Journal Article Details

Citation:
Strauser, D., Rumrill, S., Rumrill, P., Greco, C., & Wagner, S. (2020). The Work Experience Survey: An on-the-job needs assessment tool to promote successful career outcomes for young adult brain cancer survivors.. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 52 (2), 123-135.
Title:
The Work Experience Survey: An on-the-job needs assessment tool to promote successful career outcomes for young adult brain cancer survivors.
Authors:
Strauser, D., Rumrill, S., Rumrill, P., Greco, C., & Wagner, S.
Year:
2020
Journal/Publication: 
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:
IOS Press
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded? 
Yes

Structured abstract:

Purpose:
Four employed young adults who survived brain cancer participated in an evaluation of barriers to their continued employment and career development.
Data collection & analysis:
A trained interviewer completed the Work Experience Survey (WES) in teleconsultation sessions with each participant to identify his or her: (a) barriers to worksite accessibility, (b) difficulties performing essential functions of his or her job, (c) concerns regarding job mastery, and (d) extent of job satisfaction
Findings:
Resulting largely from the medical and psychosocial sequelae of their illnesses (especially cognitive and mobility impairments), participants reported a wide range of difficulties in performing essential functions of their jobs (5 to 19) that have the potential to significantly affect their productivity. Job mastery problems reflected outcomes associated with cancer such as ‘believing that others think I do a good job’ and ‘having the resources (e.g., knowledge, tools, supplies, and equipment) needed to do the job.’ Other job mastery concerns reflected idiosyncratic aspects of a specific job setting such as ‘being able to speak with my supervisor about promotion.’
Conclusions:
Although all four participants expressed a strong desire to continue and advance in their careers, they reported significant barriers to job satisfaction that must be addressed in order for that to happen. The interviewer concluded the WES interview by recommending a job accommodation plan, which included suggestions from Job Accommodation Network (JAN) consultants.
Disabilities served:
Cancer
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Populations served:
Transition-age youth (14 - 24)
Adults
Interventions:
Transition services