Veterans Employabiity Survey (VERS)

Veterans Employability Survey (VERS)

VERS Advance letters - questions and instruments

Veterans Employabiity Survey (VERS)

OMB: 2900-0694

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Attachment 4


Advance Letters



OMB CONTROL NUMBER*:

EXPIRES:


VA Letterhead


Date


Name

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City, State ZIP



Dear (FILL NAME):


I am writing this letter to ask you for your help in an important Department of Veterans Affairs study to improve our programs designed to assist service-connected disabled veterans prepare for and obtain employment. In particular we want to learn why veterans with service-connected disabilities do or do not complete VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program. You have been randomly selected as an eligible veteran to participate in this study.


We have hired an independent research company, Abt Associates, Inc., to interview you by phone. In the next few weeks, a professional interviewer will contact you to explain the purpose of the study, and invite you to participate. All of the answers you give will be kept strictly confidential and no individual person or household will be identified in any reports resulting from the study. The information you provide is protected under the Privacy Act and section 5701 of Title 38 U.S. Code. Your answers will not affect your VA benefits in any way. Interviews on average will take about 20 minutes.


Your participation is voluntary, but it is important that you participate because only you can tell us about your unique experience as a veteran. Your answers along with those of other veterans will help us make improvements to the program so that we can better serve veterans like you.


Please accept my personal thanks for your service to our country and for your participation in this important project.


Sincerely,

Deputy Assistant Secretary

for Policy


*Rule 5CFR Part 1320.5(b), Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements:

A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and the respondent is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB number.

Date


Name

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City, State Zip


Dear ____________:


The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is requesting your help in an important research study about veterans and employment. The information from this study will help to improve VA programs designed to enable veterans to live independently and to secure employment.


Although VA programs to help veterans gain employment exist, a large number of veterans do not complete these programs for reasons such as health problems, family and financial issues, and problems arising from their disabilities. Since there is very limited information about the reasons why veterans do not complete these programs, your participation in this national study is very important. We are asking you to complete a questionnaire, requiring 20 minutes or less of your time.


Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. You may refuse to participate or end the interview at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you may otherwise be entitled. All information you provide will be kept confidential and protected under the Privacy Act and section 5701 of Title 38 U.S. Code. No individual person or household will be identified in any reports resulting from the study.


We hope that you will take a few minutes to help with this important research when an interviewer from Abt Associates calls, and thank you in advance for your time. You may call Abt Associates’ toll-free telephone number (1-$$$-$$$-$$$$) to participate immediately if you want.


We appreciate your taking the time to talk to us. Thank you for your assistance.


Sincerely,




Lorayn Olson, Ph.D.

Project Director













Attachment 5


Survey Questions by Cohort and Research Issue

With Justification

Matrix Key:





Cohorts


No.

Cohort


1

Veterans Who Applied, Were Found Eligible, But Did Not Keep an Initial VR&E Appointment

2

Veterans Who Had to Temporarily Interrupt the VR&E Planning and Evaluation Phase and Did Not Return Prior to Completion of Evaluation

3

Veterans Who Proceeded to the VR&E Planning Stage, But Dropped Out Before a Plan Was Developed

4

Veterans Who Completed the VR&E Planning and Evaluation Phase, Began a Rehabilitation to Employability Phase, But Interrupted or Discontinued

5

Veterans Who Successfully Completed the VR&E Program




Research Issues


No.

Research Issue

Hypothesis

1

What effect does veteran satisfaction with the VR&E program have on persistence and attainment of program completion?

The greater the satisfaction with the VR&E program, the further the veteran persists in the VR&E program.

2

What role does communication play in the ability of the veteran to persist in the program?

Lack of communication about the program increases the likelihood that veterans will not persist.

3

What are the internal (VR&E program) and external (e.g., familial, financial) barriers to persistence and attainment?

Internal and external barriers negatively impact persistence and aspirations. VR&E program barriers are not greater than external barriers to persistence.

4

How does disability level affect persistence?

The greater the disability, the greater the barriers to initial program participation. The greater the disability, the further the persistence in the VR& E program.

5

How likely will participants find employment that matches their abilities, training, and interests?

The further the veteran persists, the more likely s/he can find a job commensurate with the veteran's abilites, training, and interests.

6

How do characteristics and reasons of veterans who discontinue the program differ by phase of the program (cohort) they were in? How do characteristics of veterans who discontinue the program differ from those who complete the program?

 



Veterans Employability Survey Items By Cohort and Research Issue

Question Number

Cohort Number

Question Content

Research Issues

Justification

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

Rearch Issue

4

5

6

S1Q01_INTA

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

I’m going to begin by asking you some questions about your experience with the VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program, which I will refer to as the VR&E program. Do you remember your experiences with the VR&E program?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orients subject to interview

S1Q01_INTB

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S1Q01_INTA>1: The VR&E program is an employment-oriented program that helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find and keep employment. Eligible veterans are evaluated to determine if they need vocational rehabilitation services to help overcome barriers to employment. Does this help you remember your experience with the program?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screens out inappropriate subjects

S1Q01

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

How did you find out about the VA VR&E program? (Mark all that apply) INTERVIEWER, PROBE “VA” AND “THE MILITARY” RESPONSES: Please be more specific.

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

Sources of VR&E information may correlate with discontinuing the program

S1Q02

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

The next questions are about your current status with regard to the VA VR&E program. Are you currently pursuing the VR&E program or not?

Y

Y

Y

 

Y

Y

Y

Persistence is a dependent variable

S1Q02A.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S1Q02 = 2:
S1Q02A. Did you complete the VR&E program or not?

Y

Y

Y

 

Y

Y

Y

Persistence is a dependent variable

S1Q02B

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S1Q02A = 1 AND COHORT ≠ 5:
S1Q02B. I need to verify your status because our records indicate that you did not complete the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment or VR&E program. I need to confirm…did you complete the VR&E program?

Y

Y

Y

 

Y

Y

Y

Verifies change in attainment status

S1Q02C

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S1Q02A = 2 OR S1Q02B = 2:
S1Q02C. Did the VA request that you end the program or did you end it voluntarily?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

May explain satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; an internal barrier to persistence

S1Q02D

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S1Q02C = 1 OR 2:
S1Q02D. Did (IF S1Q02C=1: the VA request that) you end the program temporarily or permanently?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

May explain satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; an internal barrier to persistence

S1Q03

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S1Q02C=1: Did the VA tell you the reasons why you were requested to temporarily stop or end your services with the VR&E program?

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

Communication issue

S1Q04

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S1Q02A=2 OR S1Q02B=2: Do you plan to complete your rehabilitation program now or at some later date?

Y

Y

Y

 

Y

 

 

Aspiration is a dependent variable.

S2Q01

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Now, I have a few questions about the VR&E application process. How many times have you applied to the VR&E program?

 

 

Y

 

Y

 

 

Possible predictor of successfully completing VR&E program

S2Q02

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

To be eligible for VR&E programs, veterans need documents that show that they have a service-connected disability and qualifying service (a discharge other than dishonorable). (READ STEM IF S2Q01>1: Thinking about the first time you applied,) How easy or difficult was it to find out which documents were needed to determine your eligibility? Would you say that it was very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, or very difficult?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Communication issue and possible internal barrier to persistence

S2Q03

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Were you employed at the time of application?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Possible external barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S2Q04

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Do you have the same job that you had at the time of application?

 

 

Y

 

 

Y

Y

Possible external barrier to persistence; may be indicator that veterans who persist are not more likely to find jobs commensurate with abilities, training, and interests; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S2Q05

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S2Q04= 2: What was your occupation at the time of application? (Mark all that apply.)

 

 

Y

 

 

Y

 

Occupation to be compared with post-program occupation; job at time of application may be an external barrier to persistence.

S2Q06

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S2Q04= 2: How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with that job?

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

Satisfaction/dissatisfaction may be a predictor of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with VR&E outcome

S2Q07

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

If S2Q06= 4 or 5: What was the MAIN reason for your dissatisfaction?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Reason for dissatisfaction may affect lack of persistence if VR&E program does not address dissatisfaction with job at application

S2Q08

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

What is the MOST IMPORTANT reason you applied for the VR&E program?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Reason for applying may or may not correlate to persistence in VR&E program; comparisons will be made by cohort

S2Q09

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

When you submitted your application, how completely did you understand the eligibility requirements for the program? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Communication issue and possible internal barrier to persistence

S2Q10

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

When you submitted your application, how completely did you understand the purpose of the the VR&E program? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Communication issue and possible internal barrier to persistence

S2Q11

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

How reasonable or unreasonable was the amount of paperwork required from you to complete the application process? Would you say it was very reasonable, somewhat reasonable, somewhat unreasonable, or very unreasonable? PROBE: By application process, I mean the time it took to file the application and submit all required paperwork.

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; possible internal barrier to persistence

S2Q12

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

From the time you turned in your application until you were contacted for an appointment, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the time it took for someone to contact you about an appointment? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; possible internal barrier to persistence

S2Q13

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the length of time between scheduling your initial appointment and the date of your initial appointment? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; possible internal barrier to persistence

S2Q14

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

After you applied, did you attend a group orientation meeting with VR&E staff? INTERVIEWER: CODE YES IF GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL ORIENTATION.

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Communication issue and possible internal barrier to persistence

S2Q15

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S2Q14 = YES: Would you say that the group orientation meeting was very helpful, somewhat helpful, not very helpful, or not at all helpful?

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; communication issue; and possible internal barrier to persistence

S2Q16

Y

N

N

N

N

Did you schedule an individual meeting with a VA counselor to begin the evaluation process?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Communication issue and possible internal barrier to persistence

S2Q17

Y

N

N

N

N

IF S2Q16 = 1: Did you attend this meeting?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Communication issue and possible internal barrier to persistence

S2Q18

Y

N

N

N

N

IF S2Q17 = 2: Why did you not attend this meeting?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Communication issue and possible internal barrier to persistence

S3Q01

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

These next questions are about the VR&E evaluation process. As part of your evaluation, did you take any tests? IF NECESSARY, PROBE: tests may have included an aptitude assessment to determine your interests or skills and a math test.

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence

S3Q03

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Did you receive help from your counselor in preparing for the tests such as a test guide or practice test?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence

S3Q04

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Did the counselor explain the test results in a way you could understand them?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Communication issue and possible internal barrier to persistence

S3Q05

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

How completely did the results of the aptitude tests match your particular skills and abilities? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?

Y

 

 

 

 

Y

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; may predict how likely veteran will find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S3Q06

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

How well did the test results match your personal interests? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?

Y

 

Y

 

 

Y

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; possible internal barrier to persistence; may predict how likely veteran will find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S3Q07

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Did anything about the tests discourage your participation in the VR&E Program?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; possible internal barrier to persistence

S3Q08

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S3Q07=1 . What about the tests discouraged your participation?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; possible internal barrier to persistence

S3Q09A

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

The following questions are about your experiences with your primary counselor. By primary counselor, I mean the one you spent the most time with. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how sure or unsure were you that your counselor gave you good information? Would you say that you were very sure, somewhat sure, somewhat unsure, or very unsure?

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; communication issue; and possible internal barrier to persistence

S3Q09B

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how sure or unsure were you that your counselor gave you good advice? Would you say that you were very sure, somewhat sure, somewhat unsure, or very unsure?

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; communication issue; and possible internal barrier to persistence

S3Q10

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

During the overall evaluation phase, how well did your counselor understand your feelings and concerns? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; communication issue; comparisons will be made by cohort

S3Q11

N

Y

Y

N

N

After determining you were eligible for services, did the VA determine that you were entitled to VR&E services?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

Y

Communication issue; internal barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S3Q11A

N

Y

Y

N

N

Did the VA determine that you were not entitled to VR&E services or did you drop out of the program before the determination could be made?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

Dependent variable

S3Q12

N

Y

Y

N

N

IF S3Q11=2: Did the VA explain why you were NOT entitled to VR&E services?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Communication issue; possible internal barrier to persistence

S3Q13

N

Y

Y

N

N

Did you research vocational rehabilitation alternatives?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Having to conduct research may be an internal barrier to persistence

S3Q14

N

Y

Y

N

N

IF S3Q13=1: Did your VA counselor help you with this research?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Lack of support may be an internal barrier to persistence

S3Q16

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

How about the length of time from the time you applied until the evaluation process was completed? Would you say it was very reasonable, somewhat reasonable, somewhat unreasonable, or very unreasonable?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Program duration may contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; long program durations may be an internal barrier to persistence.

S4Q01

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Now, I would like to ask some questions about the planning phase of the VR&E program. Did you discuss an individual vocational plan of services or develop an individual written plan with your counselor? IF NECESSARY, PROBE: by individual plan, I mean a plan designed just for you.

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Possible communication issue; lack of plan may be an internal barrier to persistence; plan development/discussions may be barrier to persistence

S4Q02

N

N

Y

Y

Y

At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the occupational/vocational goal you and your counselor selected during the planning phase of your program? Would you say that you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?

Y

 

 

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; comparisons will be made by cohort

S4Q03/ S4Q03A

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding your plan of services or individual written plan: At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, the plan was appropriate to achieve your vocational goals. Would you say that you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; plan may be an internal barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S4Q03B

N

N

Y

Y

Y

The plan was designed to minimize aggravation of your disability.

Y

 

Y

 

 

Y

 

May be an internal barrier to persistence; may contribute to satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with program; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S4Q03C

N

N

Y

Y

Y

The plan adequately reflects your interests.

Y

 

Y

 

 

Y

Y

May be an internal barrier to persistence; may contribute to satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with program; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests; comparisons will be made by cohort

S4Q03D

N

N

Y

Y

Y

The plan adequately reflects your abilities.

Y

 

Y

 

 

Y

Y

May be an internal barrier to persistence; may contribute to satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with program; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests; comparisons will be made by cohort

S4Q03E

N

N

Y

Y

Y

The plan reflects current conditions and characteristics of the job market.

Y

 

Y

 

 

Y

 

May be an internal barrier to persistence; may contribute to satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with program; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S4Q04

N

N

Y

Y

Y

How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the number of occupational choices that were offered to you during the development of your plan? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; communication issue; possible internal barrier to persistence

S4Q05

N

N

Y

Y

Y

IF S4Q03C OR S4Q03D = 4 OR 5: Earlier, you said that the plan did not adequately reflect your (interests/abilities/interests and abilities). Did your counselor clearly explain the reasons for having offered the plan despite the fact that it did not appear to match your (interests/abilities/interests and abilities)?

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; possible communication issue

S4Q06

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Were you asked by VR&E staff to do any research to assist with plan development, for example, looking up schools in your area or finding statistics on the local labor market?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence

S4Q07

N

N

Y

Y

Y

IF S4Q06=1: Was the amount of research you were asked to do too much, too little, or about right?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence

S5Q01

N

N

N

Y

Y

My next questions are about education and training that was paid for by the VR&E program. Did you start an education or training program?

 

 

Y

 

Y

Y

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence; S5Q01 - S5Q05 can be correlated with disability to determine if severity of disability affects persistence. Attainment is a dependent variable; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S5Q02

N

N

N

Y

Y

Did you complete the education or training program?

 

 

Y

 

Y

Y

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence; S5Q01 - S5Q05 can be correlated with disability to determine if severity of disability affects persistence. Attainment is a dependent variable; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S5Q03A

N

N

N

Y

Y

(Did you attend/Are you attending) business, technical or vocational school training?

 

 

Y

 

Y

Y

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence; S5Q01 - S5Q05 can be correlated with disability to determine if severity of disability affects persistence. Attainment is a dependent variable; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S5Q03B

N

N

N

Y

Y

(Did you take/Are you taking) college or university coursework?

 

 

Y

 

Y

Y

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence; S5Q01 - S5Q05 can be correlated with disability to determine if severity of disability affects persistence. Attainment is a dependent variable; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S5Q03C

N

N

N

Y

Y

IF S5Q02=1: Did you obtain a certificate or degree?

 

 

Y

 

Y

Y

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence; S5Q01 - S5Q05 can be correlated with disability to determine if severity of disability affects persistence. Attainment is a dependent variable; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S5Q03D

N

N

N

Y

Y

(Did you participate/Are you participating) in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program?

 

 

Y

 

Y

Y

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence; S5Q01 - S5Q05 can be correlated with disability to determine if severity of disability affects persistence. Attainment is a dependent variable; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S5Q03E

N

N

N

Y

Y

(Did you get/ Are you getting) tutorial assistance, refresher courses, or academic skill enhancement?

 

 

Y

 

Y

Y

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence; S5Q01 - S5Q05 can be correlated with disability to determine if severity of disability affects persistence. Attainment is a dependent variable; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S5Q03F

N

N

N

Y

Y

(Did you attend/Are you attending) a teacher certification program?

 

 

Y

 

Y

Y

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence; S5Q01 - S5Q05 can be correlated with disability to determine if severity of disability affects persistence. Attainment is a dependent variable; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S5Q03G

N

N

N

Y

Y

(Did you do/Are you doing) something else?

 

 

Y

 

Y

Y

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence; S5Q01 - S5Q05 can be correlated with disability to determine if severity of disability affects persistence. Attainment is a dependent variable; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S5Q04

N

N

N

Y

Y

IF S5Q03G=yes: What was that?

 

 

Y

 

Y

Y

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence; S5Q01 - S5Q05 can be correlated with disability to determine if severity of disability affects persistence. Attainment is a dependent variable; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S5Q05

N

N

N

Y

Y

IF S5Q02 = 2: Why didn’t you complete your training or education program?

 

 

Y

 

Y

Y

 

Internal barrier to persistence; S5Q01 - S5Q05 can be correlated with disability to determine if severity of disability affects persistence. Attainment is a dependent variable; may affect ability to find employment that matches abilities, training, and interests.

S5Q06

N

N

N

Y

Y

Were you required by the VR&E program to research schools or training programs on your own?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence.

S5Q07

N

N

N

Y

Y

Did your VA counselor help you with the research?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Communication issue; possible internal barrier to persistence

S5Q08

N

N

N

Y

Y

Did your counselor take the quality of the school into account when recommending a program to you?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence

S5Q09

N

N

N

Y

Y

How would you rate the quality of the education or training you received? Would you say that it was excellent, very good, fair, or poor?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; possible internal barrier to persistence

S5Q10

N

N

N

Y

Y

During the majority of your training or education program, what was your employment status? Were you working fulltime, parttime, or not at all?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Employment may be an internal barrier to persistence

S5Q11

N

N

N

Y

Y

Did your VR&E counselor advise you not to work during your training or education program in order to focus full-time on your training?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Communication issue; possible internal barrier to persistence

S5Q12

N

N

N

Y

Y

Did you receive monthly financial assistance from the VR&E Program during your training program?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Lack of financial assistance may be an internal barrier to persistence

S5Q13

N

N

N

Y

Y

IF S5Q12=1: How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the monthly financial assistance provided by VR&E during your training program?

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program

S5Q14

N

N

N

Y

Y

Did you have any difficulties during your training or education program that hindered your completion?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence

S5Q15

N

N

N

Y

Y

IF S5Q14 = 1: What specifically did you have difficulties with? (Record and mark all that apply)

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence

S6Q01

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Now, I have some questions about current employment. What is your current employment status? Are you currently employed, not looking for a different job; currently employed, but looking for a different job; not working but looking for work; or not working and not looking for work? NOTE: Add interviewer instruction that “looking” implies “actively looking." PROBE, IF NECESSARY: By employed, I mean working for pay on a regular basis.

Y

 

 

 

 

Y

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with program; may explain cohort status; may correlate with persistence and attainment.

S6Q02

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S6Q01=1 OR 2: Are you currently working full time, part time, or are you self-employed?

