About VocFit
We (Andy Persch & Dennis Cleary) developed the Vocational Fit Assessment (VFA) to provide accurate, person-centered measures of work-related interests and adaptive behavior (Persch et al., 2015b). The VFA consists of the: (1) VFA-Worker and VFA-Job, which are used to assess workers' abilities (High Ability, Some Ability, Low Ability) and job demands (High Demand, Some Demand, Low Demand), respectively, using standard item stems; (2) Demands & Abilities Transforming Algorithm, which transforms VocFit data for analysis and clinical action; and (3) Job Matching Reports, which visualizes vocational fit "VocFit" by identifying the pros and cons of each potential job match and areas of need that are suitable for intervention (e.g., job training, accommodations, modifications). Stakeholders (e.g., People with DD, families, providers, employers) engaged in the shared decision-making process central to customized employment may use VocFit data to guide intervention, target potential problems, and monitor response to intervention.
VocFit is a valid and reliable employment assessment (Persch et al., 2015b) that uses data visualization to describe a person's current ability, measure change over time, and match that person to potential jobs. The 133 items in VocFit are divided into eleven subscales: Physical Abilities, Self-Determination, Work Structure, Cognitive Abilities, Computer Skills, Higher and Lower Task Abilities, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Safety and General Work Attributes. These items are based on U.S. Department of Labor datasets and were validated by employment experts nationwide.
VocFit is widely accessible through a custom-designed, free-to-use web app for job seekers and other stakeholders to the customized employment process. This novel decision support system has the potential to (1) provide a valuable measure of employment status for people with DD in transition to employment, (2) improve job matching decisions, and (3) inform the selection of employment support interventions while (4) decreasing costs and increasing efficiency of the job placement process.
VocFit is a valid and reliable employment assessment (Persch et al., 2015b) that uses data visualization to describe a person's current ability, measure change over time, and match that person to potential jobs. The 133 items in VocFit are divided into eleven subscales: Physical Abilities, Self-Determination, Work Structure, Cognitive Abilities, Computer Skills, Higher and Lower Task Abilities, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Safety and General Work Attributes. These items are based on U.S. Department of Labor datasets and were validated by employment experts nationwide.
VocFit is widely accessible through a custom-designed, free-to-use web app for job seekers and other stakeholders to the customized employment process. This novel decision support system has the potential to (1) provide a valuable measure of employment status for people with DD in transition to employment, (2) improve job matching decisions, and (3) inform the selection of employment support interventions while (4) decreasing costs and increasing efficiency of the job placement process.
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Quote from one of the creators:
Job matching is the collaborative, data-based decision-making process used by transition teams to determine the best fit between an individual’s abilities and preferences and the job’s environmental and occupational demands
Persch et al., 2015a |
What is VocFit?
Vocational Fit Assessment
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Vocational Fit Assessment Rating Scale
Worker Abilities |
Score |
Job Environment & Occupational Demands |
Independent |
High = 2 |
Essential |
With Support |
Some = 1 |
Some of the time |
Dependent, unsure |
Low = 0 |
Almost never, none |
References
- Persch, A. C., Cleary, D. S., Rutkowski, S., Malone, H. C., Darragh, A. R., & Case-Smith, J. D. (2015). Current practices in job matching for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation.
- Persch, A. C., Gugiu, P. C., Onate, J. A., & Cleary, D. S. (2015). Development and psychometric evaluation of the Vocational Fit Assessment. American Journal of Occupational Therapy.
- Persch, A. C., Darragh, A. R., Cleary, D. S., Tanner, K. (2015) Job matching practices of professionals supporting individuals with disabilities in transition to employment. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 57, 85-86.
- Persch, A. C., Grooms, A., Case, C., Weisshaar, R., & Cleary, D. S. (2016). Systematic job matching for individuals with intellectual disabilities. OT Practice, 21(11), 1-7.
- Cleary, D., & Persch, A. C. (2018). Transition to Adulthood. In & J. C. O’Brien & H.M. Kuhaneck (Eds.), Case-Smith’s Occupational therapy for children and adolescents. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby/Elsevier
- Persch, A., Parsons, C., Pfeiffer, B., Kramer, J. M., & Cleary, D. S. (2023). Vocational Fit Assessment (VFA) Clinical Utility & Algorithm Accuracy. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy