This document provides instructions for a career assessment paper. It outlines headings and components to include in the paper such as an assessment battery, descriptions of assessments, and how to use career resources. It provides scoring guidelines for evaluating the paper and lists acceptable, revisions required, and target levels for components like the assessment battery, assessment descriptions, source use, and a client summary. The document is 3 pages and includes a sample assessment battery and results for the client, along with headings and sections to cover in the career assessment paper.

1. Page 1 of 3
Comprehensive Career Assessment Paper
General Instructions
Create an assessment battery for a hypothetical client seeking
career counseling and guidance.
rationale for your choice of
each assessment.
assessments (i.e. clinical
interview, card sort etc.)
ould be thoroughly discussed in
terms of the
appropriateness of use with your client and should include
statistical data to support your
decision such as the population on which the assessment was
normed, the validity and
reliability of using the assessment with your client, and any
limitations the assessment
would have if used with diverse and special populations.
as O*NET and CAGS as
well as the Dictionary of Occupational Titles to describe the

2. mental, physical, and
vocational preparation for work.
should include additional
resources and references other than the text book. You may use
yourself as the
hypothetical client.
The Following are headings to be incorporated in your paper:
-Directed Search
imitation or strengths
information you would gain
during the initial interview with the client)
You will need to

3. go to either the Bureau of
Labor statistics and/or ONET to get the job requirements,
physical and mental demands,
the numbers of these jobs in the national economy, and how this
will affect your client in
the geographical area in which they live.
previous section, how will the
client acquire those skills
Submit your paper to the Turnitin link below. The paper must be
submitted in Microsoft Word;
Times New Roman font; 12 pt. font size; margins 1” on all
sides; double-spaced. The
assignment should be written on a graduate level and references
used should be cited within
the discussion and documented in a reference list using APA
styling.
Page 2 of 3
Post your paper, as a single document, to the grade book
through Turnitin.com. An originality
score greater than 25% will result in a severe penalty.
Scoring Guidelines
Points available: 200

4. Component Unacceptable Revisions Required Target
Assessment Battery
for a client seeking
career counseling and
guidance. Include the
types of assessments
and rationale for your
choice (CACREP F.4.e,
F.4.h, F. 4.i, F.7.i)
Assessment battery
does not provide a
proper balanced of
quantitative and
qualitative data; too
few assessments are
utilized; rationale one
or more assessment is
missing (0 points)
Assessment battery
includes at least 3
quantitative
assessments and 2
qualitative
assessments; rationale
for each is provided

5. but not well supported
(15 points)
Assessment battery
includes at least 3
quantitative
assessments and 2
qualitative
assessments; strong
rationale for each is
provided and well
supported (30 points)
Assessments
Well-developed
descriptions include
information on
appropriateness for
client, validity and
reliability data, and
possible limitations
(CACREP F.4.e, F.4.h,

6. F. 4.i, F.7.i)
Description is missing
or unclear, and key
ideas are not well
supported (0 points)
Description is
provided, but
explanations of key
ideas are vague or
incomplete, or not well
supported (20 points)
Description provided is
comprehensive and
complete; key ideas
are clearly stated,
explained, and well
supported (40 points)
Source Use

7. Descriptions of how to
use O*NET, CAGS as
well as the Dictionary of
Occupational Titles
(CACREP F.4.e, F.4.h,
F. 4.i, F.7.i)
Description is missing
or unclear, and key
ideas are not well
supported (0 points)
Description is
provided, but
explanations of key
ideas are vague or
incomplete, or not well
supported (15 points)
Description provided is
comprehensive and

8. complete; key ideas
are clearly stated,
explained, and well
supported (30 points)
Page 3 of 3
Component Unacceptable Revisions Required Target
Summary
Includes jobs that would
meet the client’s
abilities, talents, and
skills. (CACREP F.4.e,
F.4.h, F. 4.i, F.7.i)
Summary is missing or
describes client
options that are

9. inappropriate (0 points)
Summary includes
relevant information
that describes client
options (20 points)
Excellent summary
of relevant
information that
clearly describes
client options;
includes a personal
development plan
(40 points)
Is correct sentence
structure utilized?
Contains multiple and
serious errors of
sentence structure: i.e.
fragments, run-ons;

