Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation (DVE).

Helping you find work that inspires and excites.

BENEFITS OF DVE

  • Increased awareness of one’s vocational strengths, limitations, interests, and values

  • Availability of the career options, understanding of the current job market, and training/educational opportunities.

  • Guidance and support by the EPRA staff in developing a realistic and meaningful direction leading to employment that is compatible with individual recovery from alcoholism and substance abuse.

  • Ongoing coordination between EPRA staff and a ACCES-VR counselor in assessing clients current work readiness and potential to benefit from further training

DVE is particularly beneficial to individuals in early recovery who lack vocational awareness and direction as well as rehabilitated people who have been unable to sustain successful employment.

What is the DVE?

The Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation (DVE) is a ten day program over a four-week period, offered each month and consists of group work and individual counseling sessions. Workskills-Assessments are given to determine academic and practical strengths and weaknesses. 

Over the course of the DVE, clients explore vocational interests, identify transferable skills, and develop a realistic vocational plan.

Psycho-educational workshops focus on enhancing communication abilities, increasing coping strategies, educating clients about vocational resources, improving self-presentation and interviewing skills, reducing vocational barriers, and maintaining rehabilitation.

Each client is assigned an individual vocational counselor to assist and support them throughout the DVE. Clients will determine realistic vocational goals through classroom.

At the end of the four weeks, clients have the opportunity to meet with a counselor from the New York State Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR, formerly known as VESID) to discuss future steps.

For those who qualify, ACCES-VR provides funding for training, internship, and/or job placement services. 

How it works

  • Evaluation

    An evaluation helps identify consumer’s vocational strengths, areas in need of improvement, transferable skills, and vocational options. ACCES uses these evaluations to determine if the consumer’s vocational goal is realistic and what his/her next steps will be. § EPRA’s DVE is an example of an evaluation

  • Internships

    An internship offers consumers with the opportunity to volunteer (unpaid) in their desired field for a short period of time. The internship provides a forum for consumers to gain relevant and recent experience, cultivate positive work behaviors, and assess their skills and aptitude in the field. EPRA’s SAP is an example of an internship experience.

  • Training

    Training provides consumers with marketable skills and necessary credentials to be hired in their chosen field. To qualify for training, there must be a reasonable chance that you will be able to obtain stable employment using this skill within the region. Training must come from ACCES approved vendors, such as vocational schools, colleges, or agencies. EPRA does not offer trainings

  • Job Placement

    Job placement assists consumers with locating job opportunities, submitting applications and resumes, and preparing for interviews. § EPRA’s JRT/JP is an example of Job Placement services.

  • Additional Follow Up

    Sometimes after the initial evaluation a client will need additional screenings before proceeding with internship, training, or job placement. For example, a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is an assessment done with an ACCES appointed Physician to test the client’s physical capabilities and limitations in a specific field. A Psychological Evaluation may be recommended to identify psychological issues that need to be addressed before training, such as learning disabilities or mental health issues.