Common Case Situations
The following topics are often encountered by our customer base. It is challenging to apply the DOT as it was built to these "gray areas". Over the years, SkillTRAN has developed these suggested ways of interpreting existing information that may be helpful. Nothing will replace your good judgment and careful review of occupations suggested in any computerized search results.
The suggestions below for adjusting worker characteristics are prepared by SkillTRAN's resident vocational expert, Jeffrey A. Truthan, a Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE). His 40+ years of experience in diverse settings in the rehabilitation industry along with experience handling thousands of analyses every year contribute to these suggestions.
The ultimate responsibility for adjustment of worker characteristics remains exclusively with you. You should have good evidence to support your choice of any restrictions you use. Be prepared to defend your choices.
The characteristics reported about occupations have greatly improved the ability of the vocational professional to isolate suitable occupations. Other health care professionals (especially physicians) need to understand the definitions of these characteristics. Work with them to arrive at a mutual understanding of the definitions used. Learn all you can about the client, the worker characteristics as defined in the Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs and the frequency distribution of these characteristics (DOT Pocket Guide). Carefully consider the occupational alternatives identified in the computer search to validate the search results in the context of your knowledge of the local industry and its typical demands on workers in such occupations.
For long term planning, set worker characteristics to the levels expected when maximum medical improvement is achieved.
If training or retraining is anticipated, set GED and SVP characteristics to the anticipated post-training levels.
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Repetitive Motion Disorders
Wednesday, 13 February 2013Repetitive Motion Disorders Set Strength = Recommended value (probably = Light) Set Physical Demand - Fingering = Occasional Avoid Temperament R (Repetitive / Short Cycle work) Rationale: Some or all...
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Sit-Stand Occupations
Wednesday, 13 February 2013Sit / Stand Jobs Set Strength = Light Rationale: The DOL aggregates its observations of: Sitting, walking, and standing (positions of the worker's body) Weights lifted or carried Forces executed to p...
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Use of only One Hand / One Arm
Wednesday, 13 February 2013One Hand / One Arm Set Physical Demand RE - Reaching = Frequent Set Physical Demand HA - Handling = Frequent Set Aptitude M - (Manual Dexterity) = 4 (Below Average) Rationale: DOL job analysts record...
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Using GATB, CareerScope and Similar Aptitude Tests
Wednesday, 13 February 2013Using GATB (and similar) Results for Aptitude Adjustments Rationale: The General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) was constructed to measure 9 of the 11 aptitudes used to describe typical aptitude requir...
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Visual Impairments
Wednesday, 13 February 2013Visual Impairments Adjust Physical Demands: Near and Far Acuity, Depth Perception, Color Vision, Accommodation, and Field of Vision Adjust Environmental Conditions: High Places, Moving Mechanical Par...
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Knee or Ankle Injury
Wednesday, 13 February 2013Knee / Ankle Injury Adjust Physical Demands: Strength, Climbing, Balancing, Kneeling, Crouching, Crawling Adjust Environmental Conditions: Vibration and High, Exposed Places Adjust Aptitude E - Eye/H...
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Using Grade Levels in GED-RML
Wednesday, 13 February 2013Using Grade Levels for GED-RML Study the GED Levels for a better understanding of these factors. Grade levels cited are only guidelines. Rationale: The US DOL explains ( RHAJ - Chapter 7 ) that the l...
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