Y

 

 

 

 

Y

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; may be an external barrier that explains cohort status; may correlate with persiste+N83nce and attainment.

S6Q03

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S6Q01=1 OR 2: What kind of work do you currently do?

Y

 

 

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; may explain cohort status

S6Q04

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S6Q01=1 OR 2: How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your current job? Would you say that you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?

Y

 

 

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; may explain cohort status

S6Q05

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

If S6Q04 = 4 or 5: What is the main reason for your dissatisfaction?

Y

 

 

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; may explain cohort status

S6Q06

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S6Q01= 4: I am going to read you a list of reasons why people may not be looking for work. Please tell me which is the main reason you are not looking for work.

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

May be an external barrier that explains cohort status

S6Q07

N

N

N

N

Y

Now, I would like to talk about any assistance with your job search that might have been provided by VA staff. Did you use any job preparation and placement services provided directly by VA staff?

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program

S6Q08A

N

N

N

N

Y

Other than your counselor, which other sources of employment information have you used to look for a job? As I read each one, please tell me whether or not you have used it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort (in conjunction with S6Q08B).

S6Q08B

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

IF S6Q01=1,2,3 AND COHORT < 5: What sources of employment information have you used to look for a job? As I read each one, please tell me whether or not you have used it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort (in conjunction with S6Q08A).

S6Q8A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Veterans Health Administration (VA Hospital)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8B

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

VET Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8C

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8D

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Department of Defense

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8E

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Small Business Administration

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8F

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

State rehabilitation agency

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8G

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

State employment agency

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected \to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8H

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Private employment agency

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8I

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Internet job searches

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8J

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Newspaper/help-wanted advertisements

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8K

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Job fairs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8L

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

College/university or school

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8M

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Personal/professional contacts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q8N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Federal job listings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

S6Q8A through S6Q08N can be used to assess sources that lead to employment; some sources are expected to be more productive than others; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q12

N

N

N

N

Y

IF S6Q01=1 OR 2: Did you find your current job with the assistance of the VA VR&E program?

Y

 

 

 

 

Y

 

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; will be used to assess ability to find employment compatible with abilities, training and interest

S6Q14

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S6Q01=1 OR 2: Does this job accommodate your disability or not?

 

 

 

 

Y

Y

Y

Will be used to assess ability to find employment compatible with abilities, training and interest; will be correlated with disability rating; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q15

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S6Q01=1 OR 2: Does this job suit your skills and abilities or not?

 

 

 

 

Y

Y

Y

Will be used to assess ability to find employment compatible with abilities, training and interest; will be correlated with disability rating.

S6Q15a

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S6Q01=1 OR 2: Is your job in line with your military or civilian experience or not?

 

 

 

 

Y

Y

Y

Will be used to assess ability to find employment compatible with abilities, training and interest; will be correlated with disability rating; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q16

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S6Q01=1 OR 2: Does this job match your interests or not?

 

 

 

 

Y

Y

Y

Will be used to assess ability to find employment compatible with abilities, training and interest; will be correlated with disability rating; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S6Q17

N

N

N

N

Y

IF S601=1 OR 2: How helpful or unhelpful was your employment specialist/counselor in helping you find your current job (if you needed help)? Would you say very helpful, somewhat helpful, somewhat unhelpful, or not at all helpful?

Y

 

 

 

 

Y

 

Will be used to assess ability to find employment compatible with abilities, training and interest; will be correlated with disability rating.

S7Q01

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Now I would like to ask you some questions about your satisfaction with the VR&E program. We are interested in your most recent experience with the VR&E program. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the VR&E program? Would you say you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied with the VR&E program?

Y

 

Y

 

 

Y

Y

Overall satisfaction may be a barrier to persistence; may affect ability to find employment that is compatible with person's abilities, training, and interests; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S7Q02

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

How important or unimportant was the VR&E program in helping to prepare you to get a suitable job? Would you say that it was extremely important, very important, moderately important, slightly important, or not at all important?

Y

 

 

 

Y

Y

Y

Will be used to assess ability to find employment compatible with abilities, training and interest; will be correlated with disability rating; will be examined by cohort.

S7Q03

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Have you ever felt as though you were discriminated against in the VR&E program because of: (READ LIST) A. Your gender; B. Your race; C. Your age; D. Your ethnicity; E. A mental health condition; F. A physical disability.

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with program; possible internal barriers to persistence; responses will be examined by cohort.

S7Q04

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

How many counselors have you had while in the VR&E program?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; possible internal barrier to persistence; responses will be examined by cohort.

S7Q05

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S7Q04 > 1: Did the counselors communicate with each other about your progress?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence; possible communication issue.

S7Q08_INTRO/ S7Q08

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

The following questions are about your experiences with your primary counselor. By primary counselor, I mean the one you spent the most time with. Is/was your primary counselor a VA staff counselor or a counselor under contract with the VA?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Possible internal barrier to persistence

S7Q09

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Is/was your primary counselor a Veteran?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

Y

Possible internal barrier to persistence; lack of military experience may create communication issue; comparisons will be made by cohort.

S7Q10

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Did you have concerns that you wanted to discuss with your primary counselor but did not?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

Y

Possible communication issue; may be internal barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S7Q11

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Why did you not discuss these concerns with your primary counselor?

 

Y

Y

 

 

 

Y

Possible communication issue; may be internal barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S7Q12

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Overall, were your primary counselor’s communications with you respectful? Would you say always, most of the time, sometimes, or never?

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with program; possible communication issue; may be internal barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S7Q13_INTRO/ S7Q13a

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

For each of the following items regarding your primary counselor, please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the following statements. My primary counselor gave me good information and advice.

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; communication issue; intensity of response may indicate an internal barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S7Q13b

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

My primary counselor is/was knowledgeable regarding VA’s vocational rehabilitation program.

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; communication issue; intensity of response may indicate an internal barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S7Q13c

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

My primary counselor has provided assistance according to my individual needs.

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Possible internal barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S7Q13d

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

When my primary counselor made a decision regarding my program, the reason was clearly explained.

Y

Y

Y

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/dissatisfaction with program; communication issue; intensity of response may indicate an internal barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S7Q13e

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

My primary counselor showed a caring and compassionate attitude toward me.

Y

 

 

 

 

 

Y

May contribute to satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with program; comparisons will be made by cohort

S7Q14

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Now thinking about the location of your primary counselor, how convenient or inconvenient was the location of the office where you met with your counselor(s)? Was it very convenient, somewhat convenient, somewhat inconvenient, or not at all convenient?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Possible internal barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S7Q15

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Did your counselor schedule appointments at times that were convenient for you or not? Would you say always, most of the time, some of the time, or never?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Possible internal barrier to persistence; comparisons will be made by cohort

S7Q16

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the amount of time your counselor spent with you during in-person meetings? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?

Y

Y

 

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with program; communication issue

S7Q18

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the responsiveness of your primary counselor, the person you spent the most time with?

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

May contribute to satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with program; communication issue

S8Q01A

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

IF S1Q02C=2: The next few questions ask about reasons for not completing the VR&E program. Why didn’t you complete the VR&E program? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Will identify internal and external barriers to persistence

S8Q01B

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

S1Q02C =1: Why did VR&E request that you stop the program?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Will identify internal and external barriers to persistence

S8Q02

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

IF MORE THAN ONE REASON PROVIDED FOR S8Q01A: Which of the reasons that you mentioned is the MAIN reason that you did not complete the VR&E program?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Will identify internal and external barriers to persistence

S8Q03

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

What could the VR&E program have done to help you stay in the program?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Will identify barriers that VR&E can remove or lower.

S8Q08

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Would a toll-free help line staffed with trained counselors to answer questions or address immediate concerns have been helpful to you during your experience with the VR&E program?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

 

Will identify barriers that VR&E can remove or lower.

S9_INT/ S9Q01

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Now I’d like to ask you some questions about your military background. What is the branch of service that you were sworn into?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

Data are expected to explain cohort differences.

S9Q02

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S9Q01=1 OR 3: Was that the regular branch, the Reserves, and/or the National Guard? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

See justification for S9_INT/ S9Q01.

S9Q03

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S9Q01=2 OR 4 OR 5: Was that the regular branch or the Reserves?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

See justification for S9_INT/ S9Q01.

S9Q05

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

At your most recent discharge were you a commissioned officer, a warrant officer, or an enlisted person?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

See justification for S9_INT/ S9Q01.

S9Q06

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Are you currently serving in the [FILL with branch of service in S9Q01]?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

See justification for S9_INT/ S9Q01.

S9Q07

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S9Q06=2: What year was your last discharge?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

See justification for S9_INT/ S9Q01.

S9Q08

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

What was your length of service in years and months?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

See justification for S9_INT/ S9Q01.

S9Q09

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Did you serve on active duty during any of the following periods? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY) Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975); Gulf War Era (August 2, 1990 - September 10, 2001); Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom; (September 11, 2001 – present); NONE OF THESE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

See justification for S9_INT/ S9Q01.

S9Q10_INT/ S9Q10

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

The next questions are about your employment history and experience. Before enrolling in the military, did you ever work for pay?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Past job experience may be a factor in whether or not a veteran persists in a program; may explain cohort differences.

S9Q11

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S9Q10=1: Were you employed full-time or part-time? IF R SAYS “BOTH,” PROBE: For the majority of the time, were you employed full-time or part-time? IF R INSISTS ON BOTH AFTER PROBING, CODE 1.

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Past job experience may be a factor in whether or not a veteran persists in a program.

S9Q12

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S9Q11=1: How many years were you employed full-time before joining the military?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Past job experience may be a factor in whether or not a veteran persists in a program and may explain differences in cohorts.

S9Q13

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S9Q12>0: Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the full-time work you did prior to joining the military? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Job satisfaction/dissatisfaction may be a predictor of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the VR&E program.

S9Q14

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

If S9Q13 = 4 or 5: What was the main reason for your dissatisfaction?

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Job satisfaction/dissatisfaction may be a predictor of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the VR&E program.

S9Q15

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Have you worked at a civilian job for pay since leaving the military?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

These data may explain differences in cohorts.

S9Q16

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S9Q15=1: Does your most recent civilian job generally match the occupation you were trained for while you were in the military?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

These data may explain differences in cohorts.

S10Q01

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Now I’m going to ask some general questions about your health and well-being. In general, would you say your health is…excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor.

 

 

Y

 

Y

 

Y

Section 10 variables describe veteran limitations due to disability. They may be external barriers to persistence and descriptive of cohort differences.

S10Q02

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

During the past year, were you limited in the kind of work or other regular daily activities you do as a result of your physical health?

 

 

Y

 

Y

 

Y

Section 10 variables describe veteran limitations due to disability. They may be external barriers to persistence and descriptive of cohort differences.

S10Q03

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Were you limited all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, or a little of the time?

 

 

Y

 

Y

 

Y

Section 10 variables describe veteran limitations due to disability. They may be external barriers to persistence and descriptive of cohort differences.

S10Q04

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

During the past year, were you limited in the kind of work or other regular daily activities you do as a result of any emotional problems or mental health problems?

 

 

Y

 

Y

 

Y

Section 10 variables describe veteran limitations due to disability. They may be external barriers to persistence and descriptive of cohort differences.

S10Q05

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

S10Q04=1: Were you limited all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, or a little of the time?

 

 

Y

 

Y

 

Y

Section 10 variables describe veteran limitations due to disability. They may be external barriers to persistence and descriptive of cohort differences.

S10Q06

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

During the past year, how much did pain interfere with your ability to work? Did it interfere…not at all; a little bit; quite a bit; or extremely?

 

 

Y

 

Y

 

Y

Section 10 variables describe veteran limitations due to disability. They may be external barriers to persistence and descriptive of cohort differences.

S11Q01_INT/ S11Q01

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Now I am going to read some statements about you. Please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with each statement. It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Self-efficacy may be an external barrier to persistence and may account for differences in cohorts.

S11Q02

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

When I am confronted with a problem, I can usually find several solutions.

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Self-efficacy may be an external barrier to persistence and may account for differences in cohorts.

S12Q01

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

I would now like to ask you some questions about yourself. First, I have a few questions about your background. Are you Hispanic or Latino?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

Demographic characteristics may explain cohort differences.

S12Q02

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

I’m now going to read a list of racial categories. Please select one or more to describe your race. (MARK ALL THAT APPLY) INTERVIEWER NOTE: If the respondent answers “Hispanic” or other ethnicity, try to find out the respondent’s RACE...White; Black or African American; American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

Demographic characteristics may explain cohort differences.

S12Q02A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

My records indicate that your age is _____ years. Is this correct?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

Demographic characteristics may explain cohort differences.

S12Q03

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

At the time you first applied for VR&E benefits, what was the highest grade or year of school you had completed? INTERVIEWER: IF NECESSARY, PROBE FOR DEGREE OBTAINED, NOT YEARS IN SCHOOL.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y

Education status baselined at time of application

S12Q04

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Have you pursued other education or training programs since then?

Y

Y

Y

 

Y

Y

Y

Attainment is a dependent variable. Attainment is expected to factor in finding employment that matches veteran's abilities and interests

S12Q05

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

What is the highest grade or year of school you have ever completed?

Y

Y

Y

 

Y

Y

Y

Attainment is a dependent variable. Attainment is expected to factor in finding employment that matches veteran's abilities and interests

S12Q06

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

What is your marital status? Are you married, widowed, divorced, legally separated, or never been married?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q07

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

During the (previous year) how many children depended on you for at least half of their support?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q08

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

I am going to read a list of income sources. Please tell me which sources are included in your total family income for the [PREVIOUS YEAR]. For [PREVIOUS YEAR], including yourself (and your spouse/and your dependent children), did you receive money from…

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q08A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Wages, salaries, or other employment income (Probe if necessary: “include commissions, bonuses or tips”)

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q08B

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Your own business

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q08C

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Social Security

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q08D

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

VA service-connected disability compensation

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q08E

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Any retirement or pension plan [including U.S. Civil Service Retirement or U.S. Military Retirement]

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q08F

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Unemployment insurance

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q08G

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Interest and dividends

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q08H

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Worker’s Compensation or Black Lung benefit

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q08I

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Public assistance, such as welfare, AFDC, or SSI payments

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q08J

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Any other source?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q09

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Including any VA payments you receive, and from all sources combined, what was your total family income for [PREVIOUS YEAR], before taxes and deductions?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q10

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S12Q09 = 97 or 98: Please tell me which group best describes an estimate of your total combined family income in [PREVIOUS YEAR] before taxes and deductions? Would you say…$10,000 or less; $10,001 to $20,000; $20,001 to $30,000; $30,001 to $40,000; $40,001 to $50,000; or over $50,000?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q11

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Is there more than one income earner in your family?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q12

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S121Q11= 1, 97, OR 98: I am going to read a list of income sources. Please tell me which sources are included in your individual income for [PREVIOUS YEAR]. For [PREVIOUS YEAR], for yourself only, did you receive money from [INTERVIEWER: NAME ONLY THE CATEGORIES MARKED IN S12Q08]…

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q12A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Wages, salaries, or other employment income (Probe if necessary: “include commissions, bonuses or tips”)

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q12B

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Your own business

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q12C

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Social Security

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q12D

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

VA service-connected disability compensation

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q12E

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Any retirement or pension plan [including U.S. Civil Service Retirement or U.S. Military Retirement]

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q12F

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Unemployment insurance

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q12G

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Interest and dividends

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q12H

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Worker’s Compensation or Black Lung benefit

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q12I

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Public assistance, such as welfare, AFDC, or SSI payments

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q12J

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Any other source?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q13

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Including any VA payments you receive, and from all sources combined, what was your individual income for [PREVIOUS YEAR], before taxes and deductions?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q14

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

IF S12Q13 = 97 or 98: Please tell me which group best describes an estimate of your total INDIVIDUAL income in (previous year) before taxes and deductions? Would you say…$10,000 or less; $10,001 to $20,000; $20,001 to $30,000; $30,001 to $40,000; $40,001 to $50,000; or over $50,000?

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.

S12Q15

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Do you have health care coverage under any of the following sources? (Mark all that apply.) TRICARE; Medicare; Medicaid; Private health insurance (such as Blue Cross or Aetna); Other (please specify)

 

 

Y

 

 

 

Y

Characteristic may be an external barrier to persistence and may describe differences in cohorts.









Attachment 6


Survey Instruments

Veterans Employability Survey

Cohort One: Veterans Who Applied, Were Found Eligible,
But Did Not Keep an Initial VR&E Appointment


June 26, 2006


Office of Policy

Department of Veterans Affairs




Section of

Introductory Section 1


Current Status in VR&E Program 3


Application Process 6


Job Preparation and Placement

Current 11


Overall Experience 15


Reasons for Discontinuing Program 16


Military/Employment Background and Status 18


Health Status 22


Self-Efficacy 24


Demographics 25


INTRODUCTORY SECTION


Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon. May I speak with [RESPONDENT’S NAME]?

RESPONDENT IS AVAILABLE SKIP TO INTRO1

RESPONDENT NOT AVAILABLE SKIP TO CALLBACK


<CALLBACK>

When is a good time to call [RESPONDENT’S NAME] back?


RECORD TIME:____________

RECORD DAY: _____________


Thank you very much and have a good day.


IF RESPONDENT IS AVAILABLE:

<INTRO1>

My name is [INTERVIEWER NAME] and I am calling on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs from Abt Associates Inc. We are conducting a study regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. You should have received a letter explaining the study within the past week or two. Did you receive the letter?


YES………………………………………………………. 1 (SKIP TO INTRO1B)

NO 2 (CONTINUE)

REFUSED 7 (CONTINUE)

DON’T KNOW 8 (CONTINUE)


INTRO1A.

Let me tell you more information about the study. Your name was randomly selected from a group of veterans who applied for VA vocational rehabilitation and employment services. The Department of Veterans Affairs wants to learn why many veterans do not finish the program and what it can do to improve its program. In order to do this, we have been asked to talk both to veterans who left the program as well as those who stayed in. Your opinions will help the VA understand how it can better serve veterans who need rehabilitation and employment services. Your participation in this study is voluntary. If you choose not to participate, your VA benefits and services will not be affected in any way. (CONTINUE WITH INTRO1B.)


INTRO1B.

We would like to conduct an interview with you to hear your views on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. Your opinions about the program will help the VA improve the quality of the program veterans like you receive. Your participation in this study is voluntary. Your cooperation is important to the success of this study. All answers will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only for this research. The information you provide is protected under the Privacy Act and section 5701 of Title 38 U.S. Code. You may choose not to answer any question or end the interview at any time.


This survey was reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget, OMB. The survey is estimated to take about 20 minutes of your time. This may vary as some interviews will take more time, and some will take less time. You may send comments regarding this estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the length, to the Federal Government. Would you like the address of the government office you may contact?


Yes……………………………………………….. 1 (CONTINUE)

No 2 (GO TO SCREENER)


INTRO1C. The address is:

Department of Veteran Affairs

Office of Policy, Planning and Preparedness (008A1)

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420



SCREENER

For quality assurance purposes, my supervisor may monitor this call.

Before starting the interview, I would like to make sure I have the correct person.

In what year were you born?



<YEAR>



SCRDOB: RESPONDENT’S DOB FROM SAMPLE = </YYYY>

RESPONDENT’S DOB FROM SCRDOB = </YYYY>


INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: IF YEAR MATCHES, SELECT DOB GIVEN MATCHES SAMPLE.


DOB MATCHES SAMPLE SKIP TO INTERVIEW

DOB DOES NOT MATCH SAMPLE SKIP TO TERMINATE

REFUSED SKIP TO TERMINATE

DON’T KNOW SKIP TO TERMINATE



TERMINATE: Our records have different information. I will check the information with my supervisor and we might call you later. Thank you for your time.