10. unable to write simple
sentences (0 points)
Formulaic sentence
patterns or overuse of
simple sentences;
errors in sentence
structure (10 points)
Effective and varied
sentences; errors (if
present) due to lack of
careful proofreading
(20 points)
Are proper mechanics
utilized?
Numerous errors in
spelling and
capitalization; intrusive

11. and/or inaccurate
punctuation;
communication is
hindered (0 points)
Contains several
punctuation, spelling,
and/or capitalization
errors (up to 6); errors
may or may not
interfere with meaning
(10 points)
Virtually free of
punctuation, spelling,
capitalization errors
(no more than 3);
errors do not interfere
with meaning (20
points)

12. Is APA format
followed?
Contains many and/or
serious APA format
errors (0 points)
Contains several minor
APA format errors (up
to 3) (10 points)
Both in-text citations
and reference list are
free from errors (20
points)
1
Running head: CAREER ASSESSMENT PAPER
9
CAREER ASSESSMENT PAPER

13. CAREER DEVELOPMENT PAPER
Your Name
College
Date
Author Note
( I do not count off for this, but want you to understand how to
create a title page correctly)
Abstract
The purpose of this evaluation is to determine if Ms. Smith has
the physical ability to do even sedentary work on a full-time
and continuing basis. The process used in this evaluation are
clinical interview with the client, a review of medical and
pharmacy records, a study of vocational history and education,
and a professional impression of the likelihood that a person
with the physical limitations of the client can sustain gainful
employment without work place accommodations and/or further
education and training. Additionally, this evaluation will
provide recommendations to the client regarding physical and
mental wellness and referrals to medical, psychological, and
vocational training providers.
Introduction
The client, Sue Smith requested a vocational evaluation to
determine if there is any work that she would be able to do on a
full-time and continuing basis. Currently, she is not working
and has not worked at all since January 31, 2013 when she
resigned her position of Store Manager for T-Mart, Inc. She
states the reason she left her job is due to the severe pain that
prevents her for fulfilling her work duties and responsibilities
as they need to be. Ms. Smith reports that she has been unable

14. to perform her job since her total right hip replacement March
19, 2012. She did return to work after a short medical leave and
although her pay reflects substantial gainful activity, her work
week was extending because she could not fulfill the standing
requirements of the job and therefore could not sustain an eight-
hour day. Her job as a manager allowed her the flexibility to
schedule herself to come in additional days so that she could
meet the essential functions of the job. She continued this
process until August of 2012 when she began having difficulty
with edema and pain in her left knee. Since August, she has not
been able to complete a typical 40-hour work week and her
salary was paid because of accrued medical and personal leave
she could use to supplement her hours. Dr. Parker and White’s
records support that Ms. Smith has significant lower extremity
limitation and Dr. White has told her she will need to have a
total left knee replacement
Background and Vocational History
Sue Smith is currently a 53 year-old, white female who is 5’10”
tall and weighs approximately 230 pounds. She resides with her
husband David Smith at the 189 Lucky Lane, Nettleton, MS.
38823. They have legal custody of their 11-year-old grandson
Austin, who also resides at this address. Mr. and Ms. Smith
have two adult children who do not live in the home. This is a
one story, 3-bedroom ranch style home with no steps and the
bathroom is equipped with handrails for both the shower and the
toilet. Ms. Smith has a high school equivalent education and no
other vocational training.
Ms. Smith began work at age 15 and remained employed until
January 31, 2013 when her condition became so severe she
could no longer continue in her job. Vocational history for the
past fifteen years includes the following:
1995-1998 Retail Cashier and Stocker T-Mart Inc.
Tupelo, MS
In this job, Ms. Smith operated a cash register, stocked
merchandise, and maintained the store and store grounds. The

