALUATION SERVICES
VIEW THE STANDARDS
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-VOC 6.01
- identifies strengths and areas in need of improvement;
- evaluates learning styles; and
- provides an opportunity for the individual to explore vocational options.
PA-VOC 6.02
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PA-VOC) 7: Work Adjustment Services
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-VOC 7.01
- measurable objectives and specific outcomes;
- the work environment in which the individual is likely to succeed; and
- personnel responsible for helping the individual to achieve the goals of the plan.
PA-VOC 7.02
- skills that require manual dexterity;
- psychomotor skills;
- skills necessary to find and keep a job; and
- interpersonal and communication skills.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PA-VOC) 8: Job Development Placement Services
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-VOC 8.01
PA-VOC 8.02
- up-to-date information about the local job market, consistent with his or her interests and abilities;
- an assessment of work readiness;
- assistance in developing a job search strategy; and
- interview and negotiation techniques.
PA-VOC 8.03
- increase their occupational exposure;
- bolster their confidence in the workplace environment;
- form reasonable expectations of parents and family members, or natural supports; and
- establish appropriate expectations of employment professionals.
PA-VOC 8.04
- regularly assessing the appropriateness of the placement;
- providing ongoing evaluation of employee satisfaction;
- offering long-term support services, as necessary, to the service recipient; and
- exploring opportunities for career development and advancement.
PA-VOC 8.05
- information about the individual's job;
- initial follow-up within three months of job placement; and
- post-employment contacts.
PA-VOC 8.06
- education about disabilities, job accommodations, and the possibilities for, and benefits of, employing individuals with disabilities ;
- assistance with developing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities;
- identification of and elimination of physical and attitudinal employment barriers; and
- on-site job analysis.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PA-VOC) 9: Supported Employment Services
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-VOC 9.01
- is in the competitive labor market;
- has a competitive wage; and
- is tailored to the individual’s special needs.
PA-VOC 9.02
PA-VOC 9.03
PA-VOC 9.04
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PA-VOC) 10: Work Services
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-VOC 10.01
PA-VOC 10.02
- work conditions, compensation practices, and fringe benefits;
- workplace rules and regulations;
- grievance and appeal procedures; and
- the process persons served follow to achieve community employment.
PA-VOC 10.03
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PA-VOC) 11: Case Closing and Aftercare
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-VOC 11.01
- is a clearly defined process that includes assignment of staff responsibility;
- begins at intake; and
- involves the worker, persons served, and others, as appropriate to the needs and wishes of the individual.
PA-VOC 11.02
PA-VOC 11.03
PA-VOC 11.04
- develop an aftercare plan, sufficiently in advance of case closing, that identifies short- and long-term needs and goals and facilitates the initiation or continuation of needed supports and services; or
- conduct a formal case closing evaluation, including an assessment of unmet need, when the agency has an interagency agreement that does not include aftercare planning or follow-up.