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.