15. physical demands of this job required Ms. Smith to stand during
her eight-hour shift, left and carry items weighing 20 pounds on
a frequent basis and 50 pounds on an occasional basis as well as
exerting weights more than 50 pounds on more than an
occasional basis. The postural requirements for this job
included the ability to frequently balance, stoop, kneel, twist,
squat, and bend, and occasionally climb and crawl.
Additionally, this job required frequent handling, fingering,
feeling, and reaching with occasional overhead work with both
arms. The mental demands of this job is semi-skilled work, in a
high-stress and high pace environment, with frequent contact
with the public. In review of the Dictionary of Occupational
Titles classifies this work as Variety Store Stock clerk DOT#
299-367-014 it is listed at the heavy exertion level with a skill
level of 4 making this semi-skilled work
(https://occupationalinfo.org, 1994)
Jan. 1999- Sept. 1999 Sewing Machine Operator People
Loungers Nettleton, MS
In this job, Ms. Smith operated a sewing machine in a furniture
plant. Her duties in this job are consistent with the job
described in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. She had to
operate a sewing machine to join cut fabric parts to fabricate
upholstery coverings for household furniture. The DOT # 780-
682-018 classifies this work at the light exertion level with a
semi-skill level of 4. https://occupationalinfo.org, 1994).
Oct. 1999-2001 Kitchen Supervisor Avonlee
Tupelo, MS
The work Ms. Smith performed in this position is consistent
with the description in the DOT which identifies the duties and
responsibilities as supervises and coordinates activities of food
preparation, kitchen, pantry, and storeroom personnel and
purchases or requisitions foodstuffs and kitchen supplies; Plans
or participates in planning menus, preparing and apportioning
foods, and utilizing food surpluses and leftovers; ensures
cleanliness of kitchen and equipment; and tastes, smells, and
observes food to ensure conformance with recipes and

16. appearance standards; supervises workers engaged in inventory,
storage, and distribution of foodstuffs and supplies. The DOT #
for this job is 319-137-030 and is classified at the medium
exertion level with a 7 skill level (https://occupationalinfo.org,
1994)
2002-2005 Cashier/Cook Brewer Groc.
Shannon, MS
Both of these jobs required the same type of work that Ms.
Smith performed in her work as stock clerk. She was expected
to operate a cash register, stocked merchandise, and maintained
the store and store grounds. In addition, she was required to
cook fast food and menu items. The physical demands of these
jobs are more consistent with the duties and responsibilities of a
variety stock clerk and cook. The variety stock clerk is
identified above and the job of cook is classified with the DOT#
313-374-010 and medium exertion level with a skill level or 5
(https://occupationalinfo.org, 1994)
2005-2013 Store Manager T-Mart Inc.
Amory, MS
The Dictionary of Occupational titles does not have a
designation for someone who manages a Variety Store. In
reviewing the DOT and conducting a number of site visits over
the past 20 years with regard to this type of work, it appears
that a composite of 2 jobs would more accurately describe this
work. The DOT classifies the job title of Store Manager (retail
trade) with the DOT # 185-167-046 have a light exertion level
and a 7 skill level. This job did require that Ms. Smith manage
a retail store engaged in selling specific line of merchandise and
she did plan and prepare work schedules and assigns employees
to specific duties. However, that is where the description or
duties ends. Ms. Smith’s work is more accurately reflected by
job title of Department Manager associated with DOT # 299-
137-010 which also has a skill level of 7. The duties that Ms.
Smith performed are consistent with this job description in that

17. she had to supervise and coordinate activities of workers in
department store; Interview job applicants and evaluate worker
performance to recommend personnel actions such as hiring,
retention, promotion, transfer or dismissal of workers. Assign
duties to workers and schedule break periods, work hours, and
vacations. Train workers in store policies, department
procedures, and job duties; Order merchandise, supplies, and
equipment. Record delivery of merchandise, compare record
with merchandise ordered, and reports discrepancies to control
costs and maintain correct inventory levels. Inspect
merchandise to ensure it is correctly priced and displayed.
Recommend additions to or deletions of merchandise to be sold
in department. Prepare sales and inventory reports. Listen to
customer complaints, examines returned merchandise, and
resolves problems to restore and promote good public relations.
In addition, Ms. Smith had to perform the duties of cook for the
store and maintain the store and its grounds.
Assessments Administered
Strong Campbell Interest Inventory
The Strong Interest Inventory® assessment is one of the
world’s most widely respected and frequently used career
planning tools. It has helped both academic and business
organizations develop the brightest talent and has guided
thousands of individuals—from high school and college
students to midcareer workers seeking a change—in their search
for a rich and fulfilling career.(
https://www.psychometrics.com/wp-ontent/uploads/2015/04).
The results for Ms. Smith on this measure include the
following:
Realistic
· Likes to work with animals, tools, or machines; generally
avoids social activities like teaching, healing, and informing
others;
· Has good skills in working with tools, mechanical or electrical