SECTION 1: CURRENT STATUS IN VR&E PROGRAM


S1Q01_INTA. I’m going to begin by asking you some questions about your experience with the VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program, which I will refer to as the VR&E program. Do you remember your experiences with the VR&E program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q01_INTA>1

S1Q01_INTB. The VR&E program is an employment-oriented program that helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find and keep employment. Eligible veterans are evaluated to determine if they need vocational rehabilitation services to help overcome barriers to employment. Does this help you remember your experience with the program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF NO, THANK RESPONDENT FOR THEIR TIME AND END INTERVIEW.


S1Q01. How did you find out about the VA VR&E program? (Mark all that apply) INTERVIEWER, PROBE “VA” AND “THE MILITARY” RESPONSES: Please be more specific.

_____________________________________________________________


PRE-DISCHARGE BRIEFINGS (TAP/DTAP) 1

PRE-DISCHARGE PHYSICAL 2

VA PAMPHLET/BROCHURE 3

VA MEDICAL FACILITY 4

OTHER VA FACILITY 5

LETTER FROM VA AWARDING SERVICE-CONNECTED

DISABILITY 6

VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATION

(EG. AMERICAN LEGION OR DAV) 7

STATE OR LOCAL VR&E OFFICES 8

STATE REHABILITATION AGENCIES 9

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DVOP, VETS) 10

COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY 11

FRIENDS OR FAMILY 12

OTHER VETERANS 13

INTERNET 14

OTHER, SPECIFY 15




S1Q02. The next questions are about your current status with regard to the VA VR&E program. Are you currently pursuing the VR&E program or not?


CURRENTLY PURSUING PROGRAM 1

NOT CURRENTLY PURSUING PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02 = 2:

S1Q02A. Did you complete the VR&E program or not?


YES, COMPLETED PROGRAM 1

NO, DID NOT COMPLETE PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02A = 1 AND COHORT 5:

S1Q02B. I need to verify your status because our records indicate that you did not complete the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment orVR&E program. I need to confirm…did you complete the VR&E program?


YES, COMPLETED THE PROGRAM 1

NO, DID NOT COMPLETE THE PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02A = 2 OR S1Q02B = 2:

S1Q02C. Did the VA request that you end the program or did you end it voluntarily?


VA REQUESTED I END PROGRAM 1

ENDED PROGRAM VOLUNTARILY 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02C = 1 OR 2:

S1Q02D. Did (IF S1Q02C=1: the VA request that) you end the program temporarily or permanently?


TEMPORARILY ENDED PROGRAM 1

PERMANENTLY ENDED PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02C=1

S1Q03. Did the VA tell you the reasons why you were requested to temporarily stop or end your services with the VR&E program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02A=2 OR S1Q02B=2, ASK:

S1Q04. Do you plan to complete your rehabilitation program now or at some later date?

Yes, now 1

Yes, at a later date 2

No 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

SECTION 2. APPLICATION PROCESS


S2Q01. Now, I have a few questions about the VR&E application process. How many times have you applied to the VR&E program?


____ (# times)


DID NOT APPLY 0

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q02. To be eligible for VR&E programs, veterans need documents that show that they have a service-connected disability and qualifying service (a discharge other than dishonorable). (READ STEM IF S2Q01>1: Thinking about the first time you applied,) How easy or difficult was it to find out which documents were needed to determine your eligibility? Would you say that it was very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, or very difficult?


Very easy 1

Somewhat easy 2

Somewhat difficult 3

Very difficult 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q03. Were you employed at the time of application?


YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S2Q08) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q04. Do you have the same job that you had at the time of application?


YES (SKIP TO S2Q08) 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S2Q04= 2

S2Q05. What was your occupation at the time of application? (Mark all that apply.)


______________________________________________________________________

SOC Federal Register Notice- Categories


MANAGEMENT OCCUPATIONS 1

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL OCCUPATIONS 2

COMPUTER OCCUPATIONS 3

ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING 4

LIFE AND SOCIAL SCIENCE 5

COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE 6

LEGAL 7

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND LIBRARY 8

ARTS, DESIGN, ENTERTAIMENT, SPORTS AND MEDIA 9

HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER AND TECHNICAL 10

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT 11

PROTECTIVE SERVICES 12

FOOD PREPARATION AND SERVICING RELATED 13

BUILDING AND GROUNDS CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 14

PERSONAL CARE AND SERVICES 15

SALES AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS 16

OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 17

FARMING, FISHING AND FORESTRY 18

CONSTRUCTION AND EXTRACTION 19

INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR 20

PRODUCTION 21

TRANSPORTATION AND MATERIAL MOVING 22

MILITARY …………………………………………………………… 23

OTHER – SPECIFY 24

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S2Q04= 2

S2Q06. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with that job?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



If S2Q06= 4 or 5

S2Q07. What was the MAIN reason for your dissatisfaction?


___________________________________________________________________


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DID NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKED THAT PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE WAS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98

S2Q08. What is the MOST IMPORTANT reason you applied for the VR&E program? (Interviewer note: Emphasize “MOST IMPORTANT”)


_____________________________________________________________________


TO GET JOB OR BETTER JOB/GET TRAINING FOR NEW JOB 1

TO GET JOB THAT ACCOMMODATED MY DISABILITY 2

TO FURTHER MY EDUCATION 3

TO IMPROVE JOB-SEEKING SKILLS/GET CAREER COUNSELING 4

ASSISTANCE WITH STARTING A BUSINESS 5

ASSISTANCE IN DAILY LIVING OR INDEPENDENT LIVING 6

OTHER (SPECIFY) 7

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S2Q09. When you submitted your application, how completely did you understand the eligibility requirements for the program? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


Completely 1

Mostly 2

Only a little 4

Not at all 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q10. When you submitted your application, how completely did you understand the

purpose of the VR&E program? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


Completely 1

Mostly 2

Only a little 4

Not at all 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q11. How reasonable or unreasonable was the amount of paperwork required from you to complete the application process? Would you say it was very reasonable, somewhat reasonable, somewhat unreasonable, or very unreasonable? PROBE: By application process, I mean the time it took to file the application and submit all required paperwork.


Very reasonable 1

Somewhat reasonable 2

Somewhat unreasonable 4

Very unreasonable 5

DID NOT COMPLETE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

S2Q12. From the time you turned in your application until you were contacted for an appointment, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the time it took for someone to contact you about an appointment? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5


S2Q13. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the length of time between scheduling your initial appointment and the date of your initial appointment? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5


S2Q14. After you applied, did you attend an orientation meeting with VR&E

staff? INTERVIEWER: CODE YES IF GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL ORIENTATION.


YES 1
NO (SKIP TO S2Q16) 2

REFUSED (SKIP TO S2Q16) 7

DON’T KNOW (SKIP TO S2Q16) 8



IF S2Q14 = YES;

S2Q15. Would you say that the orientation meeting was very helpful, somewhat helpful, not very helpful, or not at all helpful?


Very helpful 1

Somewhat helpful 2

Not very helpful ……………………………………………………3

Not at all helpful 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q16. Did you schedule an individual meeting with a VA counselor to begin the evaluation process?


YES 1
NO (SKIP TO S6Q01) 2

REFUSED (SKIP TO S6Q01) 7

DON’T KNOW (SKIP TO S6Q01) 8


IF S2Q16 = 1 ASK S2Q17. ALL OTHERS SKIP TO S6Q01.

S2Q17. Did you attend this meeting?

YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S2Q17 = 2 ASK S2Q18. ALL OTHERS SKIP TO S6Q01.

S2Q18. Why did you not attend this meeting?


_______________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________

GO TO S6Q01



SECTION 6. JOB PREPARATION AND PLACEMENT


S6Q01. Now, I have some questions about current employment. What is your current employment status? Are you….

NOTE: Add interviewer instruction that “looking” implies “actively looking.”

PROBE, IF NECESSARY: By employed, I mean working for pay on a regular basis.


Currently employed, not looking for a different job 1

Currently employed, but looking for a different job 2

Not working but looking for work 3

Not working and not looking for work 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q02. Are you currently working…?

Full time 1

Part time or 2

Self-employed 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

























IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q03. What kind of work do you currently do?

_______________________________________________________________________

SOC Federal Register Notice- Categories

See Comments at S2Q05

MANAGEMENT OCCUPATIONS 1

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL OCCUPATIONS 2

COMPUTER OCCUPATIONS 3

ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING 4

LIFE AND SOCIAL SCIENCE 5

COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE 6

LEGAL 7

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND LIBRARY 8

ARTS, DESIGN, ENTERTAIMENT, SPORTS AND MEDIA 9

HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER AND TECHNICAL 10

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT 11

PROTECTIVE SERVICES 12

FOOD PREPARATION AND SERVICING RELATED 13

BUILDING AND GROUNDS CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 14

PERSONAL CARE AND SERVICES 15

SALES AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS 16

OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 17

FARMING, FISHING AND FORESTRY 18

CONSTRUCTION AND EXTRACTION 19

INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR 20

PRODUCTION 21

TRANSPORTATION AND MATERIAL MOVING 22

MILITARY 23

OTHER – SPECIFY 24

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q04. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your current job? Would you say that you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8




If S6Q04 = 4 or 5

S6Q05. What is the main reason for your dissatisfaction?

_____________________________________________________________


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DOES NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE IS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKE THE PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE IS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S6Q01= 4

S6Q06. I am going to read you a list of reasons why people may not be looking for

work. Please tell me which is the main reason you are not looking for work.


You are retired 1

You are disabled 2

You stopped looking for work because you could not find work 3

You are temporarily laid off from work 4

You are taking care of your home and family 5

You are going to school, or 6

You are attending a training program 7

Other (specify) 95

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98

















IF S6Q01=1,2,3 AND COHORT < 5

S6Q08B. What sources of employment information have you used to look for a job? As I read each one, please tell me whether or not you have used it.

Y R

E N E D

S O F K


S6Q08A. Veterans Health Administration (VA Hospital) 1 2 7 8

S6Q08B. VET Center 1 2 7 8

S6Q08C. Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) 1 2 7 8

S6Q08D. Department of Defense 1 2 7 8

S6Q08E. Small Business Administration 1 2 7 8

S6Q08F. State rehabilitation agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q08G. State employment agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q08H. Private employment agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q08I. Internet job searches 1 2 7 8

S6Q08J. Newspaper/help-wanted advertisements 1 2 7 8

S6Q08K. Job fairs 1 2 7 8

S6Q08L. College/university or school 1 2 7 8

S6Q08M. Personal/professional contacts 1 2 7 8

S6Q08N. Federal job listings 1 2 7 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q14. Does this job accommodate your disability or not?


YES, JOB ACCOMMODATES DISABILITY 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

NOT APPLICABLE ……………………………………………………. 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q15. Does this job suit your skills and abilities or not?


YES, JOB SUITS SKILLS/ABILITIES 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT SUIT SKILL/ABILITIES 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8








IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q15a. Is your job in line with your military or civilian experience or not?


YES, JOB IN LINE WITH EXPERIENCE 1

NO, JOB NOT IN LINE WITH EXPERIENCE 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q16. Does this job match your interests or not?


YES, JOB MATCHES INTERESTS 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT MATCH INTERESTS 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

SECTION 7. OVERALL EXPERIENCE


Even though you had limited experience with the program,

I would like to ask you some questions about your satisfaction with the VR&E program. We are interested in your most recent experience with the VR&E program.


S7Q01. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the VR&E program? Would you say you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied with the VR&E program?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



S7Q03. Have you ever felt as though you were discriminated against in the VR&E program because of your: (READ LIST)

Yes

No

DK/NA

A. Your gender

1

2

3

B. Your race

1

2

3

C. Your age

1

2

3

D. Your ethnicity

1

2

3

E. A mental health condition

1

2

3

F. A physical disability

1

2

3











SECTION 8. REASONS FOR DISCONTINUING PROGRAM


IF S1Q02C=2:

S8Q01A. The next few questions ask about reasons for not completing the VR&E program. Why didn’t you complete the VR&E program? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)


______________________________________________________________________________

COULD NOT ATTEND SCHOOL WHILE IN PROGRAM 01

COULD NOT WORK WHILE IN PROGRAM 02

DISABILITY NOT ACCOMMODATED 03

DISSATISIFIED WITH PROGRAM/COUNSELOR 04

FINANCIAL REASONS 05

FOUND A JOB 06

PERSONAL REASONS, MEDICAL 07

PERSONAL REASONS, NOT MEDICAL 08

TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS 09

WASN’T WHAT I EXPECTED 10

OTHER (SPECIFY) 11

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S1Q02C =1:

S8Q01B. Why did VR&E request that you stop the program?


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________


DISABILITY RATING NOT HIGH ENOUGH 01

DID NOT SUBMIT PAPERWORK ON TIME 02

MISSED APPOINTMENT(S) 03

GOT A JOB 04

OTHER (SPECIFY:__________________________________________) 96


IF MORE THAN ONE REASON PROVIDED FOR S8Q01A

S8Q02. Which of the reasons that you mentioned is the MAIN reason that you did not complete the VR&E program?


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________



S8Q03. What could the VR&E program have done to help you stay in the program?


_________________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________________




S8Q08. Would a toll-free help line staffed with trained counselors to answer questions or address immediate concerns have been helpful to you during your experience with the VR&E program?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

SECTION 9. MILITARY/EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND AND STATUS


S9_INT Now I’d like to ask you some questions about your military background.


S9Q01 What is the branch of service that you were sworn into?


[INTERVIEWER CODE WITHOUT READING CATEGORIES]

ARMY 1

NAVY 2

AIR FORCE 3

MARINES 4

COAST GUARD 5

ARMY RESERVES 6

NAVY RESERVES 7

AIR FORCE RESERVES 8

MARINE RESERVES 9

COAST GUARD RESERVES 10

AIR NATIONAL GUARD 11

OTHER (SPECIFY) 95

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S9Q01=1 OR 3

S9Q02. Was that the regular branch, the Reserves, and/or the National Guard? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)


REGULAR BRANCH 1

RESERVES 2

NATIONAL GUARD 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q01=2 OR 4 OR 5

S9Q03. Was that the regular branch or the Reserves?

REGULAR BRANCH 1

RESERVES 2

BOTH 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S9Q05. At your most recent discharge were you…

A commissioned officer, 1

A warrant officer, or……………………………………………………….2

An enlisted person? 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



S9Q06. Are you currently serving in the [FILL]?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q06=2

S9Q07. What year was your last discharge?


(INT)ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR _________

(YEAR)


S9Q08. What was your length of service in years and months?


____YEARS


____MONTHS



S9Q09. Did you serve on active duty during any of the following periods? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)


Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975) 1

Gulf War Era (August 2, 1990 - September 10, 2001) 2

Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom

(September 11, 2001 – present) 3

NONE OF THESE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



S9Q10_INT The next questions are about your employment history and experience.


S9Q10. Before enrolling in the military, did you ever work for pay?


YES 1
NO (SKIP TO S9Q15) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q10=1

S9Q11. Were you employed full-time or part-time? IF R SAYS “BOTH,” PROBE: For the majority of the time, were you employed full-time or part-time? IF R INSISTS ON BOTH AFTER PROBING, CODE 1.


FULL-TIME 1

PART-TIME 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q11=1

S9Q12. How many years were you employed full-time before joining the military?


_________ YEARS


LESS THAN ONE YEAR 0

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



IF S9Q12>0

S9Q13. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the full-time work you did prior to joining the military? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


If S9Q13 = 4 or 5

S9Q14. What was the main reason for your dissatisfaction?


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DID NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE IS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKE THAT PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE WAS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98



S9Q15. Have you worked at a civilian job for pay since leaving the military?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q15=1

S9Q16. Does your most recent civilian job generally match the occupation you were

trained for while you were in the military?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 10. HEALTH STATUS



S10Q01. Now I’m going to ask some general questions about your health and well-being. In general, would you say your health is…


Excellent 1

Very good 2

Good 3

Fair 4

Poor 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S10Q02 During the past year, were you limited in the kind of work or other regular daily activities you do as a result of your physical health?


Yes 1

No (SKIP TO QUESITON S10Q04)………………………………..2


S10Q03. Were you limited all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, or a little of the time?


All of the time 2

Most of the time 3

Some of the time 4

A little of the time 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S10Q04 During the past year, were you limited in the kind of work or other regular daily activities you do as a result of any emotional problems or mental health problems?

Yes 1

No 2 (SKIP TO QUESTION S10Q06)


S10Q05. Were you limited all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, or a little of the time?


All of the time 1

Most of the time 2

Some of the time 3

A little of the time 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

S10Q06 During the past year, how much did pain interfere with your ability to work? Did it interfere…


Not at all 1

A little bit 2

Quite a bit 4

Extremely 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

SECTION 11. SELF-EFFICACY



S11Q01_INT Now I am going to read some statements about you. Please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with each statement.

S11Q01 It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S11Q02 When I am confronted with a problem, I can usually find several solutions.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

SECTION 12: DEMOGRAPHICS


I would now like to ask you some questions about yourself. First, I have a few questions about your background.


S12Q01. Are you Hispanic or Latino?

YES 1

NO 2

DON’T KNOW 8

REFUSED 9


S12Q02. I’m now going to read a list of racial categories. Please select one or more to describe your race. (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)

INTERVIEWER NOTE: If the respondent answers “Hispanic” or other ethnicity, try to find out the respondent’s RACE.


White 1

Black or African American 2

American Indian or Alaska Native 3

Asian 4

Native Hawaiian 5

Other Pacific Islander 6

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q02A. My records indicate that your age is ____ years. Is this correct?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q03. At the time you first applied for VR&E benefits, what was the highest grade or year of school you had completed? INTERVIEWER: IF NECESSARY, PROBE FOR DEGREE OBTAINED, NOT YEARS IN SCHOOL.


GED 1

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE 2

TRADE/TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL-

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL 3

SOME COLLEGE BUT NO DEGREE 4

ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN COLLEGE 5

BACHELOR’S DEGREE 6

MASTER’S DEGREE 7

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL DEGREE

[MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD] 8

DOCTORAL DEGREE [PHD, EDD] 9

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q04. Have you pursued other education or training programs since then?


YES 1

NO (GO TO S12Q06) 2

DON’T KNOW (GO TO S12Q06) 8

REFUSED(GO TO S12Q06) 9


S12Q05. What is the highest grade or year of school you have ever completed?


GED 1

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE 2

TRADE/TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL-

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL 3

SOME COLLEGE BUT NO DEGREE 4

ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN COLLEGE 5

BACHELOR’S DEGREE 6

MASTER’S DEGREE 7

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL DEGREE

[MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD] 8

DOCTORAL DEGREE [PHD, EDD] 9

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q06. What is your marital status? Are you…


Married 1

Widowed 2

Divorced 3

Legally separated 4

Never been married 5

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q07 During the (previous year) how many children depended on you for at least half of their support?


____________ (# of Children)


DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98



S12Q08. I am going to read a list of income sources. Please tell me which sources are included in your total family income for the [PREVIOUS YEAR]. For [PREVIOUS YEAR], including yourself (and your spouse/and your dependent children), did you receive money from…


S12Q08A. Wages, salaries, or other employment income

(Probe if necessary: “include commissions, bonuses or tips”) 1

S12Q08B. Your own business 2

S12Q08C. Social Security 3

S12Q08D. VA service-connected disability compensation 4

S12Q08E. Any retirement or pension plan [including U.S. Civil Service

Retirement or U.S. Military Retirement] 6

S12Q08F. Unemployment insurance 7

S12Q08G. Interest and dividends 8

S12Q08H. Worker’s Compensation or Black Lung benefit 9

S12Q08I. Public assistance, such as welfare, AFDC, or SSI payments 10

S12Q08J. Any other source 11

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q09. Including any VA payments you receive, and from all sources combined, what was your total family income for [PREVIOUS YEAR], before taxes and deductions?

