Top 10 Indicators of a 'Good' Vocational School

Saturday, January 29, 2005 | 0

One of the most common questions injured workers, insurance representatives, attorneys, and counselors have is, "How do I know if a vocational school is a good school?" Couched in that question are many other questions, such as, "Can the school accommodate my physical restrictions? Are the instructors capable of teaching me what I need to know to be employable? Can the school help me find a job?"

I've developed a list of factors people can consider when making school choices or recommendations based on my nine years in the industry and based on the comments and opinions of many return-to-work professionals. This list is by no means comprehensive and assumes basics are in place such as BPPVE certifications and approvals. So here goes! Injured workers, insurance reps, attorneys, and counselors will know that a school is good school when:

10. The school admissions people and staff don't bad mouth other schools. A criticism against a school is a criticism against their industry. Also, if the counselor sends an injured worker to another school they have a reason. Schools shouldn't imply that the counselor doesn't know what they are doing by slamming the school they referred their client to.

9. A school doesn't make copies of books and give them to clients. (Yes, this does actually happen). Schools should give their clients real books. Also be sure that instructor handouts and administrative forms look professional, not a copy of a copy of a copy.

8. If a school hires graduates as instructors, they should make sure they are qualified to teach the chosen subject. This means BPPVE certification, training and competency in how to instruct and facilitate, and a sincere desire to help people in our challenging goal of returning injured people to work. BPPVE certification is not a guarantee of instructor competency and effectiveness. Schools should also do Instructor Surveys with their clients to see what they think and use it for coaching their staff to higher and higher standards.

7. If the client is absent or leaves very early, the school should notify the counselor immediately, every time. They should have a clearly articulated process for administrative staff to follow and make sure they are doing it on time, every day. Some counselors prefer phone messages, others faxes, and others prefer both. A good school will give counselors what they want and need so the return-to-work team can best work collaboratively rather than individually.

6. Good schools are problem solvers, not problem reporters. They talk to the client and try to resolve problems ASAP. After they talk to the client, they document, and communicate with the counselor.

5. Good schools aren't afraid to turn down business. If they are not sure if the client can successfully participate, they offer a "no fault" trial period that goes beyond the BPPVE's five day right of rescission. They have instructors clued into the trial period and get daily reports on their progress. Finally, they forward those reports to the counselor with honest appraisals of client progress.

4. Good schools make it easy for clients to talk to them at every level of education and administration. Time is a precious commodity, but touch-base meetings with the clients, usually saves hours of work later on and helps stop problems before they get too big.

3. Good vocational schools don't surprise the injured worker. They don't like change and don't tolerate it well. They are often frustrated with their lives, financially strapped, having relationship problems, and in pain. For example, if a school is going to move a client's desk over the weekend, let them know ahead of time. (I've leaned this the hard way, several times!)

2. When a counselor, attorney, or insurance representative complains or has suggestions, good schools listen and listen hard. They know that they are being told how to make their businesses better. If the person presenting the complaint/suggestion didn't care, they would not tell the school. Instead they would pull the client from the school and stop referring to them.

1. Being a CARRP member is a good sign that the school is tuned in to the needs of the industry as well as the injured worker. Good schools participate, volunteer, donate, and communicate at multiple levels in our industry. They are aware that they are only a part of a much larger picture and they try to be helpful team members. Our future in helping injured workers is ever-changing and a school's willingness to continue to nurture and develop relationships with attorneys, insurance representatives, counselors and other schools will be a critical factor as we all strive to Keep California Working.

Thomas Gilmore is the past president of CARRP, the California Association of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Professionals. He is also co-owner of vocational training schools and is active in legislative issues ensuring school's maintain standards of excellence. Please visit CARRP's website at www.carrp.org.

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The views and opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of workcompcentral.com, its editors or management.