7 – Closure and Post Employment
Closure
Significant counselor/consumer contact is recommended after suitable job placement has been made to be certain that the consumer has made a satisfactory adjustment. Remember, it is not usually the consumer’s inability to perform the work tasks that interferes with his/her continued and successful employment. Counselors must attend to the following:
- Is the employment suited to the consumer’s education, abilities and choice?
- Is the employer aware of the consumer’s hearing loss? Accepting of it?
- Is the workplace environment arranged to best facilitate communication?
- Are assistive listening devices going to be used? Do they know how to operate them?
- Is all needed technology in place, operational and easily maintained?
- Are consumer’s supervisor and co-workers comfortable and successful in communicating with consumer?
- Are procedures in place to provide assistive listening devices or other appropriate accommodations for staff meetings and training?
- Has the consumer been counseled regarding their responsibilities for future technology needs (replacement hearing aids, etc.)?
- Do the consumer and the employer understand post-employment services that may be available from VR?
Post-Employment Services
At the time of IPE development, and at the time of closure, the counselor must inform the consumer of the potential for post-employment services. When the consumer requests additional services after closure, the VR counselor must determine whether it is most appropriate to provide services in post-employment or open a new case. If there are new or extensive issues to be addressed to resolve problems on the job or if the consumer is changing to a new job or position, a new case may be considered.
If the consumer needs minimal assistance to address on the job difficulties, post-employment may be appropriate. Since eligibility does not have to be re-established, the counselor can act quickly in a job threatening situation. Some post-employment services that may be considered for consumers who are hard of hearing or late deafened include:
- Consultation or technical assistance to a work site supervisor
- Work site assessment and recommendations for modification if the work site changes
- Replacement and/or repair of hearing aid (consumer should be counseled prior to case closure of his/her expected role in contribution or full payment dependent upon situation and salary
- Troubleshooting and problem solving in conflict situations
Conclusion
After finishing this section, return to the answers for the Self-Analysis Questionnaire. Review the ratings for the questionnaire to determine any differences and thoughts after completing this training.