How do job retention services in vocational rehabilitation work?

I'm looking into vocational rehabilitation for a career and wondering how job retention services function. What's involved in helping clients keep or improve employment once they start working?

Job retention services in vocational rehabilitation focus on supporting clients to stay employed, improve in their job, or transition to another job if necessary. After an individual has secured employment, job retention services aim to ensure that the job is a good fit for the individual and that they can perform well in that role over the long term.

There are several key components to job retention services:

1. Ongoing Support: Vocational rehabilitation professionals regularly check in with clients and their employers to ensure that they're adjusting well to their new role. Conversations might revolve around whether the client feels comfortable in the work environment, whether they're meeting their job expectations, and whether they need any additional accommodations or support.

2. Job Coaching: Some vocational rehabilitation programs provide job coaching services that consist of on-the-job support to help the individual learn job duties, develop effective work habits, and build successful relationships with colleagues and supervisors. Job coaches can help with problem solving, interpersonal conflict resolution, and managing the many small stresses and issues that arise in any job.

3. Advocacy: They may advocate for the client if necessary, encouraging the employer to make necessary accommodations or changes in the work environment to support the job retention of an individual with a disability. This could be done through formal or informal discussions with the employer or HR team.

4. Skill Development: This might involve developing new skills or improving current ones in order to meet job performance expectations. It could involve identifying meaningful professional development opportunities, setting personal career goals, and crafting a strategic plan to achieve them.

5. Career progression: The professionals can also assist with career progression. They can provide career counseling and help the individual identify new career development opportunities within or outside of their current workplace.

6. Medical Management: If the individual's disability or health condition requires ongoing medical management, the vocational rehabilitation professional might work with medical providers to ensure that the individual's job duties align with their ability and health status.

Remember, the specifics of job retention services might vary from one vocational rehabilitation program to another. Therefore, it is essential to discuss this with the service provider to understand what specific support will be offered.