18. drawings, machines, or plants and animals;
· Values practical things you can see, touch, and use like plants
and animals, tools, equipment, or machines; and
· Sees self as practical, mechanical, and realistic.
Social
· Likes to do things to help people -- like, teaching, nursing, or
giving first aid, providing information; generally, avoids using
machines, tools, or animals to achieve a goal; However, in Ms.
Smith cases, she reports in the clinical interview that she does
enjoy using these things.
· Is good at teaching, counseling, nursing, or giving
information;
· Values helping people and solving social problems; and
· Sees self as helpful, friendly, and trustworthy.
Conventional
· Likes to work with numbers, records, or machines in a set,
orderly way; generally avoids ambiguous, unstructured
activities
· Is good at working with written records and numbers in a
systematic, orderly way;
· Values success in business; and
· Sees self as orderly, and good at following a set plan.
(Holland, 1997)
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The MBTI and Myers-Briggs concepts of Personality Type can
help individuals recognize how they interact with their inner
and outer world, how they relate to others, how they make
decisions, and how they organize their thoughts. Research has
shown that many of the different Personality Types tend to have
distinct preferences in their choice of careers. We have
incorporated observations of each type's character traits which
affect career choice along with some suggestions for possible
directions. We have also included lists of actual careers which
the various types have chosen in their lives. (
http://www.personalitypage.com/careers.html)

19. Understanding your Personality Type can assist your career
development in a number of ways. It can help you select a
career field that is a good fit for your personality make-up. It
can increase your awareness of your learning style so you can
better benefit from career related education. Understanding your
personality preferences can help you better manage Job
challenges that inevitably rise their ugly heads during the
course of our career. Knowing your Personality Type, and
especially knowing the kind of detailed information a Step II
MBTI report can provide, will aid you in a job search, both in
marketing yourself and in evaluating opportunities that arise. (
http://www.personalitypathways.com/article/career-plan.html).
The results for Ms. Smith show that she is an ESFJ. This
indicates the following characteristics regarding her personality.
Characteristics of this type include the following:
· Organized
· Loyal
· Can be depended on to follow things through to completion
· Enjoy creating order, structure and schedules
· Enjoy interacting with people
· Warm-hearted and sympathetic
· Tend to put others' needs above their own
· Very good at giving practical care
· Very cooperative, good team members
· Practical and down-to-earth
· Value peaceful living and security
· Enjoy variety, but work well with routine tasks
· Need approval from others
· Receive satisfaction from giving to others
Clinical Interview
Although Ms. Smith has other physical problems, her main
issues are with her lower extremity limitations and pain
management. Ms. Smith’s medical history is significant for
degenerative disc and joint disease, total right hip replacement,
and left knee malfunction which will require a total knee

20. replacement. Because of problems with both lower limbs, Ms.
Smith cannot stand and/or walk 6 hours out of an 8-hour work
day or equivalent schedule.
Furthermore, due to her right total hip replacement she cannot
perform even occasional postural demands of work such as
climbing, stooping, crouching, kneeling, crawling, bending,
squatting, or twisting. She must avoid concentrated exposure to
environmental elements such as gas, dust, fumes, strong odors,
and exposure to extreme heat and cold because of her COPD.
She has some limitations with her right hand which would limit
her ability to frequently handle, finger, and manipulate things.
Given these limitations, Ms. Smith would need to find sedentary
work that allowed for a sit/stand option where she could sit for
20 minutes, stand for 10-20 minutes and alternate sitting and
standing at her discretion. She would also need to be allowed to
recline at least 3 times a day for 20 minutes at a time to avoid
problems with left leg edema. In addition, she would need to
work at a job that did not require frequent use of her right,
dominate hand and work that did not require that she lift more
than 4 or 5 pounds on an occasional basis.
Ms. Smith’s past work is classified at the medium exertion level
and she worked long enough to acquire the specific vocational
preparation of a skill level of 7. Her past work as Store
Manager is classified in the DOT at the light exertion level.
However, that classification does not accurately reflect the past
work that Ms. Smith did and should not be considered as part of
her past work. The work she performed is more consistent with
that of a Department Manager which is classified at the medium
exertion level. Regardless, in determining transferability of
skills from her past work, Ms. Smith does not have skills that
would transfer readily and without additional vocational
preparation to sedentary work. In analyzing jobs in the local
labor market, there are no jobs available that Ms. Smith could
do given her limitations and lack of transferable skills. Also,
Ms. Smith’s pain has to be managed day by day. Her level of
pain is unpredictable depending of prior activity level and