$ ____________________ (RECORD AMOUNT) (SKIP TO S12Q11)

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S12Q09 = 97 or 98

S12Q10. Please tell me which group best describes an estimate of your total combined family income in [PREVIOUS YEAR] before taxes and deductions? Would you say…


$10,000 or less 1

$10,001 to $20,000 2

$20,001 to $30,000 3

$30,001 to $40,000 4

$40,001 to $50,000 5

or Over $50,000 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q11. Is there more than one income earner in your family?

YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S12Q15) 2

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98

S12Q12. I am going to read a list of income sources. Please tell me which sources are included in your individual income for [PREVIOUS YEAR]. For [PREVIOUS YEAR], for yourself only, did you receive money from [INTERVIEWER: NAME ONLY THE CATEGORIES MARKED IN S12Q08]…


S12Q12A. Wages, salaries, or other employment income

(Probe if necessary: “include commissions, bonuses or tips”) 1

S12Q12B. Your own business 2

S12Q12C. Social Security 3

S12Q12D. VA service-connected disability compensation 4

S12Q12E. Any retirement or pension plan [including U.S. Civil Service

Retirement or U.S. Military Retirement] 6

S12Q12F. Unemployment insurance 7

S12Q12G. Interest and dividends 8

S12Q12H. Worker’s Compensation or Black Lung benefit 9

S12Q12I. Public assistance, such as welfare, AFDC, or SSI payments 10

S12Q12J. Any other source 11

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q13. Including any VA payments you receive, and from all sources combined, what was your individual income for [PREVIOUS YEAR], before taxes and deductions?


$ ____________________ (RECORD AMOUNT) (Skip to S12Q15)

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S12Q13 = 97 or 98

S12Q14. Please tell me which group best describes an estimate of your total INDIVIDUAL income in (previous year) before taxes and deductions? Would you say…


$10,000 or less 1

$10,001 to $20,000 2

$20,001 to $30,000 3

$30,001 to $40,000 4

$40,001 to $50,000 5

or Over $50,000 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q15. Do you have health care coverage under any of the following sources? (Mark all that apply.)


TRICARE 1

Medicare 2

Medicaid 3

Private health insurance (such as Blue Cross or Aetna) 4

VA 5

Other, please specify 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98




Thank you very much for your time today. We really appreciate your help. Have a good (day/evening).






Veterans Employability Survey

Cohort Two: Veterans Who Had to Temporarily Interrupt the VR&E Planning and Evaluation Phase and Did Not Return Prior to Completion of Evaluation

Cohort Three: Veterans Who Proceeded to the VR&E Planning Stage, But Dropped Out Before a Plan Was Developed

June 26, 2006

Office of Policy

Department of Veterans Affairs


Section of Page


Introductory Section 1


Current Status in VR&E Program 3


Application Process 6


Evaluation Process 11


Planning Phase 15


Job Preparation and Placement

Current 18


Overall Experience 22


Reasons for Discontinuing Program 27


Military/Employment Background and Status 29


Health Status 33


Self-Efficacy 35


Demographics 36

INTRODUCTORY SECTION


Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon. May I speak with [RESPONDENT’S NAME]?

RESPONDENT IS AVAILABLE SKIP TO INTRO1

RESPONDENT NOT AVAILABLE SKIP TO CALLBACK


<CALLBACK>

When is a good time to call [RESPONDENT’S NAME] back?


RECORD TIME:____________

RECORD DAY: _____________


Thank you very much and have a good day.


IF RESPONDENT IS AVAILABLE:

<INTRO1>

My name is [INTERVIEWER NAME] and I am calling on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs from Abt Associates Inc. We are conducting a study regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. You should have received a letter explaining the study within the past week or two. Did you receive the letter?


YES……………………………………………………….. 1 (SKIP TO INTRO1B)

NO 2 (CONTINUE)

REFUSED 7 (CONTINUE)

DON’T KNOW 8 (CONTINUE)


INTRO1A.

Let me tell you more information about the study. Your name was randomly selected from a group of veterans who applied for VA vocational rehabilitation and employment services. The Department of Veterans Affairs wants to learn why many veterans do not finish the program and what it can do to improve its program. In order to do this, we have been asked to talk both to veterans who left the program as well as those who stayed in. Your opinions will help the VA understand how it can better serve veterans who need rehabilitation and employment services. Your participation in this study is voluntary. If you choose not to participate, your VA benefits and services will not be affected in any way. (CONTINUE WITH INTRO1B.)


INTRO1B.

We would like to conduct an interview with you to hear your views on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. Your opinions about the program will help the VA improve the quality of the program veterans like you receive. Your participation in this study is voluntary. Your cooperation is important to the success of this study. All answers will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only for this research. The information you provide is protected under the Privacy Act and section 5701 of Title 38 U.S. Code. You may choose not to answer any question or end the interview at any time.



This survey was reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget, OMB. The survey is estimated to take about 20 minutes of your time. This may vary as some interviews will take more time, and some will take less time. You may send comments regarding this estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the length, to the Federal Government. Would you like the address of the government office you may contact?


Yes……………………………………………….. 1 (CONTINUE)

No 2 (GO TO SCREENER)


INTRO1C. The address is:

Department of Veteran Affairs

Office of Policy and Planning (008A1)

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420



SCREENER

For quality assurance purposes, my supervisor may monitor this call.

Before starting the interview, I would like to make sure I have the correct person.

In what year were you born?



<YEAR>



SCRDOB: RESPONDENT’S DOB FROM SAMPLE = </YYYY>

RESPONDENT’S DOB FROM SCRDOB = </YYYY>


INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: IF YEAR MATCHES, SELECT DOB GIVEN MATCHES SAMPLE.


DOB MATCHES SAMPLE SKIP TO INTERVIEW

DOB DOES NOT MATCH SAMPLE SKIP TO TERMINATE

REFUSED SKIP TO TERMINATE

DON’T KNOW SKIP TO TERMINATE



TERMINATE: Our records have different information. I will check the information with my supervisor and we might call you later. Thank you for your time.




SECTION 1: CURRENT STATUS IN VR&E PROGRAM

S1Q01_INTA. I’m going to begin by asking you some questions about your experience with the VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program, which I will refer to as the VR&E program. Do you remember your experiences with the VR&E program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q01_INTA>1

S1Q01_INTB. The VR&E program is an employment-oriented program that helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find and keep employment. Eligible veterans are evaluated to determine if they need vocational rehabilitation services to help overcome barriers to employment. Does this help you remember your experience with the program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF NO, THANK RESPONDENT FOR THEIR TIME AND END INTERVIEW.


S1Q01. How did you find out about the VA VR&E program? (Mark all that apply)

INTERVIEWER, PROBE “VA” AND “THE MILITARY” RESPONSES:

Please be more specific.

_____________________________________________________________


PRE-DISCHARGE BRIEFINGS (TAP/DTAP) 1

PRE-DISCHARGE PHYSICAL 2

VA PAMPHLET/BROCHURE 3

VA MEDICAL FACILITY 4

OTHER VA FACILITY 5

LETTER FROM VA AWARDING SERVICE-CONNECTED

DISABILITY 6

VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATION

(EG. AMERICAN LEGION OR DAV) 7

STATE OR LOCAL VR&E OFFICES 8

STATE REHABILITATION AGENCIES 9

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DVOP, VETS) 10

COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY 11

FRIENDS OR FAMILY 12

OTHER VETERANS 13

INTERNET 14

OTHER, SPECIFY 15



S1Q02. The next questions are about your current status with regard to the VA VR&E program. Are you currently pursuing the VR&E program or not?


CURRENTLY PURSUING PROGRAM 1

NOT CURRENTLY PURSUING PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02 = 2:

S1Q02A. Did you complete the VR&E program or not?


YES, COMPLETED PROGRAM 1

NO, DID NOT COMPLETE PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8





IF S1Q02A = 1 AND COHORT 5:

S1Q02B. I need to verify your status because our records indicate that you did not complete the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment orVR&E program. I need to confirm…did you complete the VR&E program?


YES, COMPLETED THE PROGRAM 1

NO, DID NOT COMPLETE THE PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02A = 2 OR S1Q02B = 2:

S1Q02C. Did the VA request that you end the program or did you end it voluntarily?


VA REQUESTED I END PROGRAM 1

ENDED PROGRAM VOLUNTARILY 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02C = 1 OR 2:

S1Q02D. Did (IF S1Q02C=1: the VA request that) you end the program temporarily or permanently?


TEMPORARILY ENDED PROGRAM 1

PERMANENTLY ENDED PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02C=1;

S1Q03. Did the VA tell you the reasons why you were requested to temporarily stop or end your services with the VR&E program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02A=2 OR S1Q02B=2, ASK:

S1Q04.Do you plan to complete your rehabilitation program now or at some later date?

Yes, now 1

Yes, at a later date 2

No 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 2. APPLICATION PROCESS



S2Q01. Now, I have a few questions about the VR&E application process. How many times have you applied to the VR&E program?


____ (# times)


DID NOT APPLY 0

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q02. To be eligible for VR&E programs, veterans need documents that show that they have a service-connected disability and qualifying service (a discharge other than dishonorable). (READ STEM IF S2Q01>1: Thinking about the first time you applied,) How easy or difficult was it to find out which documents were needed to determine your eligibility? Would you say that it was very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, or very difficult?


Very easy 1

Somewhat easy 2

Somewhat difficult 3

Very difficult 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q03. Were you employed at the time of application?


YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S2Q08) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q04. Do you have the same job that you had at the time of application?


YES (SKIP TO S2Q08) 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S2Q04= 2

S2Q05. What was your occupation at the time of application? (Mark all that apply.)


______________________________________________________________________

SOC Federal Register Notice- Categories


MANAGEMENT OCCUPATIONS 1

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL OCCUPATIONS 2

COMPUTER OCCUPATIONS 3

ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING 4

LIFE AND SOCIAL SCIENCE 5

COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE 6

LEGAL 7

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND LIBRARY 8

ARTS, DESIGN, ENTERTAIMENT, SPORTS AND MEDIA 9

HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER AND TECHNICAL 10

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT 11

PROTECTIVE SERVICES 12

FOOD PREPARATION AND SERVICING RELATED 13

BUILDING AND GROUNDS CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 14

PERSONAL CARE AND SERVICES 15

SALES AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS 16

OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 17

FARMING, FISHING AND FORESTRY 18

CONSTRUCTION AND EXTRACTION 19

INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR 20

PRODUCTION 21

TRANSPORTATION AND MATERIAL MOVING 22

MILITARY …………………………………………………………… 23

OTHER – SPECIFY 24

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S2Q04= 2

S2Q06. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with that job?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



If S2Q06= 4 or 5

S2Q07. What was the MAIN reason for your dissatisfaction?


___________________________________________________________________


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DID NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKED THAT PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE WAS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98

S2Q08. What is the MOST IMPORTANT reason you applied for the VR&E program? (Interviewer note: Emphasize “MOST IMPORTANT”)


_____________________________________________________________________


TO GET JOB OR BETTER JOB/GET TRAINING FOR NEW JOB 1

TO GET JOB THAT ACCOMMODATED MY DISABILITY 2

TO FURTHER MY EDUCATION 3

TO IMPROVE JOB-SEEKING SKILLS/GET CAREER COUNCELING 4

ASSISTANCE WITH STARTING A BUSINESS 5

ASSISTANCE IN DAILY LIVING OR INDEPENDENT LIVING 6

OTHER (SPECIFY) 7

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S2Q09. When you submitted your application, how completely did you understand the eligibility requirements for the program? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


Completely 1

Mostly 2

Only a little 4

Not at all 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q10. When you submitted your application, how completely did you understand the purpose of the VR&E program?

Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


Completely 1

Mostly 2

Only a little 4

Not at all 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q11. How reasonable or unreasonable was the amount of paperwork required from you to complete the application process? Would you say it was very reasonable, somewhat reasonable, somewhat unreasonable, or very unreasonable? PROBE: By application process, I mean the time it took to file the application and submit all required paperwork.


Very reasonable 1

Somewhat reasonable 2

Somewhat unreasonable 4

Very unreasonable 5

DID NOT COMPLETE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

S2Q12. From the time you turned in your application until you were contacted for an appointment, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the time it took for someone to contact you about an appointment? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5


S2Q13. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the length of time between scheduling your initial appointment and the date of your initial appointment? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5





S2Q14. After you applied, did you attend an orientation meeting with VR&E

staff?

INTERVIEWER: CODE YES IF GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL ORIENTATION.


YES 1
NO (SKIP TO S3Q01) 2

REFUSED (SKIP TO S3Q01) 7

DON’T KNOW (SKIP TO S3Q01) 8


IF S2Q14 = YES;

S2Q15. Would you say that the orientation meeting was very helpful, somewhat helpful, not very helpful, or not at all helpful?


Very helpful 1

Somewhat helpful 2

Not very helpful……………………………………………………………3

Not at all helpful 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 3. EVALUATION PROCESS


S3Q01. These next questions are about the VR&E evaluation process. As part of your evaluation, did you take any tests? IF NECESSARY, PROBE: tests may have included an aptitude assessment to determine your interests or skills and a math test.


YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S3Q10) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



S3Q03. Did you receive help from your counselor in preparing for the tests such as a test guide or practice test?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q04. Did the counselor explain the test results in a way you could understand them?


YES 1

NO 2

NO RESULTS YET (SKIP TO QUESTION S3Q09) 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q05. How completely did the results of the aptitude tests match your particular skills and abilities? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


COMPLETELY 1

MOSTLY 2

ONLY A LITTLE 4

NOT AT ALL 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8









S3Q06. How well did the test results match your personal interests? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


COMPLETELY 1

MOSTLY 2

ONLY A LITTLE 4

NOT AT ALL 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q07. Did anything about the tests discourage your participation in the VR&E Program?


YES 1

NO [skip to S3Q09] 2

REFUSED [skip to S3Q09] 7

DON’T KNOW [skip to S3Q09] 8


IF S3Q07=1

S3Q08. What about the tests discouraged your participation?

TOO TIME CONSUMING 1

TOO DIFFICULT 2

DIDN’T SEEM APPLICABLE 3

RESULTS PREVENTED YOU FROM PURSUING INTERESTS 4

OTHER (SPECIFY) 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q09A. The following questions are about your experiences with your primary counselor. By primary counselor, I mean the one you spent the most time with. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how sure or unsure were you that your counselor gave you good information? Would you say that you were very sure, somewhat sure, somewhat unsure, or very unsure?

VERY SURE 1

SOMEWHAT SURE 2

SOMEWHAT UNSURE 4

VERY UNSURE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8




S3Q09B. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how sure or unsure were you that your counselor gave you good advice? Would you say that you were very sure, somewhat sure, somewhat unsure, or very unsure?


VERY SURE 1

SOMEWHAT SURE 2

SOMEWHAT UNSURE 4

VERY UNSURE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q10. During the overall evaluation phase, how well did your counselor understand your feelings and concerns? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


COMPLETELY 1

MOSTLY 2

ONLY A LITTLE 4

NOT AT ALL 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q11. After determining you were eligible for services, did the VA determine that you were entitled to VR&E services?


Yes, (SKIP TO S4Q01) 1

No 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW (SKIP TO S4Q01) 8


S3Q11A. Did the VA determine that you were not entitled to VR&E services or did you drop out of the program before the determination could be made?


NOT ENTITLED 1

DROPPED OUT (SKIP TO S6Q01) 3

REFUSED (SKIP TO S6Q01) 7

DON’T KNOW (SKIP TO S6Q01) 8


S3Q12. Did the VA explain why you were NOT entitled to VR&E services?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



S3Q13. Did you research vocational rehabilitation alternatives?

YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S3Q13=1

S3Q14. Did your VA counselor help you with this research?

YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

S3Q16. How about the length of time from the time you applied until the evaluation process was completed? Would you say it was very reasonable, somewhat reasonable, somewhat unreasonable, or very unreasonable?


Very reasonable 1

Somewhat reasonable 2

Somewhat unreasonable 4

Very unreasonable 5

DID NOT COMPLETE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



SECTION 4: PLANNING PHASE


S4Q01. Now, I would like to ask some questions about the planning phase of the VR&E program. Did you discuss an individual vocational plan of services or develop an individual written plan with your counselor? IF NECESSARY, PROBE: by individual plan, I mean a plan designed just for you.


YES, DISCUSSED 1

YES, WRITTEN ……………………………………………………… 2

NO (SKIP TO SECTION 6) 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



S4Q02. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the occupational/vocational goal you and your counselor selected during the planning phase of your program? Would you say that you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03. INTRO Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding your plan of services or individual written plan:


S4Q03A. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, the plan was appropriate to achieve your vocational goals. Would you say that you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree?


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03B. The plan was designed to minimize aggravation of your disability.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



S4Q03C. The plan adequately reflects your interests.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03D. The plan adequately reflects your abilities.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03E. The plan reflects current conditions and characteristics of the job market.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q04. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the number of occupational choices that were offered to you during the development of your plan? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S4Q03C AND/OR S4Q03D = 4 OR 5

S4Q05. Earlier, you said that the plan did not adequately reflect your (interests/abilities/interests and abilities). Did your counselor clearly explain the reasons for having offered the plan despite the fact that it did not appear to match your (interests/abilities/interests and abilities)?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q06. Were you asked by VR&E staff to do any research to assist with plan development, for example, looking up schools in your area or finding statistics on the local labor market?


YES 1

NO [SKIP TO S5Q01] 2

REFUSED [SKIP TO S6Q01] 7

DON’T KNOW [SKIP TO S6Q01] 8


IF S4Q06=1

S4Q07. Was the amount of research you were asked to do too much, too little, or about right?

TOO MUCH 1

TOO LITTLE 2

ABOUT RIGHT 3

NOT APPLICABLE …………………………………………………….. 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

SECTION 6. JOB PREPARATION AND PLACEMENT



S6Q01. Now, I have some questions about current employment. What is your current employment status? Are you….

NOTE: Add interviewer instruction that “looking” implies “actively looking.”

PROBE, IF NECESSARY: By employed, I mean working for pay on a regular basis.


Currently employed, not looking for a different job 1

Currently employed, but looking for a different job 2

Not working but looking for work 3

Not working and not looking for work 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q02. Are you currently working…?

Full time 1

Part time or 2

Self-employed 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q03. What kind of work do you currently do?

_______________________________________________________________________

SOC Federal Register Notice- Categories

See Comments at S2Q05

MANAGEMENT OCCUPATIONS 1

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL OCCUPATIONS 2

COMPUTER OCCUPATIONS 3

ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING 4

LIFE AND SOCIAL SCIENCE 5

COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE 6

LEGAL 7

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND LIBRARY 8

ARTS, DESIGN, ENTERTAIMENT, SPORTS AND MEDIA 9

HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER AND TECHNICAL 10

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT 11

PROTECTIVE SERVICES 12

FOOD PREPARATION AND SERVICING RELATED 13

BUILDING AND GROUNDS CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 14

PERSONAL CARE AND SERVICES 15

SALES AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS 16

OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 17

FARMING, FISHING AND FORESTRY 18

CONSTRUCTION AND EXTRACTION 19

INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR 20

PRODUCTION 21

TRANSPORTATION AND MATERIAL MOVING 22

MILITARY 23

OTHER – SPECIFY 24

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q04. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your current job? Would you say that you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8




If S6Q04 = 4 or 5

S6Q05. What is the main reason for your dissatisfaction?

