A Community-Based Work Evaluation is a trial work period that takes place in a business in the community. While the individual is working and being observed by the evaluator, the individual is paid for his/her time by Community Partnerships of Idaho, Inc. The Employment Specialist will choose a job that may directly lead to paid permanent employment in that position. Even if the client is not hired at the job, it can serve as a very useful reference or experience that will help to prepare the individual for employment. Employers in the community benefit by these services because they have an opportunity to meet and observe a potential applicant at no cost to them and have the option of hiring the individual following the evaluation.

There are many reasons for individuals to perform Community- Based Work Evaluations. 

Some of the most common reasons include: 

• Exploring vocational interests
• Testing work skills and potential ability for a particular job field;
• Learning more about a particular field
• Examining whether an individual has the potential and desire to receive training for a particular job goal
• Assessing personal strengths and weaknesses
• Gaining recent work experience and meeting potential contacts in a field of interests
• Determining eligibility for VR services

The Community Based Work Evaluations are a great option for those individuals with little or no work experience or for those who are changing careers.

The evaluation is typically conducted over a 20 hour work week and can take several weeks. The Employment Specialist will be the Evaluator and will consider if the individual wants to work part-time or full-time and what time of day. The Evaluator will also consider transportation issues, and its availability when scheduling. The evaluation will allow the individual to perform the actual job and work tasks and will determine if a particular field is appropriate and if the individual has the academic, physical, and/or cognitive abilities to do the job.

In addition, if the person has the interpersonal and social skills for the position and the motivation and desire to meet requirements of the job. The evaluation will determine any limitations and barriers to employment the individual may have and any areas of impairment including communication, mobility, self-care, self direction, work skills, and work tolerance.

The Employment Specialist will finalize the evaluation and will make recommendations to Vocational Rehabilitation. During this time the Employment Specialist will define the job site, the tasks performed, and the essential functions of the job and by what criteria the client was being assessed. The Employment Specialist will recommend if this type of work and work environment is appropriate and what if any training and supports is necessary. The Employment Specialist will also recommend the types of services and supports the individual will need to assist them in becoming successful on the job or if another employment path should be considered.