“Skills in Action” Assessment
Kathy Moeller, Founder, BRAIN BOOK® System
Keri Bennett, Vocational Rehabilitation
Michael O'Connell, Ph.D.
Assessment is best conducted in a job setting
Assessment is optimized when compensatory tools are introduced (and later taught)
Compensatory tools that are tailored to meet the specific needs of persons with brain
injury optimize outcome
The BRAIN BOOK® System “Work Manager” is essentially a cognitive orthothic designed specifically for the purpose of assisting persons with brain injury return to work. The “Work Manager” is the primary tool used by BRAIN BOOK® System skills trainers and job coaches. The skills taught all relate to assisting the worker master and “close the loop” with respect to essential cognitive processes.
BRAIN BOOK® System defines “cognition” as “information capture, information storage, information retrieval and information use.” All four parts of cognition must be addressed – and mastered at some level – for a person with brain injury or other cognitive impairment to be able to work again at the most independent level.
How BRAIN BOOK® System “Work Manager” works best (note that remote assessments are possible via BRAIN BOOK® System webinars)
Step 1: Vocational counselor screens candidate to assess pre-injury experience and
skills, level of injury, presenting brain-injury symptoms, and client’s willingness
to try to use compensatory tools.
Step 2: In a joint meeting with BRAIN BOOK® System supervisor, the BRAIN BOOK
System “Work Manager” is introduced for the purpose of obtaining initial
feedback from the client. (Again, if a qualified BRAIN BOOK System staff
person is not available, this can be accomplished remotely via the Internet)
Step 3: Together with the client, the vocational counselor and BRAIN BOOK® System
staff locates an appropriate work site wherein the client can be assessed,
using “Work Manager” skills and tools.
Step 4: BRAIN BOOK® System staff conducts a work-site evaluation using BRAIN
BOOK® System tools and skills. This may be possible remotely.
The focus is on worker’s willingness and ability to follow instructions for using
the following tools:
Writing “Memory Notes” related to work assignments - Memory Notes for Work
Following steps for executing routine work tasks using Work
ROUTINES Card memory cues -
Daily Work Routines, Work Orientation
Following the steps for being oriented at work and using STEPS
cards for “Starting Work,” “Doing Job” and “Leaving Worksite” (link to
come)
Writing “Schedule Notes” to schedule starting times, breaks, lunch,
leaving times and other essential work-related scheduling items - Schedule Page
Willingness and ability to use STEPS cards to do non-routine work
tasks (link to come)
Willingness and ability to use “Problem Solving” section of the
“Work Manager” (link to come)
Step 5: A BRAIN BOOK® System supervisor will write a report and submit it to vocational counselor. This report will address the client’s willingness and ability to learn compensatory strategies, recommendations regarding appropriate work options, recommendations regarding reasonable accommodations and time and cost estimate for retraining and/or job development, if appropriate.
Note that BRAIN BOOK® System will come to your location to conduct trainer training seminars for skills trainers and job coaches. Write to Kathy Moeller for more information.
Step 6: If the worker is determined to be a candidate for job retraining, using the BRAIN BOOK® System “Work Manager” job coaching will commence at the worksite.
For more information on the “Skills in Action” assessment, contact:
Medford, Oregon
e-mail: Kathym@brainbook.com
Kearney, Nebraska
308.865.5012
Email: keri.bennett@vr.ne.gov
Rogue Valley Psychological Associates
728 Cardley Avenue
Medford, OR 97504
541.773.4077