_____________________________________________________________


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DOES NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE IS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKE THE PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE IS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S6Q01= 4

S6Q06. I am going to read you a list of reasons why people may not be looking for

work. Please tell me which is the main reason you are not looking for work.


You are retired 1

You are disabled 2

You stopped looking for work because you could not find work 3

You are temporarily laid off from work 4

You are taking care of your home and family 5

You are going to school, or 6

You are attending a training program 7

Other (specify) 95

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98

















IF S6Q01=1, 2 or 3 AND COHORT < 5

S6Q08B. What sources of employment information have you used to look for a job? As I read each one, please tell me whether or not you have used it.

Y R

E N E D

S O F K


S6Q8A. Veterans Health Administration (VA Hospital) 1 2 7 8

S6Q8B. VET Center 1 2 7 8

S6Q8C. Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) 1 2 7 8

S6Q8D. Department of Defense 1 2 7 8

S6Q8E. Small Business Administration 1 2 7 8

S6Q8F. State rehabilitation agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q8G. State employment agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q8H. Private employment agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q8I. Internet job searches 1 2 7 8

S6Q8J. Newspaper/help-wanted advertisements 1 2 7 8

S6Q8K. Job fairs 1 2 7 8

S6Q8L. College/university or school 1 2 7 8

S6Q8M. Personal/professional contacts 1 2 7 8

S6Q8N. Federal job listings ……………………………………………. 1 2 7 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q14. Does this job accommodate your disability or not?


YES, JOB ACCOMMODATES DISABILITY 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

NOT APPLICABLE ……………………………………………………. 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q15. Does this job suit your skills and abilities or not?


YES, JOB SUITS SKILLS/ABILITIES 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT SUIT SKILL/ABILITIES 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8







IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q15a. Is your job in line with your military or civilian experience or not?


YES, JOB IN LINE WITH EXPERIENCE 1

NO, JOB NOT IN LINE WITH EXPERIENCE 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q16. Does this job match your interests or not?


YES, JOB MATCHES INTERESTS 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT MATCH INTERESTS 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

SECTION 7. OVERALL EXPERIENCE


Now I would like to ask you some questions about your satisfaction with the VR&E program. We are interested in your most recent experience with the VR&E program.


S7Q01. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the VR&E program? Would you say you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied with the VR&E program?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

NOT APPLICABLE ………………………………………………… 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q02. How important or unimportant was the VR&E program in helping to prepare you to get a suitable job? Would you say that it was extremely important, very important, moderately important, slightly important, or not at all important?


EXTREMELY IMPORTANT 1

VERY IMPORTANT 2

MODERATELY IMPORTANT 3

SLIGHTLY IMPORTANT 4

NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT 5

NOT APPLICABLE ………………………………………………… 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q03. Have you ever felt as though you were discriminated against in the VR&E program because of: (READ LIST)

Yes

No

DK/NA

A. Your gender

1

2

3

B. Your race

1

2

3

C. Your age

1

2

3

D. Your ethnicity

1

2

3

E. A mental health condition

1

2

3

F. A physical disability

1

2

3




S7Q04. How many counselors have you had while in the VR&E program?

____ (# counselors)

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S7Q04 > 1

S7Q05. Did the counselors communicate with each other about your progress?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8




S7Q08_INTRO The following questions are about your experiences with your primary counselor. By primary counselor, I mean the one you spent the most time with.


S7Q08. Is/was your primary counselor a VA staff counselor or a counselor under contract with the VA?


A VA STAFF COUNSELOR 1

A COUNSELOR UNDER CONTRACT WITH THE VA 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q09. Is/was your primary counselor a Veteran?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q10. Did you have concerns that you wanted to discuss with your primary counselor but did not?


YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S7Q12) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8





S7Q11. Why did you not discuss these concerns with your primary counselor?


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________


S7Q12. Overall, were your primary counselor’s communications with you respectful? Would you say always, most of the time, sometimes, or never?


ALWAYS 1

MOST OF THE TIME 2

SOMETIMES……………………………………………………………….3

NEVER 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13_INTRO For each of the following items regarding your primary counselor, please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the following statements.


S7Q13a. My primary counselor gave me good information and advice.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13b. My primary counselor is/was knowledgeable regarding VA’s vocational rehabilitation program.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8




S7Q13c. My primary counselor has provided assistance according to my individual needs.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13d. When my primary counselor made a decision regarding my program, the reason was clearly explained.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13e. My primary counselor showed a caring and compassionate attitude toward me.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q14. Now thinking about the location of your primary counselor, how convenient or inconvenient was the location of the office where you met with your counselor(s)? Was it very convenient, somewhat convenient, somewhat inconvenient, or not at all convenient?


VERY CONVENIENT 1

SOMEWHAT CONVENIENT 2

SOMEWHAT INCONVENIENT 4

NOT AT ALL CONVENIENT 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8





S7Q15. Did your counselor schedule appointments at times that were convenient for you or not? Would you say always, most of the time, some of the time, or never?


ALWAYS 1

MOST OF THE TIME 2

SOME OF THE TIME ……………………………………………. 3

NEVER 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q16. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the amount of time your counselor spent with you during in-person meetings? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5


S7Q18. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the responsiveness of your primary counselor, the person you spent the most time with?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8




SECTION 8. REASONS FOR DISCONTINUING PROGRAM



IF S1Q02C=2: S8Q01A. The next few questions ask about reasons for not completing the VR&E program. Why didn’t you complete the VR&E program? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)


______________________________________________________________________________

COULD NOT ATTEND SCHOOL WHILE IN PROGRAM 01

COULD NOT WORK WHILE IN PROGRAM 02

DISABILITY NOT ACCOMMODATED 03

DISSATISIFIED WITH PROGRAM/COUNSELOR 04

FINANCIAL REASONS 05

FOUND A JOB 06

PERSONAL REASONS, MEDICAL 07

PERSONAL REASONS, NOT MEDICAL 08

TRANSPORTATION 09

WASN’T WHAT I EXPECTED 10

OTHER (SPECIFY) 11

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S1Q02C =1: S8Q01B. Why did VR&E request that you stop the program?


______________________________________________________________________________


______________________________________________________________________________


DISABILITY RATING NOT HIGH ENOUGH 01

DID NOT SUBMIT PAPERWORK ON TIME 02

MISSED APPOINTMENT(S) 03

GOT A JOB 04

OTHER (SPECIFY:__________________________________________) 96



IF MORE THAN ONE REASON PROVIDED FOR S8Q01A

S8Q02. Which of the reasons that you mentioned is the MAIN reason that you did not complete the VR&E program?


________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________






S8Q03. What could the VR&E program have done to help you stay in the program?


__________________________________________________________________


__________________________________________________________________



S8Q08. Would a toll-free help line staffed with trained counselors to answer questions or address immediate concerns have been helpful to you during your experience with the VR&E program?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

SECTION 9. MILITARY/EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND AND STATUS


S9_INT Now I’d like to ask you some questions about your military background.


S9Q01 What is the branch of service that you were sworn into?


[INTERVIEWER CODE WITHOUT READING CATEGORIES]

ARMY 1

NAVY 2

AIR FORCE 3

MARINES 4

COAST GUARD 5

ARMY RESERVES 6

NAVY RESERVES 7

AIR FORCE RESERVES 8

MARINE RESERVES 9

COAST GUARD RESERVES 10

AIR NATIONAL GUARD 11

OTHER (SPECIFY) 95

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S9Q01=1 OR 3

S9Q02. Was that the regular branch, the Reserves, and/or the National Guard? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)


REGULAR BRANCH 1

RESERVES 2

NATIONAL GUARD 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q01=2 OR 4 OR 5

S9Q03. Was that the regular branch or the Reserves?

REGULAR BRANCH 1

RESERVES 2

BOTH 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8






S9Q05. At your most recent discharge were you…

A commissioned officer, 1

A warrant officer, or……………………………………………………….2

An enlisted person? 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8




S9Q06. Are you currently serving in the [FILL]?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q06=2

S9Q07. What year was your last discharge?


(INT)ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR _________

(YEAR)


S9Q08. What was your length of service in years and months?


____YEARS


____MONTHS



S9Q09. Did you serve on active duty during any of the following periods? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)


Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975) 1

Gulf War Era (August 2, 1990 - September 10, 2001) 2

Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom

(September 11, 2001 – present) 3

NONE OF THESE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8







S9Q10_INT The next questions are about your employment history and experience.


S9Q10. Before enrolling in the military, did you ever work for pay?


YES 1
NO (SKIP TO S9Q15) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q10=1

S9Q11. Were you employed full-time or part-time? IF R SAYS “BOTH,” PROBE: For the majority of the time, were you employed full-time or part-time? IF R INSISTS ON BOTH AFTER PROBING, CODE 1.



FULL-TIME 1

PART-TIME 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q11=1

S9Q12. How many years were you employed full-time before joining the military?


_________ YEARS


LESS THAN ONE YEAR 0

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



IF S9Q12>0

S9Q13. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the full-time work you did prior to joining the military? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8





If S9Q13 = 4 or 5

S9Q14. What was the main reason for your dissatisfaction?


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DID NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE IS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKE THAT PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE WAS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98





S9Q15. Have you worked at a civilian job for pay since leaving the military?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q15=1

S9Q16. Does your most recent civilian job generally match the occupation you were

trained for while you were in the military?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



SECTION 10. HEALTH STATUS



S10Q01. Now I’m going to ask some general questions about your health and well-being. In general, would you say your health is…


Excellent 1

Very good 2

Good 3

Fair 4

Poor 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S10Q02 During the past year, were you limited in the kind of work or other regular daily activities you do as a result of your physical health?


Yes 1

No 2 (SKIP TO QUESTION S10Q04)


S10Q03. Were you limited all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, or a little of the time?


All of the time 2

Most of the time 3

Some of the time 4

A little of the time 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S10Q04 During the past year, were you limited in the kind of work or other regular daily activities you do as a result of any emotional problems or mental health problems?


Yes 1

No 2 (SKIP TO QUESTION S10Q06)









S10Q05. Were you limited all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, or a little of the time?


All of the time 2

Most of the time 3

Some of the time 4

A little of the time 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8





S10Q06 During the past year, how much did pain interfere with your ability to work? Did it interfere…


Not at all 1

A little bit 2

Quite a bit 4

Extremely 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 11. SELF-EFFICACY



S11Q01_INT Now I am going to read some statements about you. Please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with each statement.

S11Q01 It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW ………………………………………………………… 8


S11Q02 When I am confronted with a problem, I can usually find several solutions.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8




SECTION 12: DEMOGRAPHICS


I would now like to ask you some questions about yourself. First, I have a few questions about your background.


S12Q01. Are you Hispanic or Latino?

YES 1

NO 2

DON’T KNOW 8

REFUSED 9


S12Q02. I’m now going to read a list of racial categories. Please select one or more to describe your race. (MARK ALL THAT APPLY) INTERVIEWER NOTE: If the respondent answers “Hispanic” or other ethnicity, try to find out the respondent’s RACE.


White 1

Black or African American 2

American Indian or Alaska Native 3

Asian 4

Native Hawaiian 5

Other Pacific Islander 6

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q02A. My records indicate that your age is ____ years. Is this correct?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98
















S12Q03. At the time you first applied for VR&E benefits, what was the highest grade or year of school you had completed?

INTERVIEWER: IF NECESSARY, PROBE FOR DEGREE OBTAINED, NOT YEARS IN SCHOOL.

GED 1

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE 2

TRADE/TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL-

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL 3

SOME COLLEGE BUT NO DEGREE 4

ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN COLLEGE 5

BACHELOR’S DEGREE 6

MASTER’S DEGREE 7

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL DEGREE

[MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD] 8

DOCTORAL DEGREE [PHD, EDD] 9

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q04. Have you pursued other education or training programs since then?


YES 1

NO (GO TO S12Q06) 2

DON’T KNOW (GO TO S12Q06) 8

REFUSED(GO TO S12Q06) 9


S12Q05. What is the highest grade or year of school you have ever completed?


GED 1

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE 2

TRADE/TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL-

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL 3

SOME COLLEGE BUT NO DEGREE 4

ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN COLLEGE 5

BACHELOR’S DEGREE 6

MASTER’S DEGREE 7

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL DEGREE

[MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD] 8

DOCTORAL DEGREE [PHD, EDD] 9

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98






S12Q06. What is your marital status? Are you…


Married 1

Widowed 2

Divorced 3

Legally separated 4

Never been married 5

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q07 During the (previous year) how many children depended on you for at least half of their support?


____________ (# of Children)


DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q08. I am going to read a list of income sources. Please tell me which sources are included in your total family income for the [PREVIOUS YEAR]. For [PREVIOUS YEAR], including yourself (and your spouse/and your dependent children), did you receive money from…


S12Q08A. Wages, salaries, or other employment income

(Probe if necessary: “include commissions, bonuses or tips”) 1

S12Q08B. Your own business 2

S12Q08C. Social Security 3

S12Q08D. VA service-connected disability compensation 4

S12Q08E. Any retirement or pension plan [including U.S. Civil Service

Retirement or U.S. Military Retirement] 6

S12Q08F. Unemployment insurance 7

S12Q08G. Interest and dividends 8

S12Q08H. Worker’s Compensation or Black Lung benefit 9

S12Q08I. Public assistance, such as welfare, AFDC, or SSI payments 10

S12Q08J. Any other source 11

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q09. Including any VA payments you receive, and from all sources combined, what was your total family income for [PREVIOUS YEAR], before taxes and deductions?

$ ____________________ (RECORD AMOUNT) (SKIP TO S12Q11)

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98




IF S12Q09 = 97 or 98

S12Q10. Please tell me which group best describes an estimate of your total combined family income in [PREVIOUS YEAR] before taxes and deductions? Would you say…


$10,000 or less 1

$10,001 to $20,000 2

$20,001 to $30,000 3

$30,001 to $40,000 4

$40,001 to $50,000 5

or Over $50,000 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q11. Is there more than one income earner in your family?

YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S12Q15) 2

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q12. I am going to read a list of income sources. Please tell me which sources are included in your individual income for [PREVIOUS YEAR]. For [PREVIOUS YEAR], for yourself only, did you receive money from [INTERVIEWER: NAME ONLY THE CATEGORIES MARKED IN S12Q08]…


S12Q12A. Wages, salaries, or other employment income

(Probe if necessary: “include commissions, bonuses or tips”) 1

S12Q12B. Your own business 2

S12Q12C. Social Security 3

S12Q12D. VA service-connected disability compensation 4

S12Q12E. Any retirement or pension plan [including U.S. Civil Service

Retirement or U.S. Military Retirement] 6

S12Q12F. Unemployment insurance 7

S12Q12G. Interest and dividends 8

S12Q12H. Worker’s Compensation or Black Lung benefit 9

S12Q12I. Public assistance, such as welfare, AFDC, or SSI payments 10

S12Q12J. Any other source 11

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q13. Including any VA payments you receive, and from all sources combined, what was your individual income for [PREVIOUS YEAR], before taxes and deductions?


$ ____________________ (RECORD AMOUNT) (Skip to S12Q15)

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S12Q13 = 97 or 98

S12Q14. Please tell me which group best describes an estimate of your total INDIVIDUAL income in (previous year) before taxes and deductions? Would you say…


$10,000 or less 1

$10,001 to $20,000 2

$20,001 to $30,000 3

$30,001 to $40,000 4

$40,001 to $50,000 5

or Over $50,000 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q15. Do you have health care coverage under any of the following sources? (Mark all that apply.)


TRICARE 1

Medicare 2

Medicaid 3

Private health insurance (such as Blue Cross or Aetna) 4

VA 5

Other, please specify 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98





Thank you very much for your time today. We really appreciate your help. Have a good (day/evening).





Veterans Employability Survey

Cohort Four: Veterans Who Completed the VR&E Planning and Evaluation Phase, Began a Rehabilitation to Employability Phase,

But Interrupted or Discontinued


Office of Policy

Department of Veterans Affairs

June 26, 2006



Section of Page


Introductory Section 1


Current Status in VR&E Program 3


Application Process 6


Evaluation Process 11


Planning Phase 14


Rehabilitation and Training 17


Job Preparation and Placement 21


Overall Experience 25


Reasons for Discontinuing 30


Military/Employment Background and Status 32


Health Status 36


Self-Efficacy 38


Demographics 39

INTRODUCTORY SECTION

Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon. May I speak with [RESPONDENT’S NAME]?

RESPONDENT IS AVAILABLE SKIP TO INTRO1

RESPONDENT NOT AVAILABLE SKIP TO CALLBACK


<CALLBACK>

When is a good time to call [RESPONDENT’S NAME] back?


RECORD TIME:____________

RECORD DAY: _____________


Thank you very much and have a good day.


IF RESPONDENT IS AVAILABLE:

<INTRO1>

My name is [INTERVIEWER NAME] and I am calling on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs from Abt Associates Inc. We are conducting a study regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. You should have received a letter explaining the study within the past week or two. Did you receive the letter?


YES……………………………………………………….. 1 (SKIP TO INTRO1B)

NO 2 (CONTINUE)

REFUSED 7 (CONTINUE)

DON’T KNOW 8 (CONTINUE)


INTRO1A.

Let me tell you more information about the study. Your name was randomly selected from a group of veterans who applied for VA vocational rehabilitation and employment services. The Department of Veterans Affairs wants to learn why many veterans do not finish the program and what it can do to improve its program. In order to do this, we have been asked to talk both to veterans who left the program as well as those who stayed in. Your opinions will help the VA understand how it can better serve veterans who need rehabilitation and employment services. Your participation in this study is voluntary. If you choose not to participate, your VA benefits and services will not be affected in any way. (CONTINUE WITH INTRO1B.)


INTRO1B.

We would like to conduct an interview with you to hear your views on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. Your opinions about the program will help the VA improve the quality of the program veterans like you receive. Your participation in this study is voluntary. Your cooperation is important to the success of this study. All answers will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only for this research. The information you provide is protected under the Privacy Act and section 5701 of Title 38 U.S. Code. You may choose not to answer any question or end the interview at any time.


This survey was reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget, OMB. The survey is estimated to take about 20 minutes of your time. This may vary as some interviews will take more time, and some will take less time. You may send comments regarding this estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the length, to the Federal Government. Would you like the address of the government office you may contact?


Yes……………………………………………….. 1 (CONTINUE)

No 2 (GO TO SCREENER)


INTRO1C. The address is:

Department of Veteran Affairs

Office of Policy and Planning (008A1)

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420



SCREENER

For quality assurance purposes, my supervisor may monitor this call.


Before starting the interview, I would like to make sure I have the correct person.


In what year were you born?



<YEAR>



SCRDOB: RESPONDENT’S DOB FROM SAMPLE = </YYYY>

RESPONDENT’S DOB FROM SCRDOB = </YYYY>


INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: IF YEAR MATCHES, SELECT DOB GIVEN MATCHES SAMPLE.


DOB MATCHES SAMPLE SKIP TO INTERVIEW

DOB DOES NOT MATCH SAMPLE SKIP TO TERMINATE

REFUSED SKIP TO TERMINATE

DON’T KNOW SKIP TO TERMINATE



TERMINATE: Our records have different information. I will check the information with my supervisor and we might call you later. Thank you for your time.

SECTION 1: CURRENT STATUS IN VR&E PROGRAM

S1Q01_INTA. I’m going to begin by asking you some questions about your experience with the VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program, which I will refer to as the VR&E program. Do you remember your experiences with the VR&E program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q01_INTA>1

S1Q01_INTB. The VR&E program is an employment-oriented program that helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find and keep employment. Eligible veterans are evaluated to determine if they need vocational rehabilitation services to help overcome barriers to employment. Does this help you remember your experience with the program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF NO, THANK RESPONDENT FOR THEIR TIME AND END INTERVIEW.























