During Fiscal Year 2023, data and statistics show an overall 10% increase in vocational service referrals to Career Assessment Systems, Inc. over FY 2022. This increase may be attributed to CAS continuing to work in a non-traditional format because Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities has sanctioned it, and it continues to be successful. CAS remains innovative in the delivery of quality vocational rehabilitation services, which are highly utilized by a majority of vocational rehabilitation counselors who seek superior information and advocate successful decision making power, allowing for very successful Individual Plans of Employment for the participants they served in 2023.

Of all comprehensive vocational evaluation referral starts in FY 2023, 100% of services were completed within the authorized time frame, 100% of reports were completed within the authorization period, and 100% within CAS efficiency timelines. These excellent results reflect CAS staff commitment to efficiency in order to meet the new mandated standards established by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities as a part of the present Provider manual and fee schedule.

Demographics of referrals continue to support the accessibility of services to all participants regardless of age, gender, race, heritage, cultural background, disability or economic level. Minority participants represented 28% of all referrals, 43% of all referrals were female, 56% were male, and 1% were defined as other. The majority, 88% of participants were between the ages of 18 and 65. Participants with varying degrees of disabilities were served by Career Assessment Systems Services, including nearly 26% diagnosed with some degree of physical disability. Of these, 56% represented a duel diagnosis of physical/mental disabilities. Separate dual diagnosis referrals represented less than 4% of all referrals. 100% of the counselors who returned satisfaction surveys gave a “very good to excellent” rating that certified vocational evaluation services addressed or provided specific information and were effective in addressing participant‘s vocational questions and needs in the development of a successful Individual Plan of Employment. This rating is consistent and reflects CAS exceptional staff experience and their ability to adjust to the changing needs of OOD counselors as they work together in a professional relationship. Counselors who commented on their surveys shared the following quotes: “CAS Evaluators always do a good job. Especially with staffings”, “CAS Evaluators do a fantastic job”, “Both Evaluators I work with do a wonderful job with narrowing down the jobs list for a good fit”, “Very fast. Thank you” “I love working with CAS evaluators, they are excellent”, “Great job as always”, “Nice customer service”, “Thank you, enjoyed working with CAS Evaluators”.

The true effectiveness of Career Assessment Systems vocational services can be measured based on the number of participants who completed and were satisfied with their vocational services experience. After participating in the certified vocational evaluation service and subsequent staffing held with the counselor, participants were given surveys that could be returned to CAS using self-addressed stamped envelopes (provided after in-person staffing) or via e-mail (sent after remote staffing). 97% of participants indicated first contact with CAS after being referred was less than 10 days, which is above the target CARF goal of 85%. 100% of the participants gave a good to excellent rating being completely satisfied with the “certified vocational evaluation service experience” they were involved in. It should be noted that some participants, even though contacted as soon as possible after CAS received the referral from OOD, perceived a time lapse and confusion relative to their first contact with OOD. Participants who commented on their surveys shared the following quotes: “Perfect for me”, “Excellent service provided”, “Everyone was super helpful”, “The evaluator took his time to understand me”, “A plus”.

CAS continues to be exceptional in providing Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation services for both participants and vocational rehabilitation counselors throughout the State of Ohio.

Respectfully Submitted,
Erica Kozma, M.Ed., CRC / W. Brad Hale, President
Career Assessment Systems, Inc.