21. weather conditions but she reports that she would miss time
away from work on average of at least one day a week.
Employers will tolerate absence from the work place no more
than 3 days out of a work month. However, in conducting job
site interviews with employers, they would be inclined to
terminate employment if a worker consistently missed 3 days of
work a month. In considering her physical limitations and pain,
Ms. Smith could not perform gainful employment on a
continuous and consistent basis for 5 days a week. In
summarizing Ms. Smith’s work history, predominately her work
for the past fifteen years has been done at the medium to heavy
exertion level with a 7 skill level.
Review of Medical Records (can use special circumstances)
Ms. Smith’s medical history is significant for the following
problems, GERD, COPD, Degenerative joint and disc disease,
edema of the right hand and both lower extremities and
moderate to severe pain in the right upper extremity, right hip
constantly and left hip more than occasionally, and constant
severe pain in the left knee. In 1999, Ms. Smith had an
arthroscopic procedure performed by Dr. Rice to repair her left
knee. Ms. Smith underwent esophageal repair in 2007 and total
right hip replacement in March of 2012.
Medical records from Dr. Parker provide evidence of Ms.
Smith’s ongoing medical conditions listing in a number of
records problems she has with chronic respiratory problems due
to her COPD and moderate to severe pain in her back, hips, and
knees. On May 11, 2010, x-rays of both hip shows significant
arthritis in bilateral hips with the right being worse than the
left. Also, in medical records dated May 13, 2011 she was
having problems with radiation down her right leg. At that
time, she had generalized myalgia and arthralgia (muscle and

22. joint pain) of her shoulders, hands, and knees. Dr. Parker
ordered blood work to rule out rheumatoid arthritis but
subsequent records list this condition under prior problems and
Ms. Smith has had at least one episode in the past year of gout
which required medication.
Medical records from Dr. White support the problems Ms.
Smith reports with regard to pain in her lower extremities.
Although the right total hip replacement was successful in
correcting the joint problem, Ms. Smith continues to experience
significant pain especially when the weather is cold or wet. She
manages her pain with prescription pain medication, ice, heat,
rest, and elevation. Dr. White’s records also support the need
for Ms. Smith to undergo total left knee.
Medical evidence supports Ms. Smith’s allegations of severe
pain. In addition to her degenerative joint disease, she has been
diagnosed with degenerative disc disease of the spine, osteo and
rheumatoid arthritis and has been treated for numerous upper
respiratory infections due to COPD. Dr. White’s records
indicate that her right hip is healing but Ms. Smith has an
abnormal gait and experience problems walking distances
longer than 100 feet.
Activities of Dailey Living
The interview took place on May 1, 2013. After a brief
introduction of my credentials, the session began. Ms. Smith
was cooperative and pleasant and stated she understood the
purpose of the interview. Her primary reason for seeking help
is to determine if she is eligible for disability benefits from
social security and if not what kind of work she would be able
to do given her physical limitations and pain. I explained that
in order to be eligible for social security disability benefits she
would have to prove disability under social security law and
that her disability is so severe that she could not do her past
work or any work in the local or national economy. To help
determine if there is work Ms. Smith could do, we discussed her
typical daily routine.