S1Q01. How did you find out about the VA VR&E program? (Mark all that apply)

INTERVIEWER, PROBE “VA” AND “THE MILITARY” RESPONSES: Please be more specific.


_____________________________________________________________


PRE-DISCHARGE BRIEFINGS (TAP/DTAP) 1

PRE-DISCHARGE PHYSICAL 2

VA PAMPHLET/BROCHURE 3

VA MEDICAL FACILITY 4

OTHER VA FACILITY 5

LETTER FROM VA AWARDING SERVICE-CONNECTED

DISABILITY 6

VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATION

(EG. AMERICAN LEGION OR DAV) 7

STATE OR LOCAL VR&E OFFICES 8

STATE REHABILITATION AGENCIES 9

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DVOP, VETS) 10

COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY 11

FRIENDS OR FAMILY 12

OTHER VETERANS 13

INTERNET 14

OTHER, SPECIFY 15


S1Q02. The next questions are about your current status with regard to the VA VR&E program. Are you currently pursuing the VR&E program or not?


CURRENTLY PURSUING PROGRAM 1

NOT CURRENTLY PURSUING PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02 = 2:

S1Q02A. Did you complete the VR&E program or not?


YES, COMPLETED PROGRAM 1

NO, DID NOT COMPLETE PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8







IF S1Q02A = 1 AND COHORT 5:

S1Q02B. I need to verify your status because our records indicate that you did not complete the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment orVR&E program. I need to confirm…did you complete the VR&E program?


YES, COMPLETED THE PROGRAM 1

NO, DID NOT COMPLETE THE PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02A = 2 OR S1Q02B = 2:

S1Q02C. Did the VA request that you end the program or did you end it voluntarily?


VA REQUESTED I END PROGRAM 1

ENDED PROGRAM VOLUNTARILY 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02C = 1 OR 2:

S1Q02D. Did (IF S1Q02C=1: the VA request that) you end the program temporarily or permanently?


TEMPORARILY ENDED PROGRAM 1

PERMANENTLY ENDED PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02C=1;

S1Q03. Did the VA tell you the reasons why you were requested to temporarily stop or end your services with the VR&E program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02 A=2 OR S1Q02B=2, ASK:

S1Q04. Do you plan to complete your rehabilitation program now or at some later date?

Yes, now 1

Yes, at a later date 2

No 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 2. APPLICATION PROCESS



S2Q01. Now, I have a few questions about the VR&E application process. How many times have you applied to the VR&E program?


____ (# times)


DID NOT APPLY 0

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q02. To be eligible for VR&E programs, veterans need documents that show that they have a service-connected disability and qualifying service (a discharge other than dishonorable). (READ STEM IF S2Q01>1: Thinking about the first time you applied,) How easy or difficult was it to find out which documents were needed to determine your eligibility? Would you say that it was very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, or very difficult?


Very easy 1

Somewhat easy 2

Somewhat difficult 3

Very difficult 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q03. Were you employed at the time of application?


YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S2Q08) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q04. Do you have the same job that you had at the time of application?


YES (SKIP TO S2Q08) 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S2Q04= 2

S2Q05. What was your occupation at the time of application? (Mark all that apply.)


______________________________________________________________________

SOC Federal Register Notice- Categories


MANAGEMENT OCCUPATIONS 1

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL OCCUPATIONS 2

COMPUTER OCCUPATIONS 3

ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING 4

LIFE AND SOCIAL SCIENCE 5

COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE 6

LEGAL 7

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND LIBRARY 8

ARTS, DESIGN, ENTERTAIMENT, SPORTS AND MEDIA 9

HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER AND TECHNICAL 10

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT 11

PROTECTIVE SERVICES 12

FOOD PREPARATION AND SERVICING RELATED 13

BUILDING AND GROUNDS CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 14

PERSONAL CARE AND SERVICES 15

SALES AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS 16

OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 17

FARMING, FISHING AND FORESTRY 18

CONSTRUCTION AND EXTRACTION 19

INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR 20

PRODUCTION 21

TRANSPORTATION AND MATERIAL MOVING 22

MILITARY 23

OTHER – SPECIFY 24

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S2Q04= 2

S2Q06. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with that job?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



If S2Q06= 4 or 5

S2Q07. What was the MAIN reason for your dissatisfaction?


___________________________________________________________________


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DID NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKED THAT PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE WAS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98

S2Q08. What is the MOST IMPORTANT reason you applied for the VR&E program? (Interviewer note: Emphasize “MOST IMPORTANT”)


_____________________________________________________________________


TO GET JOB OR BETTER JOB/GET TRAINING FOR NEW JOB 1

TO GET JOB THAT ACCOMMODATED MY DISABILITY 2

TO GET A BETTER JOB 2

TO FURTHER MY EDUCATION 3

TO IMPROVE JOB-SEEKING SKILLS/GET CAREER COUNSELING 4

ASSISTANCE WITH STARTING A BUSINESS 5

ASSISTANCE IN DAILY LIVING OR INDEPENDENT LIVING 6

OTHER (SPECIFY) 7

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S2Q09. When you submitted your application, how completely did you understand the eligibility requirements for the program? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?

Completely 1

Mostly 2

Only a little 4

Not at all 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q10. When you submitted your application, how completely did you understand the

purpose of the VR&E program? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


Completely 1

Mostly 2

Only a little 4

Not at all 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q11. How reasonable or unreasonable was the amount of paperwork required from you to complete the application process? Would you say it was very reasonable, somewhat reasonable, somewhat unreasonable, or very unreasonable? PROBE: By application process, I mean the time it took to file the application and submit all required paperwork.


Very reasonable 1

Somewhat reasonable 2

Somewhat unreasonable 4

Very unreasonable 5

DID NOT COMPLETE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

S2Q12. From the time you turned in your application until you were contacted for an appointment, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the time it took for someone to contact you about an appointment? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5


S2Q13. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the length of time between scheduling your initial appointment and the date of your initial appointment? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5





S2Q14. After you applied, did you attend an orientation meeting with VR&E staff? INTERVIEWER: CODE YES IF GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL ORIENTATION.


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S2Q14 = YES;

S2Q15. Would you say that the orientation meeting was very helpful, somewhat helpful, not very helpful, or not at all helpful?


Very helpful 1

Somewhat helpful 2

Not very helpful……………………………………………………………3

Not at all helpful 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



SECTION 3. EVALUATION PROCESS



S3Q01. These next questions are about the VR&E evaluation process. As part of your evaluation, did you take any tests? IF NECESSARY, PROBE: tests may have included an aptitude assessment to determine your interests or skills and a math test.


YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S3Q10) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q03. Did you receive help from your counselor in preparing for the tests such as a test guide or practice test?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q04. Did the counselor explain the test results in a way you could understand them?


YES 1

NO 2

NO RESULTS YET (SKIP TO QUESTION S3Q09) 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q05. How completely did the results of the aptitude tests match your particular skills and abilities? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


COMPLETELY 1

MOSTLY 2

ONLY A LITTLE 4

NOT AT ALL 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q06. How well did the test results match your personal interests? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


COMPLETELY 1

MOSTLY 2

ONLY A LITTLE 4

NOT AT ALL 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q07. Did anything about the tests discourage your participation in the VR&E Program?


YES 1

NO [skip to S3Q09] 2

REFUSED [skip to S3Q09] 7

DON’T KNOW [skip to S3Q09] 8


IF S3Q07=1

S3Q08. What about the tests discouraged your participation?

TOO TIME CONSUMING 1

TOO DIFFICULT 2

DIDN’T SEEM APPLICABLE 3

RESULTS PREVENTED YOU FROM PURSUING INTERESTS 4

OTHER (SPECIFY) 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q09A. The following questions are about your experiences with your primary counselor. By primary counselor, I mean the one you spent the most time with. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how sure or unsure were you that your counselor gave you good information? Would you say that you were very sure, somewhat sure, somewhat unsure, or very unsure?

VERY SURE 1

SOMEWHAT SURE 2

SOMEWHAT UNSURE 4

VERY UNSURE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8







S3Q09B. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how sure or unsure were you that your counselor gave you good advice? Would you say that you were very sure, somewhat sure, somewhat unsure, or very unsure?


VERY SURE 1

SOMEWHAT SURE 2

SOMEWHAT UNSURE 4

VERY UNSURE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q10. During the overall evaluation phase, how well did your counselor understand your feelings and concerns? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


COMPLETELY 1

MOSTLY 2

ONLY A LITTLE 4

NOT AT ALL 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

S3Q16. How about the length of time from the time you applied until the evaluation process was completed? Would you say it was very reasonable, somewhat reasonable, somewhat unreasonable, or very unreasonable?


Very reasonable 1

Somewhat reasonable 2

Somewhat unreasonable 4

Very unreasonable 5

DID NOT COMPLETE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 4: PLANNING PHASE


S4Q01. Now, I would like to ask some questions about the planning phase of the VR&E program. Did you discuss an individual vocational plan of services or develop an individual written plan with your counselor? IF NECESSARY, PROBE: by individual plan, I mean a plan designed just for you.


YES, DISCUSSED 1

YES, WRITTEN ……………………………………………………… 2

NO (SKIP TO SECTION 5) 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q02. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the occupational/vocational goal you and your counselor selected during the planning phase of your program? Would you say that you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03. INTRO Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding your plan of services or individual written plan:


S4Q03A. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, the plan was appropriate to achieve your vocational goals. Would you say that you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree?


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03B. The plan was designed to minimize aggravation of your disability.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03C. The plan adequately reflects your interests.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03D. The plan adequately reflects your abilities.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03E. The plan reflects current conditions and characteristics of the job market.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q04. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the number of occupational choices that were offered to you during the development of your plan? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S4Q03C OR S4Q03D = 4 OR 5

S4Q05. Earlier, you said that the plan did not adequately reflect your (interests/abilities/interests and abilities). Did your counselor clearly explain the reasons for having offered the plan despite the fact that it did not appear to match your (interests/abilities/interests and abilities)?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q06. Were you asked by VR&E staff to do any research to assist with plan development, for example, looking up schools in your area or finding statistics on the local labor market?


YES 1

NO [skip to S5Q01] 2

REFUSED [skip to S5Q01] 7

DON’T KNOW [skip to S5Q01] 8


IF S4Q06=1

S4Q07. Was the amount of research you were asked to do too much, too little, or about right?

TOO MUCH 1

TOO LITTLE 2

ABOUT RIGHT 3

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



SECTION 5. REHABILITATION AND TRAINING

S5Q01. My next questions are about education and training that was paid for by the VR&E program. Did you start an education or training program?


YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S6Q01) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S5Q02. Did you complete the education or training program?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


[INTERVIEWER If S5Q02 = 1, use “Did you….” If S5Q02 >1, use “Are you….”]

S5Q03A. (Did you attend/Are you attending) business, technical or vocational school training? 1


S5Q03B. (Did you take/Are you taking) college or university coursework?

2


IF S5Q02=1

S5Q03C. Did you obtain a certificate or degree? ………………….. 3


S5Q03D. (Did you participate/Are you participating) in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program? 4


S5Q03E. (Did you get/ Are you getting) tutorial assistance, refresher courses, or academic skill enhancement? 4


S5Q03F (Did you attend/Are you attending) a teacher certification program?

6


S5Q03G. (Did you do/Are you doing) something else? 7









IF S5Q03G=yes

S5Q04. What was that?


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________


IF S5Q02 = 2

S5Q05. Why didn’t you complete your training or education program?


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________


S5Q06. Were you required by the VR&E program to research schools or training programs on your own?


YES 1

NO [skip to S5Q08] 2

REFUSED [skip to S5Q08] 7

DON’T KNOW [skip to S5Q08] 8


S5Q07. Did your VA counselor help you with the research?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S5Q08. Did your counselor take the quality of the school into account when recommending a program to you?


YES 1

NO 2

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8






S5Q09. How would you rate the quality of the education or training you received? Would you say that it was excellent, very good, fair, or poor?


Excellent 1

Very good 2

Fair 4

Poor 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S5Q10. During the majority of your training or education program, what was your employment status? Were you working….


Full time 1

Part time or 2

Not at all 3

OFF AND ON……………………………………………………………. 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S5Q11. Did your VR&E counselor advise you not to work during your training or education program in order to focus full-time on your training?

YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S5Q12. Did you receive monthly financial assistance from the VR&E Program during your training program?

YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S5Q12=1

S5Q13. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the monthly financial assistance provided by VR&E during your training program?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



S5Q14. Did you have any difficulties during your training or education program that hindered your completion?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S5Q14 = 1

S5Q15 What specifically did you have difficulties with? (Mark all that apply)


_____________________________________________________________


PHYSICAL/MEDICAL PROBLEMS 1

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES 2

FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES 3

PROGRAM/CLASSES TOO DIFFICULT 4

CLASS SCHEDULE WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 5

DIFFICULTIES WITH WORK/SCHOOL BALANCE 6

MONTHS OF ELIGIBILITY WERE INSUFFICIENT 7

PROBLEMS WITH COUNSELOR 8

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 9

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


SECTION 6. JOB PREPARATION AND PLACEMENT


S6Q01. Now, I have some questions about current employment. What is your current employment status? Are you….

NOTE: Add interviewer instruction that “looking” implies “actively looking.”

PROBE, IF NECESSARY: By employed, I mean working for pay on a regular basis.

Currently employed, not looking for a different job 1

Currently employed, but looking for a different job 2

Not working but looking for work 3

Not working and not looking for work 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q02. Are you currently working…?

Full time 1

Part time or 2

Self-employed 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


























IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q03. What kind of work do you currently do?


_______________________________________________________________________

SOC Federal Register Notice- Categories


MANAGEMENT OCCUPATIONS 1

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL OCCUPATIONS 2

COMPUTER OCCUPATIONS 3

ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING 4

LIFE AND SOCIAL SCIENCE 5

COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE 6

LEGAL 7

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND LIBRARY 8

ARTS, DESIGN, ENTERTAIMENT, SPORTS AND MEDIA 9

HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER AND TECHNICAL 10

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT 11

PROTECTIVE SERVICES 12

FOOD PREPARATION AND SERVICING RELATED 13

BUILDING AND GROUNDS CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 14

PERSONAL CARE AND SERVICES 15

SALES AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS 16

OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 17

FARMING, FISHING AND FORESTRY 18

CONSTRUCTION AND EXTRACTION 19

INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR 20

PRODUCTION 21

TRANSPORTATION AND MATERIAL MOVING 22

MILITARY 23

OTHER – SPECIFY 24

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q04. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your current job? Would you say that you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



If S6Q04 = 4 or 5

S6Q05. What is the main reason for your dissatisfaction?


_____________________________________________________________


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DOES NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE IS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKE THE PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE IS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S6Q01= 4

S6Q06. I am going to read you a list of reasons why people may not be looking for

work. Please tell me which is the main reason you are not looking for work.

You are retired 1

You are disabled 2

You stopped looking for work because you could not find work 3

You are temporarily laid off from work 4

You are taking care of your home and family 5

You are going to school, or 6

You are attending a training program 7

Other (specify) 95

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98



IF S6Q01=1, 2 or 3 AND COHORT < 5

S6Q08B. What sources of employment information have you used to look for a job? As I read each one, please tell me whether or not you have used it.

Y R

E N E D S O F K


S6Q8A. Veterans Health Administration (VA Hospital) 1 2 7 8

S6Q8B. VET Center 1 2 7 8

S6Q8C. Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) 1 2 7 8

S6Q8D. Department of Defense 1 2 7 8

S6Q8E. Small Business Administration 1 2 7 8 S6Q8F. State rehabilitation agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q8G. State employment agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q8H. Private employment agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q8I. Internet job searches 1 2 7 8

S6Q8J. Newspaper/help-wanted advertisements 1 2 7 8

S6Q8K. Job fairs 1 2 7 8

S6Q8L. College/university or school 1 2 7 8

S6Q8M. Personal/professional contacts 1 2 7 8

S6Q8N. Federal job listings 1 2 7 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q14. Does this job accommodate your disability or not?


YES, JOB ACCOMMODATES DISABILITY 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

NOT APPLICABLE ……………………………………………………. 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q15. Does this job suit your skills and abilities or not?


YES, JOB SUITS SKILLS/ABILITIES 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT SUIT SKILL/ABILITIES 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q15a. Is your job in line with your military or civilian experience or not?


YES, JOB IN LINE WITH EXPERIENCE 1

NO, JOB NOT IN LINE WITH EXPERIENCE 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q16. Does this job match your interests or not?


YES, JOB MATCHES INTERESTS 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT MATCH INTERESTS 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



SECTION 7. OVERALL EXPERIENCE


Now I would like to ask you some questions about your satisfaction with the VR&E program. We are interested in your most recent experience with the VR&E program.


S7Q01. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the VR&E program? Would you say you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied with the VR&E program?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

NOT APPLICABLE ………………………………………………… 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q02. How important or unimportant was the VR&E program in helping to prepare you to get a suitable job? Would you say that it was extremely important, very important, moderately important, slightly important, or not at all important?


EXTREMELY IMPORTANT 1

VERY IMPORTANT 2

MODERATELY IMPORTANT 3

SLIGHTLY IMPORTANT 4

NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT 5

NOT APPLICABLE ………………………………………………… 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q03. Have you ever felt as though you were discriminated against in the VR&E program because of: (READ LIST)

Yes

No

DK/NA

A. Your gender

1

2

3

B. Your race

1

2

3

C. Your age

1

2

3

D. Your ethnicity

1

2

3

E. A mental health condition

1

2

3

F. A physical disability

1

2

3



S7Q04. How many counselors have you had while in the VR&E program?

____ (# counselors)

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S7Q04 > 1

S7Q05. Did the counselors communicate with each other about your progress?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q08_INTRO The following questions are about your experiences with your primary counselor. By primary counselor, I mean the one you spent the most time with.


S7Q08. Is/was your primary counselor a VA staff counselor or a counselor under contract with the VA?


A VA STAFF COUNSELOR 1

A COUNSELOR UNDER CONTRACT WITH THE VA 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q09. Is/was your primary counselor a Veteran?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q10. Did you have concerns that you wanted to discuss with your primary counselor but did not?


YES ……………... 1

NO (SKIP TO S7Q12) ……………... 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8







S7Q11. Why did you not discuss these concerns with your primary counselor?


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________



S7Q12. Overall, were your primary counselor’s communications with you respectful? Would you say always, most of the time, sometimes, or never?


ALWAYS 1

MOST OF THE TIME 2

SOMETIMES……………………………………………………………….3

NEVER 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13_INTRO For each of the following items regarding your primary counselor, please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the following statements.


S7Q13a. My primary counselor gave me good information and advice.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13b. My primary counselor is/was knowledgeable regarding VA’s vocational rehabilitation program.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



S7Q13c. My primary counselor has provided assistance according to my individual needs.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13d. When my primary counselor made a decision regarding my program, the reason was clearly explained.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13e. My primary counselor showed a caring and compassionate attitude toward me.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q14. Now thinking about the location of your primary counselor, how convenient or inconvenient was the location of the office where you met with your counselor(s)? Was it very convenient, somewhat convenient, somewhat inconvenient, or not at all convenient?


VERY CONVENIENT 1

SOMEWHAT CONVENIENT 2

SOMEWHAT INCONVENIENT 4

NOT AT ALL CONVENIENT 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8





S7Q15. Did your counselor schedule appointments at times that were convenient for you or not? Would you say always, most of the time, some of the time, or never?


