Work readiness tools for young adults with chronic conditions

Work. 2015;52(3):605-15. doi: 10.3233/WOR-152185.

Abstract

Background: Young adults with chronic health conditions can experience barriers to work performance, ability, and their present and future worker roles.

Objective: Work readiness resources can expand individuals' work skills, abilities, and interests.

Methods: Five work readiness tools are presented (1) building an occupational profile, (2) generating environmental strategies, (3) on-the-job strategy use, and exploration of online tools (4) O*NET® and (5) O*NET® Interest Profiler, along with two theories (Knowles's Andragogy and Lawton's Ecological Model) to guide tool use.

Results: Use of these tools can assist young adults to better manage their health and expand their vocational identities for success at work.

Conclusions: These approaches and tools support health professionals, community partners, and vocational organizations in their efforts to help young adults with chronic conditions.

Keywords: O*NET®; Vocational exploration; adult learning theory; environmental press; guided discovery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease* / rehabilitation
  • Employment*
  • Humans
  • Rehabilitation, Vocational
  • Vocational Guidance / methods*
  • Young Adult