23. Ms. Smith states that she is able to take care of her personal
needs such as bathing, toileting and dressing but she requires
the use of hand bars, a shower bench occasionally, and to get
dress sitting down. She does the family shopping about once a
week but has to have assistance with getting groceries and other
items in and out of her vehicle. She also needs help in putting
items away that require she bend or stoop. She states that she
gets up early, around 5:30 or 6:00 am to get her grandson up
and ready for school. She starts her day in a lift chair that
reclines in order to keep the swelling from being so bad in her
knees and ankles, especially her left knee and ankle. She can
do light house work but has to take a break every 20 minutes to
sit down due to burning pain in her left knee and pain in her
right hip area. She can walk a total of about 300 feet a day but
not all at the same time. Her husband prepared a path for her so
that she could walk from her back porch to the edge of the yard.
The distance is approximately 30 feet and she does this several
times a day to help with soreness and stiffness in her legs and
feet. Ms. Smith states she does the minimum she has too in
order to manage her physical condition. Even with taking these
precautions, she still experiences nights when she cannot go to
sleep due to discomfort and pain. The lack of sleep affects her
ability to focus and concentrate the next day on even routine
tasks such as making a shopping lists or gathering ingredients
for a recipe. Lack of sleep in combination with her pain
medication affects her ability to concentrate and focus on what
she is doing for example watching a 30-minute television show
or reading a novel.
During this interview, Ms. Smith expressed her sense of loss
over her physical condition and sadness in not being able to do
what she once did. Ms. Smith states that the heaviest thing she
lifts is a 4-pound bag of sugar with an amount heavier than that
resulting in pain and difficulty in ambulating if she has to walk.
She reports that she does not climb anything except an
occasional step if she has to go somewhere that does not have a
ramp. She cannot climb a complete flight of steps without it

24. taking a long time. She has to put her “good” leg up and then
pull up her right leg so she avoids them if at all possible. Ms.
Smith states she cannot stoop, bend, squat, crawl, crouch or
twist without severe hip pain. Although, she has had problems
with swelling in her hands, as documented in the medical
records, she can occasionally handle and finger items without
difficulty. However, when her hands swell she has to use ice
and heat to help with the edema and pain. Ms. Smith states that
she has to avoid gases, fumes, chemicals, and extremes of heat
and cold in order to prevent problems with respiratory
infections and COPD symptoms. Ms. Smith manages her pain
with prescription pain medication, aspirin, ice and heating pad,
and elevation. She states that she is never pain free and that
some days are better than others depending on the weather and
the activities she has done the day before. She reports that she
spends approximately half her day, about 4 out of 8 hours in a
reclining position to avoid pain and swelling in her left knee as
well as pain in her right hip.
Summary and Recommendations
Ms. Smith is a 53-year-old female, approaching advanced age,
who has a long, successful work history. Her medical evidence
supports her significant physical limitation with regard to joint
and disc problems, past and recommended surgeries, COPD, and
pain. She cannot return to past work either as she performed it
or as it is generally performed in the local and national
economy. She does not have skills that will transfer readily or
without further vocational preparation to a sedentary position.
She would not be able to sustain work for 8 hours a day, 5 days
a week on a consistent and continuous basis.
However, Ms. Smith would be able to part-time in a job that
would allow her to sit and stand at will. The following are
suggestions as to the work Ms. Smith could do for no more than
20 hours a week. The following are suggestions for work that
Ms. Smith might be able to do on a part-time basis. The
Dictionary of Occupational Titles identifies the jobs in terms of

25. title, number, description, exertional level and specific
vocational preparation.
CODE: 209.562-010
TITLE(s): CLERK, GENERAL (clerical) alternate titles: office
clerk, routine
Performs any combination of following and similar clerical
duties requiring limited knowledge of systems or procedures:
Writes, types, or enters information into computer, using
keyboard, to prepare correspondence, bills, statements, receipts,
checks, or other documents, copying information from one
record to another. Proofreads records or forms. Counts, weighs,
or measures material. Sorts and files records. Receives money
from customers and deposits money in bank. Addresses
envelopes or packages by hand or with typewriter or
addressograph machine. Stuffs envelopes by hand or with
envelope stuffing machine. Answers telephone, conveys
messages, and runs errands. Stamps, sorts, and distributes mail.
Stamps or numbers forms by hand or machine. Photocopies
documents, using photocopier.
(http://www.occupationalinfo.org/).
According to the DOT, this work is classified at the light
exertional level indicating requirements that a person should be
able to stand and/or sit 6 hours out of an 8-hour day. However,
in Ms. Smith’s situation she would need to work no more than 4
hours a day and be allowed to sit and stand as will. In
conducting job site analysis on this work, there are industries
that will allow for this option. The specific vocational
preparation (SVP) is a 3 which indicates semi-skilled work and
would be consistent with her past occupational profile where
she had acquired and SVP of 7 which is skilled work.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016, the
median pay for this job is $14.70 per hour with an annual
median income of $30,000. It requires a high school diploma,
does not require work experience since person would be trained
on the job. There are over 3,000,000 of these jobs in the