ALWAYS 1

MOST OF THE TIME 2

SOME OF THE TIME ……………………………………………. 3

NEVER 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q16. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the amount of time your counselor spent with you during in-person meetings? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5


S7Q18. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the responsiveness of your primary counselor, the person you spent the most time with?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 8. REASONS FOR DISCONTINUING PROGRAM


IF S1Q02C=2:

S8Q01A. The next few questions ask about reasons for not completing the VR&E program. Why didn’t you complete the VR&E program? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)


______________________________________________________________________________

COULD NOT ATTEND SCHOOL WHILE IN PROGRAM 01

COULD NOT WORK WHILE IN PROGRAM 02

DISABILITY NOT ACCOMMODATED 03

DISSATISIFIED WITH PROGRAM/COUNSELOR 04

FINANCIAL REASONS 05

FOUND A JOB 06

PERSONAL REASONS, MEDICAL 07

PERSONAL REASONS, NOT MEDICAL 08

TRANSPORTATION 09

WASN’T WHAT I EXPECTED 10

OTHER (SPECIFY) 11

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S1Q02C =1: S8Q01B. Why did VR&E request that you stop the program?


______________________________________________________________________________


______________________________________________________________________________


DISABILITY RATING NOT HIGH ENOUGH 01

DID NOT SUBMIT PAPERWORK ON TIME 02

MISSED APPOINTMENT(S) 03

GOT A JOB 04

OTHER (SPECIFY:__________________________________________) 96


IF MORE THAN ONE REASON PROVIDED FOR S8Q01A

S8Q02. Which of the reasons that you mentioned is the MAIN reason that you did not complete the VR&E program?


_________________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________________





S8Q03.

What could the VR&E program have done to help you stay in the program?


_________________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________________



S8Q08. Would a toll-free help line staffed with trained counselors to answer questions or address immediate concerns have been helpful to you during your experience with the VR&E program?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8































SECTION 9. MILITARY/EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND AND STATUS

S9_INT Now I’d like to ask you some questions about your military background.


S9Q01 What is the branch of service that you were sworn into?


[INTERVIEWER CODE WITHOUT READING CATEGORIES]

ARMY 1

NAVY 2

AIR FORCE 3

MARINES 4

COAST GUARD 5

ARMY RESERVES 6

NAVY RESERVES 7

AIR FORCE RESERVES 8

MARINE RESERVES 9

COAST GUARD RESERVES 10

AIR NATIONAL GUARD 11

OTHER (SPECIFY) 95

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S9Q01=1 OR 3

S9Q02. Was that the regular branch, the Reserves, and/or the National Guard? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)


REGULAR BRANCH 1

RESERVES 2

NATIONAL GUARD 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q01=2 OR 4 OR 5

S9Q03. Was that the regular branch or the Reserves?

REGULAR BRANCH 1

RESERVES 2

BOTH 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8







S9Q05. At your most recent discharge were you…

A commissioned officer, 1

A warrant officer, or……………………………………………………….2

An enlisted person? 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S9Q06. Are you currently serving in the [FILL]?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q06=2

S9Q07. What year was your last discharge?


(INT)ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR _________

(YEAR)


S9Q08. What was your length of service in years and months?


____YEARS


____MONTHS



S9Q09. Did you serve on active duty during any of the following periods? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)


Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975) 1

Gulf War Era (August 2, 1990 - September 10, 2001) 2

Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom

(September 11, 2001 – present) 3

NONE OF THESE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



S9Q10_INT The next questions are about your employment history and experience.






S9Q10. Before enrolling in the military, did you ever work for pay?


YES 1
NO (SKIP TO S9Q15) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q10=1

S9Q11. Were you employed full-time or part-time? IF R SAYS “BOTH,” PROBE: For the majority of the time, were you employed full-time or part-time? IF R INSISTS ON BOTH AFTER PROBING, CODE 1.



FULL-TIME 1

PART-TIME 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q11=1

S9Q12. How many years were you employed full-time before joining the military?


_________ YEARS


LESS THAN ONE YEAR 0

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q12>0

S9Q13. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the full-time work you did prior to joining the military? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8








If S9Q13 = 4 or 5

S9Q14. What was the main reason for your dissatisfaction?


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DID NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE IS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKE THAT PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE WAS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S9Q15. Have you worked at a civilian job for pay since leaving the military?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q15=1

S9Q16. Does your most recent civilian job generally match the occupation you were

trained for while you were in the military?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



SECTION 10. HEALTH STATUS


S10Q01. Now I’m going to ask some general questions about your health and well-being. In general, would you say your health is…


Excellent 1

Very good 2

Good 3

Fair 4

Poor 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S10Q02 During the past year, were you limited in the kind of work or other regular daily activities you do as a result of your physical health?


Yes 1

No (SKIP TO QUESTION S10Q04) 2


S10Q03. Were you limited all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, or a little of the time?


All of the time 2

Most of the time 3

Some of the time 4

A little of the time 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S10Q04 During the past year, were you limited in the kind of work or other regular daily activities you do as a result of any emotional problems or mental health problems?


Yes 1

No (SKIP TO QUESTION S10Q06) 2


S10Q05. Were you limited all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, or a little of the time?


All of the time 2

Most of the time 3

Some of the time 4

A little of the time 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8




S10Q06 During the past year, how much did pain interfere with your ability to work? Did it interfere…


Not at all 1

A little bit 2

Quite a bit 4

Extremely 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 11. SELF-EFFICACY


S11Q01_INT Now I am going to read some statements about you. Please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with each statement.

S11Q01 It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW ………………………………………………………… 8


S11Q02 When I am confronted with a problem, I can usually find several solutions.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 12: DEMOGRAPHICS


I would now like to ask you some questions about yourself. First, I have a few questions about your background.


S12Q01. Are you Hispanic or Latino?

YES 1

NO 2

DON’T KNOW 8

REFUSED 9


S12Q02. I’m now going to read a list of racial categories. Please select one or more to describe your race. (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)

INTERVIEWER NOTE: If the respondent answers “Hispanic” or other ethnicity, try to find out the respondent’s RACE.


White 1

Black or African American 2

American Indian or Alaska Native 3

Asian 4

Native Hawaiian 5

Other Pacific Islander 6

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q02A. My records indicate that your age is ____ years. Is this correct?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98















S12Q03. At the time you first applied for VR&E benefits, what was the highest grade or year of school you had completed?

INTERVIEWER: IF NECESSARY, PROBE FOR DEGREE OBTAINED, NOT YEARS IN SCHOOL.

GED 1

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE 2

TRADE/TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL-

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL 3

SOME COLLEGE BUT NO DEGREE 4

ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN COLLEGE 5

BACHELOR’S DEGREE 6

MASTER’S DEGREE 7

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL DEGREE

[MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD] 8

DOCTORAL DEGREE [PHD, EDD] 9

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q04. Have you pursued other education or training programs since then?


YES 1

NO (GO TO S12Q06) 2

DON’T KNOW (GO TO S12Q06) 8

REFUSED (GO TO S12Q06) 9


S12Q05. What is the highest grade or year of school you have ever completed?


GED 1

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE 2

TRADE/TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL-

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL 3

SOME COLLEGE BUT NO DEGREE 4

ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN COLLEGE 5

BACHELOR’S DEGREE 6

MASTER’S DEGREE 7

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL DEGREE

[MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD] 8

DOCTORAL DEGREE [PHD, EDD] 9

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98






S12Q06. What is your marital status? Are you…


Married 1

Widowed 2

Divorced 3

Legally separated 4

Never been married 5

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q07 During the (previous year) how many children depended on you for at least half of their support?


____________ (# of Children)


DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q08. I am going to read a list of income sources. Please tell me which sources are included in your total family income for the [PREVIOUS YEAR]. For [PREVIOUS YEAR], including yourself (and your spouse/and your dependent children), did you receive money from…


S12Q08A. Wages, salaries, or other employment income

(Probe if necessary: “include commissions, bonuses or tips”) 1

S12Q08B. Your own business 2

S12Q08C. Social Security 3

S12Q08D. VA service-connected disability compensation 4

S12Q08E. Any retirement or pension plan [including U.S. Civil Service

Retirement or U.S. Military Retirement] 6

S12Q08F. Unemployment insurance 7

S12Q08G. Interest and dividends 8

S12Q08H. Worker’s Compensation or Black Lung benefit 9

S12Q08I. Public assistance, such as welfare, AFDC, or SSI payments 10

S12Q08J. Any other source 11

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q09. Including any VA payments you receive, and from all sources combined, what was your total family income for [PREVIOUS YEAR], before taxes and deductions?

$ ____________________ (RECORD AMOUNT) (SKIP TO S12Q11)

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98




IF S12Q09 = 97 or 98

S12Q10. Please tell me which group best describes an estimate of your total combined family income in [PREVIOUS YEAR] before taxes and deductions? Would you say…


$10,000 or less 1

$10,001 to $20,000 2

$20,001 to $30,000 3

$30,001 to $40,000 4

$40,001 to $50,000 5

or Over $50,000 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q11. Is there more than one income earner in your family?

YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S12Q15) 2

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q12. I am going to read a list of income sources. Please tell me which sources are included in your individual income for [PREVIOUS YEAR]. For [PREVIOUS YEAR], for yourself only, did you receive money from [INTERVIEWER: NAME ONLY THE CATEGORIES MARKED IN S12Q08]…


S12Q12A. Wages, salaries, or other employment income

(Probe if necessary: “include commissions, bonuses or tips”) 1

S12Q12B. Your own business 2

S12Q12C. Social Security 3

S12Q12D. VA service-connected disability compensation 4

S12Q12E. Any retirement or pension plan [including U.S. Civil Service

Retirement or U.S. Military Retirement] 6

S12Q12F. Unemployment insurance 7

S12Q12G. Interest and dividends 8

S12Q12H. Worker’s Compensation or Black Lung benefit 9

S12Q12I. Public assistance, such as welfare, AFDC, or SSI payments 10

S12Q12J. Any other source 11

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q13. Including any VA payments you receive, and from all sources combined, what was your individual income for [PREVIOUS YEAR], before taxes and deductions?


$ ____________________ (RECORD AMOUNT) (Skip to S12Q15)

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S12Q13 = 97 or 98

S12Q14. Please tell me which group best describes an estimate of your total INDIVIDUAL income in (previous year) before taxes and deductions? Would you say…


$10,000 or less 1

$10,001 to $20,000 2

$20,001 to $30,000 3

$30,001 to $40,000 4

$40,001 to $50,000 5

or Over $50,000 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q15. Do you have health care coverage under any of the following sources? (Mark all that apply.)


TRICARE 1

Medicare 2

Medicaid 3

Private health insurance (such as Blue Cross or Aetna) 4

VA 5

Other, please specify 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98





Thank you very much for your time today. We really appreciate your help. Have a good (day/evening).




Veterans Employability Survey

Cohort Five: Veterans Who Successfully Completed the

VR&E Program


Office of Policy

Department of Veterans Affairs

June 26, 2006



Section of Page


Introductory Section 1


Current Status in VR&E Program 3


Application Process 6


Evaluation Process 11


Planning Phase 14


Rehabilitation and Training 17


Job Preparation and Placement 21

Overall Experience 25


Military/Employment Background and Status 30


Health Status 34


Self-Efficacy 36


Demographics 37


INTRODUCTORY SECTION


Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon. May I speak with [RESPONDENT’S NAME]?

RESPONDENT IS AVAILABLE SKIP TO INTRO1

RESPONDENT NOT AVAILABLE SKIP TO CALLBACK


<CALLBACK>

When is a good time to call [RESPONDENT’S NAME] back?


RECORD TIME:____________

RECORD DAY: _____________


Thank you very much and have a good day.


IF RESPONDENT IS AVAILABLE:

<INTRO1>

My name is [INTERVIEWER NAME] and I am calling on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs from Abt Associates Inc. We are conducting a study regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. You should have received a letter explaining the study within the past week or two. Did you receive the letter?


YES……………………………………………………….. 1 (SKIP TO INTRO1B)

NO 2 (CONTINUE)

REFUSED 7 (CONTINUE)

DON’T KNOW 8 (CONTINUE)


INTRO1A.

Let me tell you more information about the study. Your name was randomly selected from a group of veterans who applied for VA vocational rehabilitation and employment services. The Department of Veterans Affairs wants to learn why many veterans do not finish the program and what it can do to improve its program. In order to do this, we have been asked to talk both to veterans who left the program as well as those who stayed in. Your opinions will help the VA understand how it can better serve veterans who need rehabilitation and employment services. Your participation in this study is voluntary. If you choose not to participate, your VA benefits and services will not be affected in any way. (CONTINUE WITH INTRO1B.)


INTRO1B.

We would like to conduct an interview with you to hear your views on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. Your opinions about the program will help the VA improve the quality of the program veterans like you receive. Your participation in this study is voluntary. Your cooperation is important to the success of this study. All answers will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only for this research. The information you provide is protected under the Privacy Act and section 5701 of Title 38 U.S. Code. You may choose not to answer any question or end the interview at any time.


This survey was reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget, OMB. The survey is estimated to take about 20 minutes of your time. This may vary as some interviews will take more time, and some will take less time. You may send comments regarding this estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the length, to the Federal Government. Would you like the address of the government office you may contact?


Yes……………………………………………….. 1 (CONTINUE)

No 2 (GO TO SCREENER)


INTRO1C. The address is:

Department of Veteran Affairs

Office of Policy and Planning (008A1)

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420

SCREENER

For quality assurance purposes, my supervisor may monitor this call.


Before starting the interview, I would like to make sure I have the correct person.


In what year were you born?



<YEAR>



SCRDOB: RESPONDENT’S DOB FROM SAMPLE = </YYYY>

RESPONDENT’S DOB FROM SCRDOB = </YYYY>


INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: IF YEAR MATCHES, SELECT DOB GIVEN MATCHES SAMPLE.


DOB MATCHES SAMPLE SKIP TO INTERVIEW

DOB DOES NOT MATCH SAMPLE SKIP TO TERMINATE

REFUSED SKIP TO TERMINATE

DON’T KNOW SKIP TO TERMINATE



TERMINATE: Our records have different information. I will check the information with my supervisor and we might call you later. Thank you for your time.


SECTION 1: CURRENT STATUS IN VR&E PROGRAM

S1Q01_INTA. I’m going to begin by asking you some questions about your experience with the VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program, which I will refer to as the VR&E program. Do you remember your experiences with the VR&E program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q01_INTA>1

S1Q01_INTB. The VR&E program is an employment-oriented program that helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find and keep employment. Eligible veterans are evaluated to determine if they need vocational rehabilitation services to help overcome barriers to employment. Does this help you remember your experience with the program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF NO, THANK RESPONDENT FOR THEIR TIME AND END INTERVIEW.























S1Q01. How did you find out about the VA VR&E program? (Mark all that apply)

INTERVIEWER, PROBE “VA” AND “THE MILITARY” RESPONSES: Please be more specific.


_____________________________________________________________


PRE-DISCHARGE BRIEFINGS (TAP/DTAP) 1

PRE-DISCHARGE PHYSICAL 2

VA PAMPHLET/BROCHURE 3

VA MEDICAL FACILITY 4

OTHER VA FACILITY 5

LETTER FROM VA AWARDING SERVICE-CONNECTED

DISABILITY 6

VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATION

(EG. AMERICAN LEGION OR DAV) 7

STATE OR LOCAL VR&E OFFICES 8

STATE REHABILITATION AGENCIES 9

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DVOP, VETS) 10

COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY 11

FRIENDS OR FAMILY 12

OTHER VETERANS 13

INTERNET 14

OTHER, SPECIFY 15



S1Q02. The next questions are about your current status with regard to the VA VR&E program. Are you currently pursuing the VR&E program or not?


CURRENTLY PURSUING PROGRAM 1

NOT CURRENTLY PURSUING PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02 = 2:

S1Q02A. Did you complete the VR&E program or not?


YES, COMPLETED PROGRAM 1

NO, DID NOT COMPLETE PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8






IF S1Q02A = 1 AND COHORT 5:

S1Q02B. I need to verify your status because our records indicate that you did not complete the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment orVR&E program. I need to confirm…did you complete the VR&E program?


YES, COMPLETED THE PROGRAM 1

NO, DID NOT COMPLETE THE PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02A = 2 OR S1Q02B = 2:

S1Q02C. Did the VA request that you end the program or did you end it voluntarily?


VA REQUESTED I END PROGRAM 1

ENDED PROGRAM VOLUNTARILY 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02C = 1 OR 2:

S1Q02D. Did (IF S1Q02C=1: the VA request that) you end the program temporarily or permanently?


TEMPORARILY ENDED PROGRAM 1

PERMANENTLY ENDED PROGRAM 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02C=1;

S1Q03. Did the VA tell you the reasons why you were requested to temporarily stop or end your services with the VR&E program?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S1Q02 A=2 OR S1Q02B=2, ASK:

S1Q04. Do you plan to complete your rehabilitation program now or at some later date?


Yes, now 1

Yes, at a later date 2

No 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 2. APPLICATION PROCESS


S2Q01. Now, I have a few questions about the VR&E application process. How many times have you applied to the VR&E program?


____ (# times)


DID NOT APPLY 0

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q02. To be eligible for VR&E programs, veterans need documents that show that they have a service-connected disability and qualifying service (a discharge other than dishonorable). (READ STEM IF S2Q01>1: Thinking about the first time you applied,) How easy or difficult was it to find out which documents were needed to determine your eligibility? Would you say that it was very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, or very difficult?


Very easy 1

Somewhat easy 2

Somewhat difficult 3

Very difficult 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q03. Were you employed at the time of application?


YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S2Q08) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q04. Do you have the same job that you had at the time of application?


YES (SKIP TO S2Q08) 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S2Q04= 2

S2Q05. What was your occupation at the time of application? (Mark all that apply.)


______________________________________________________________________

SOC Federal Register Notice- Categories


MANAGEMENT OCCUPATIONS 1

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL OCCUPATIONS 2

COMPUTER OCCUPATIONS 3

ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING 4

LIFE AND SOCIAL SCIENCE 5

COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE 6

LEGAL 7

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND LIBRARY 8

ARTS, DESIGN, ENTERTAIMENT, SPORTS AND MEDIA 9

HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER AND TECHNICAL 10

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT 11

PROTECTIVE SERVICES 12

FOOD PREPARATION AND SERVICING RELATED 13

BUILDING AND GROUNDS CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 14

PERSONAL CARE AND SERVICES 15

SALES AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS 16

OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 17

FARMING, FISHING AND FORESTRY 18

CONSTRUCTION AND EXTRACTION 19

INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR 20

PRODUCTION 21

TRANSPORTATION AND MATERIAL MOVING 22

MILITARY 23

OTHER – SPECIFY 24

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S2Q04= 2

S2Q06. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with that job?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



If S2Q06= 4 or 5

S2Q07. What was the MAIN reason for your dissatisfaction?


___________________________________________________________________


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DID NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKED THAT PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE WAS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98

S2Q08. What is the MOST IMPORTANT reason you applied for the VR&E program? (Interviewer note: Emphasize “MOST IMPORTANT”)


_____________________________________________________________________


TO GET JOB OR BETTER JOB/GET TRAINING FOR NEW JOB 1

TO GET JOB THAT ACCOMMODATED MY DISABILITY 2

TO GET A BETTER JOB 2

TO FURTHER MY EDUCATION 3

TO IMPROVE JOB-SEEKING SKILLS/GET CAREER COUNSELING 4

ASSISTANCE WITH STARTING A BUSINESS 5

ASSISTANCE IN DAILY LIVING OR INDEPENDENT LIVING 6

OTHER (SPECIFY) 7

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S2Q09. When you submitted your application, how completely did you understand the

eligibility requirements for the program? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


Completely 1

Mostly 2

Only a little 4

Not at all 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q10. When you submitted your application, how completely did you understand the

purpose of the VR&Eprogram? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


Completely 1

Mostly 2

Only a little 4

Not at all 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S2Q11. How reasonable or unreasonable was the amount of paperwork required from you to complete the application process? Would you say it was very reasonable, somewhat reasonable, somewhat unreasonable, or very unreasonable? PROBE: By application process, I mean the time it took to file the application and submit all required paperwork.


