Vocational Services VOCATIONAL COUNSELING ORNetwork is comprised of master’s level vocational consultants who have extensive industry experience and are nationally certified as Rehabilitation Counselors. These consultants provide individuals with information and assistance in the development and use of skills necessary for decision making in identifying potential career paths. This process entails analyzing an individual’s transferable skills, assessing aptitudes and interests, and counseling to facilitate an effective career decision making process. An individual’s work history is reviewed and profiled according to worker traits developed by the Department of Labor. When indicated, the consultant can provide standardized vocational testing to evaluate critical vocational factors. Based upon an individual’s profile and unique needs, occupational alternatives are identified. Once viable career goals are established and confirmed, a formal plan to achieve the goal is developed outlining the specific steps needed for success. CAREER EXPLORATION Career exploration is a critical component of vocational counseling for career planning as well as for employability evaluations. When conducted in a methodical and objective manner, this research clarifies the factors that determine a “match” between a person and a job. Research is conducted to identify the skills and criteria for selected professions as well as to determine the availability and wage expectations of such jobs within a specified geographical area. In all cases, research is done in accordance with professionally accepted, standard practices. Best results are attained by accessing U.S. Department of Labor statistics, utilizing the internet to access a wide range of job banks, contacting trade associations, reviewing help wanted advertisements, and communicating directly with employers either telephonically or in person. JOB DEVELOPMENT AND PLACEMENT Upon the identification of a career goal, job development and placement services are provided. These services are highly focused upon the development of effective job seeking skills in conjunction with the identification of appropriate employers to contact. The one to one coaching provided by ORNetwork consultants addresses strategies to access the hidden job market to broaden job leads, networking with colleagues and related professionals, the development of interviewing techniques specific to an industry, and how to maintain motivation and focus, all factors which greatly increase the likelihood for successful placement.