26. national economy and it is anticipated that there will be
approximately 95,000 openings each year in this job
classification. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-
administrative-support/general-office-clerks.htm)
CODE: 237.367-038
TITLE(s): RECEPTIONIST (clerical) alternate titles: reception
clerk
The essential function of this job receives callers at
establishment, determines nature of business, and directs callers
to destination: Obtains caller's name and arranges for
appointment with person called upon. Directs caller to
destination and records name, time of call, nature of business,
and person called upon. May operate PBX telephone console to
receive incoming messages. May type memos, correspondence,
reports, and other documents.
(http://www.occupationalinfo.org/).
According to the DOT, this job is classified at the sedentary
level which requires that a person be able to sit 6 out of an 8-
hour day and stand and/or walk for 2 hours out of an 8-hour
day. Again, Ms. Smith will need to only work for 4 hours and
will need the option to sit and stand at will. In conducting site
visits for this job, observations indicate that this job will allow
Ms. Smith the sit/stand option. The SVP for this job is a 4
indicating this is a semi-skilled job consistent with Ms. Smith’s
past work.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016, the
median pay for this job is $11.70 per hour with an annual
median income of $22,000. It requires a high school diploma,
does not require work experience since person would be trained
on the job. There are over 31000,000 of these jobs in the
national economy and it is anticipated that there will be
approximately 45,000 openings each year in this job
classification. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-
administrative-support/general-office-clerks.htm).

27. CODE: 237.367-010
TITLE(s): APPOINTMENT CLERK (clerical) alternate titles:
reception clerk
Schedules appointments with employer or other employees
for clients or customers by mail, phone, or in person, and
records time and date of appointment in appointment book.
Indicates in appointment book when appointments have been
filled or cancelled. May telephone or write clients to remind
them of appointments. May receive payments for services, and
record them in ledger. (http://www.occupationalinfo.org/).
According to the DOT, this job is classified at the sedentary
level which requires that a person be able to sit 6 out of an 8-
hour day and stand and/or walk for 2 hours out of an 8-hour
day. Again, Ms. Smith will need to only work for 4 hours and
will need the option to sit and stand at will. In conducting site
visits for this job, observations indicate that this job will allow
Ms. Smith the sit/stand option. The SVP for this job is a 3
indicating this is a semi-skilled job consistent with Ms. Smith’s
past work.
I would encourage Ms. Smith to pursue her claim for Social
Security Disability benefits. I would suggest looking at the
listing of impairments and consider Ms. Smith meet 1.01
Musculoskeletal Impairments, specifically 1.02 which discusses
major dysfunction of joints. Ms. Smith’s medical
documentation supports problems with her right hip and left
knee which meets section A of this listing denoting the
involvement of one major peripheral weight-bearing joint. In
Ms. Smith’s case, both lower extremities are affected which
results in her not being able to ambulate effectively. If this
listing does not apply, then I would suggest that given Ms.
Smith’s age, education, and lack of transferable skills and that
she would be limited to sedentary work, she would be disabled
when applying the grid rule for social security benefits.
Likewise, Ms. Smith cannot sustain a normal work schedule on

28. a continuing and consistent basis which would prevent her from
performing work at any level.
It has been a pleasure working with Ms. Smith. I am
convinced that she is unable to do her past work or any work at
this time. Even with her left knee repaired, her condition is
degenerative and not expected to improve to the point where she
could return to substantial work. Even with additional training,
she could, at best, work on a part-time basis. Because working
is important to her, I would recommend that Ms. Smith contact
the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and
discuss the possibility of training for work that would be
available given her physical limitations. They could provide her
with training for sedentary work and would be able to advocate
on her behalf for workplace accommodations and modifications.
References:
Duane Brown (2016). Career information, career counseling,
and career development. (11th ed.). Pearson, Boston.
Figler, H., & Bolles, R. N. (2007). The Career Counselor’s
Handbook. (2nd ed.) Berkley:
Ten Speed Press.
www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type.
www.strongcampbell.org.
https://www.onetonline.org.
http://www.occupationalinfo.org.
https://www.bls.gov.