The Implications for Consumers of Practices and Policies in Job Development: Report of a Pilot Study
Consumers of vocational rehabilitation services are increasingly directing the decisions made about these services. These decisions frequently include making choices about whether to work with a job development professional, and choosing such a professional from among available options. Such choices will be made most effectively when they are guided by knowledge and understanding of the different alternatives. There is considerable variability among Job developers with respect to qualifications in terms of education, experience, and training, as well as In terms of pay rates and pay arrangements (e.g., salary, fee-for-placement, bonuses for placement), and caseload size. It is important to evaluate and understand this variability and its potential effect on outcomes for consumers. Toward this end, this article reports the results of a pilot project conducted in an effort to begin to identify specific areas of differences among Job developers. Results and recommendations based on this project are presented for counselors and consumers.