Very reasonable 1

Somewhat reasonable 2

Somewhat unreasonable 4

Very unreasonable 5

DID NOT COMPLETE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

S2Q12. From the time you turned in your application until you were contacted for an appointment, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the time it took for someone to contact you about an appointment? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5


S2Q13. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the length of time between scheduling your initial appointment and the date of your initial appointment? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5





S2Q14. After you applied, did you attend an orientation meeting with VR&E

staff? INTERVIEWER: CODE YES IF GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL ORIENTATION.


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S2Q14 = YES;

S2Q15. Would you say that the orientation meeting was very helpful, somewhat helpful, not very helpful, or not at all helpful?


Very helpful 1

Somewhat helpful 2

Not very helpful……………………………………………………………3

Not at all helpful 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 3. EVALUATION PROCESS


S3Q01. These next questions are about the VR&E evaluation process. As part of your evaluation, did you take any tests? IF NECESSARY, PROBE: tests may have included an aptitude assessment to determine your interests or skills and a math test.


YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S3Q10) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q03. Did you receive help from your counselor in preparing for the tests such as a test guide or practice test?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q04. Did the counselor explain the test results in a way you could understand them?


YES 1

NO 2

NO RESULTS YET (SKIP TO QUESTION S3Q09) 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q05. How completely did the results of the aptitude tests match your particular skills and abilities? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


COMPLETELY 1

MOSTLY 2

ONLY A LITTLE 4

NOT AT ALL 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q06. How well did the test results match your personal interests? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


COMPLETELY 1

MOSTLY 2

ONLY A LITTLE 4

NOT AT ALL 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q07. Did anything about the tests discourage your participation in the VR&E Program?


YES 1

NO [skip to S3Q09] 2

REFUSED [skip to S3Q09] 7

DON’T KNOW [skip to S3Q09] 8


IF S3Q07=1

S3Q08. What about the tests discouraged your participation?

TOO TIME CONSUMING 1

TOO DIFFICULT 2

DIDN’T SEEM APPLICABLE 3

RESULTS PREVENTED YOU FROM PURSUING INTERESTS 4

OTHER (SPECIFY) 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q09A. The following questions are about your experiences with your primary counselor. By primary counselor, I mean the one you spent the most time with. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how sure or unsure were you that your counselor gave you good information? Would you say that you were very sure, somewhat sure, somewhat unsure, or very unsure?

VERY SURE 1

SOMEWHAT SURE 2

SOMEWHAT UNSURE 4

VERY UNSURE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q09B. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how sure or unsure were you that your counselor gave you good advice? Would you say that you were very sure, somewhat sure, somewhat unsure, or very unsure?


VERY SURE 1

SOMEWHAT SURE 2

SOMEWHAT UNSURE 4

VERY UNSURE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q10. During the overall evaluation phase, how well did your counselor understand your feelings and concerns? Would you say completely, mostly, only a little, or not at all?


COMPLETELY 1

MOSTLY 2

ONLY A LITTLE 4

NOT AT ALL 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S3Q16. How about the length of time from the time you applied until the evaluation process was completed? Would you say it was very reasonable, somewhat reasonable, somewhat unreasonable, or very unreasonable?


Very reasonable 1

Somewhat reasonable 2

Somewhat unreasonable 4

Very unreasonable 5

DID NOT COMPLETE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 4: PLANNING PHASE


S4Q01. Now, I would like to ask some questions about the planning phase of the VR&E program. Did you discuss an individual vocational plan of services or develop an individual written plan with your counselor? IF NECESSARY, PROBE: by individual plan, I mean a plan designed just for you.


YES, DISCUSSED 1

YES, WRITTEN ……………………………………………………… 2

NO (SKIP TO SECTION 5) 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q02. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the occupational/vocational goal you and your counselor selected during the planning phase of your program? Would you say that you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03. INTRO Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding your plan of services or individual written plan:


S4Q03A. At the time you and your counselor determined your educational or vocational goals, the plan was appropriate to achieve your vocational goals. Would you say that you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree?


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03B. The plan was designed to minimize aggravation of your disability.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03C. The plan adequately reflects your interests.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03D. The plan adequately reflects your abilities.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q03E. The plan reflects current conditions and characteristics of the job market.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q04. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the number of occupational choices that were offered to you during the development of your plan? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S4Q03C OR S4Q03D = 4 OR 5

S4Q05. Earlier, you said that the plan did not adequately reflect your (interests/abilities/interests and abilities). Did your counselor clearly explain the reasons for having offered the plan despite the fact that it did not appear to match your (interests/abilities/interests and abilities)?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S4Q06. Were you asked by VR&E staff to do any research to assist with plan development, for example, looking up schools in your area or finding statistics on the local labor market?


YES 1

NO [skip to S5Q01] 2

REFUSED [skip to S5Q01] 7

DON’T KNOW [skip to S5Q01] 8


IF S4Q06=1

S4Q07. Was the amount of research you were asked to do too much, too little, or about right?

TOO MUCH 1

TOO LITTLE 2

ABOUT RIGHT 3

NOT APPLICABLE …………………………………………………….. 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



SECTION 5. REHABILITATION AND TRAINING


S5Q01. My next questions are about education and training that was paid for by the VR&E program. Did you start an education or training program?


YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S6Q01) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S5Q02. Did you complete the education or training program?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


[INTERVIEWER: If S5Q02 = 1, use “Did you….” If S5Q02 >1, use “Are you….”]

S5Q03A. (Did you attend/Are you attending) business, technical or

vocational school training? 1


S5Q03B. (Did you take/Are you taking) college or university

coursework? 2


IF S5Q02=1

S5Q03C. Did you obtain a certificate or degree? ………………….. 3


S5Q03D. (Did you participate/Are you participating) in an

apprenticeship or on-the-job training program? 4


S5Q03E. (Did you get/ Are you getting) tutorial assistance, refresher

courses, or academic skill enhancement? 4


S5Q03F (Did you attend/Are you attending) a teacher certification

program? 6


S5Q03G. (Did you do/Are you doing) something else? 7


IF S5Q03G=yes

S5Q04. What was that?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


IF S5Q02 = 2

S5Q05. Why didn’t you complete your training or education program?


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________


S5Q06. Were you required by the VR&E program to research schools or training programs on your own?


YES 1

NO [skip to S5Q08] 2

REFUSED [skip to S5Q08] 7

DON’T KNOW [skip to S5Q08] 8


S5Q07. Did your VA counselor help you with the research?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S5Q08. Did your counselor take the quality of the school into account when recommending a program to you?


YES 1

NO 2

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

S5Q09. How would you rate the quality of the education or training you received? Would you say that it was excellent, very good, fair, or poor?


Excellent 1

Very good 2

Fair 4

Poor 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S5Q10. During the majority of your training or education program, what was your employment status? Were you working….


Full time 1

Part time or 2

Not at all 3

OFF AND ON……………………………………………………………. 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S5Q11. Did your VR&E counselor advise you not to work during your training or education program in order to focus full-time on your training?

YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S5Q12. Did you receive monthly financial assistance from the VR&E Program during your training program?

YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S5Q12=1

S5Q13. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the monthly financial assistance provided by VR&E during your training program?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S5Q14. Did you have any difficulties during your training or education program that hindered your completion?

YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S5Q14 = 1

S5Q15 What specifically did you have difficulties with? (Mark all that apply)


_____________________________________________________________



PHYSICAL/MEDICAL PROBLEMS 1

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES 2

FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES 3

PROGRAM/CLASSES TOO DIFFICULT 4

CLASS SCHEDULE WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 5

DIFFICULTIES WITH WORK/SCHOOL BALANCE 6

MONTHS OF ELIGIBILITY WERE INSUFFICIENT 7

PROBLEMS WITH COUNSELOR 8

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 9

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


SECTION 6. JOB PREPARATION AND PLACEMENT

S6Q01. Now, I have some questions about current employment. What is your current employment status? Are you….

NOTE: Add interviewer instruction that “looking” implies “actively looking.”

PROBE, IF NECESSARY: By employed, I mean working for pay on a regular basis.


Currently employed, not looking for a different job 1

Currently employed, but looking for a different job 2

Not working but looking for work 3

Not working and not looking for work 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q02. Are you currently working…?

Full time 1

Part time or 2

Self-employed 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

























IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q03. What kind of work do you currently do?

_______________________________________________________________________

SOC Federal Register Notice- Categories

See Comments at S2Q05

MANAGEMENT OCCUPATIONS 1

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL OCCUPATIONS 2

COMPUTER OCCUPATIONS 3

ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING 4

LIFE AND SOCIAL SCIENCE 5

COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE 6

LEGAL 7

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND LIBRARY 8

ARTS, DESIGN, ENTERTAIMENT, SPORTS AND MEDIA 9

HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER AND TECHNICAL 10

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT 11

PROTECTIVE SERVICES 12

FOOD PREPARATION AND SERVICING RELATED 13

BUILDING AND GROUNDS CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 14

PERSONAL CARE AND SERVICES 15

SALES AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS 16

OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 17

FARMING, FISHING AND FORESTRY 18

CONSTRUCTION AND EXTRACTION 19

INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR 20

PRODUCTION 21

TRANSPORTATION AND MATERIAL MOVING 22

MILITARY 23

OTHER – SPECIFY 24

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q04. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your current job? Would you say that you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8




If S6Q04 = 4 or 5

S6Q05. What is the main reason for your dissatisfaction?


_____________________________________________________________


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DOES NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE IS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKE THE PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE IS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S6Q01= 4

S6Q06. I am going to read you a list of reasons why people may not be looking for

work. Please tell me which is the main reason you are not looking for work.

You are retired 1

You are disabled 2

You stopped looking for work because you could not find work 3

You are temporarily laid off from work 4

You are taking care of your home and family 5

You are going to school, or 6

You are attending a training program 7

Other (specify) 95

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S6Q07. Now, I would like to talk about any assistance with your job search that might have been provided by VA staff. Did you use any job preparation and placement services provided directly by VA staff?


YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S7Q01) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8








S6Q08A. Other than your counselor, which other sources of employment information have you used to look for a job? As I read each one, please tell me whether or not you have used it.

Y R

E N E D

S O F K


S6Q8A. Veterans Health Administration (VA Hospital) 1 2 7 8

S6Q8B. VET Center 1 2 7 8

S6Q8C. Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) 1 2 7 8

S6Q8D. Department of Defense 1 2 7 8

S6Q8E. Small Business Administration 1 2 7 8

S6Q8F. State rehabilitation agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q8G. State employment agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q8H. Private employment agency 1 2 7 8

S6Q8I. Internet job searches 1 2 7 8

S6Q8J. Newspaper/help-wanted advertisements 1 2 7 8

S6Q8K. Job fairs 1 2 7 8

S6Q8L. College/university or school 1 2 7 8

S6Q8M. Personal/professional contacts 1 2 7 8

S6Q8N. Federal job listings 1 2 7 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q12. Did you find your current job with the assistance of the VA VR&E program?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q14. Does this job accommodate your disability or not?


YES, JOB ACCOMMODATES DISABILITY 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

NOT APPLICABLE ……………………………………………………. 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8








IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q15. Does this job suit your skills and abilities or not?


YES, JOB SUITS SKILLS/ABILITIES 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT SUIT SKILL/ABILITIES 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q15a. Is your job in line with your military or civilian experience or not?


YES, JOB IN LINE WITH EXPERIENCE 1

NO, JOB NOT IN LINE WITH EXPERIENCE 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S6Q01=1 OR 2

S6Q16. Does this job match your interests or not?


YES, JOB MATCHES INTERESTS 1

NO, JOB DOES NOT MATCH INTERESTS 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

IF S601=1 OR 2

S6Q17. How helpful or unhelpful was your employment specialist/counselor in helping you find your current job (if you needed help)? Would you say very helpful, somewhat helpful, somewhat unhelpful, or not at all helpful?

VERY HELPFUL 1

SOMEWHAT HELPFUL 2

SOMEWHAT UNHELPFUL 4

NOT AT ALL HELPFUL 5

DIDN’T NEED HELP 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8

SECTION 7. OVERALL EXPERIENCE


Now I would like to ask you some questions about your satisfaction with the VR&E program. We are interested in your most recent experience with the VR&E program.


S7Q01. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the VR&E program? Would you say you are very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied with the VR&E program?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

NOT APPLICABLE ………………………………………………… 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q02. How important or unimportant was the VR&E program in helping to prepare you to get a suitable job? Would you say that it was extremely important, very important, moderately important, slightly important, or not at all important?


EXTREMELY IMPORTANT 1

VERY IMPORTANT 2

MODERATELY IMPORTANT 3

SLIGHTLY IMPORTANT 4

NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT 5

NOT APPLICABLE ………………………………………………… 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q03. Have you ever felt as though you were discriminated against in the VR&E program because of: (READ LIST)

Yes

No

DK/NA

A. Your gender

1

2

3

B. Your race

1

2

3

C. Your age

1

2

3

D. Your ethnicity

1

2

3

E. A mental health condition

1

2

3

F. A physical disability

1

2

3




S7Q04. How many counselors have you had while in the VR&E program?

____ (# counselors)

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S7Q04 > 1

S7Q05. Did the counselors communicate with each other about your progress?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q08_INTRO The following questions are about your experiences with your primary counselor. By primary counselor, I mean the one you spent the most time with.


S7Q08. Is/was your primary counselor a VA staff counselor or a counselor under contract with the VA?


A VA STAFF COUNSELOR 1

A COUNSELOR UNDER CONTRACT WITH THE VA 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q09. Is/was your primary counselor a Veteran?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q10. Did you have concerns that you wanted to discuss with your primary counselor but did not?


YES ……………... 1

NO (SKIP TO S7Q12) ……………... 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8








S7Q11. Why did you not discuss these concerns with your primary counselor?


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________



S7Q12. Overall, were your primary counselor’s communications with you respectful? Would you say always, most of the time, sometimes, or never?


ALWAYS 1

MOST OF THE TIME 2

SOMETIMES……………………………………………………………….3

NEVER 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13_INTRO For each of the following items regarding your primary counselor, please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the following statements.


S7Q13a. My primary counselor gave me good information and advice.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13b. My primary counselor is/was knowledgeable regarding VA’s vocational rehabilitation program.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



S7Q13c. My primary counselor has provided assistance according to my individual needs.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13d. When my primary counselor made a decision regarding my program, the reason was clearly explained.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q13e. My primary counselor showed a caring and compassionate attitude toward me.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q14. Now thinking about the location of your primary counselor, how convenient or inconvenient was the location of the office where you met with your counselor(s)? Was it very convenient, somewhat convenient, somewhat inconvenient, or not at all convenient?


VERY CONVENIENT 1

SOMEWHAT CONVENIENT 2

SOMEWHAT INCONVENIENT 4

NOT AT ALL CONVENIENT 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8





S7Q15. Did your counselor schedule appointments at times that were convenient for you or not? Would you say always, most of the time, some of the time, or never?


ALWAYS 1

MOST OF THE TIME 2

SOME OF THE TIME ……………………………………………. 3

NEVER 4

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S7Q16. How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the amount of time your counselor spent with you during in-person meetings? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5


S7Q18. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the responsiveness of your primary counselor, the person you spent the most time with?


VERY SATISFIED 1

SOMEWHAT SATISFIED 2

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED 4

VERY DISSATISFIED 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8





SECTION 9. MILITARY/EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND AND STATUS

S9_INT Now I’d like to ask you some questions about your military background.


S9Q01 What is the branch of service that you were sworn into?


[INTERVIEWER CODE WITHOUT READING CATEGORIES]

ARMY 1

NAVY 2

AIR FORCE 3

MARINES 4

COAST GUARD 5

ARMY RESERVES 6

NAVY RESERVES 7

AIR FORCE RESERVES 8

MARINE RESERVES 9

COAST GUARD RESERVES 10

AIR NATIONAL GUARD 11

OTHER (SPECIFY) 95

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S9Q01=1 OR 3

S9Q02. Was that the regular branch, the Reserves, and/or the National Guard? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)


REGULAR BRANCH 1

RESERVES 2

NATIONAL GUARD 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q01=2 OR 4 OR 5

S9Q03. Was that the regular branch or the Reserves?

REGULAR BRANCH 1

RESERVES 2

BOTH 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8







S9Q05. At your most recent discharge were you…

A commissioned officer, 1

A warrant officer, or……………………………………………………….2

An enlisted person? 3

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8




S9Q06. Are you currently serving in the [FILL]?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q06=2

S9Q07. What year was your last discharge?


(INT)ENTER 4-DIGIT YEAR _________

(YEAR)


S9Q08. What was your length of service in years and months?


____YEARS


____MONTHS



S9Q09. Did you serve on active duty during any of the following periods? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)


Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975) 1

Gulf War Era (August 2, 1990 - September 10, 2001) 2

Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom

(September 11, 2001 – present) 3

NONE OF THESE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S9Q10_INT The next questions are about your employment history and experience.





S9Q10. Before enrolling in the military, did you ever work for pay?


YES 1
NO (SKIP TO S9Q15) 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q10=1

S9Q11. Were you employed full-time or part-time? IF R SAYS “BOTH,” PROBE: For the majority of the time, were you employed full-time or part-time? IF R INSISTS ON BOTH AFTER PROBING, CODE 1.



FULL-TIME 1

PART-TIME 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q11=1

S9Q12. How many years were you employed full-time before joining the military?


_________ YEARS


LESS THAN ONE YEAR 0

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q12>0

S9Q13. Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the full-time work you did prior to joining the military? Would you say very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?


Very satisfied 1

Somewhat satisfied 2

Somewhat dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8








If S9Q13 = 4 or 5

S9Q14. What was the main reason for your dissatisfaction?


SALARY/HOURLY WAGE TOO LOW 1

JOB DID NOT ACCOMMODATE DISABILITY 2

SCHEDULE IS TOO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN 3

DISLIKE THAT PARTICULAR CAREER 4

FAMILY ISSUES 5

COMMUTE WAS DIFFICULT 6

BENEFITS NOT ADEQUATE 7

OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY 8

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98





S9Q15. Have you worked at a civilian job for pay since leaving the military?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


IF S9Q15=1

S9Q16. Does your most recent civilian job generally match the occupation you were

trained for while you were in the military?


YES 1
NO 2

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8



SECTION 10. HEALTH STATUS



S10Q01. Now I’m going to ask some general questions about your health and well-being. In general, would you say your health is…


Excellent 1

Very good 2

Good 3

Fair 4

Poor 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S10Q02 During the past year, were you limited in the kind of work or other regular daily activities you do as a result of your physical health?


Yes 1

No (SKIP TO QUESTION S10Q04) 2


S10Q03. Were you limited all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, or a little of the time?


All of the time 2

Most of the time 3

Some of the time 4

A little of the time 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S10Q04 During the past year, were you limited in the kind of work or other regular daily activities you do as a result of any emotional problems or mental health problems?


Yes 1

No (SKIP TO QUESTION S10Q06) 2










S10Q05. Were you limited all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, or a little of the time?


All of the time 2

Most of the time 3

Some of the time 4

A little of the time 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


S10Q06 During the past year, how much did pain interfere with your ability to work?

Did it interfere…


Not at all 1

A little bit 2

Quite a bit 4

Extremely 5

NOT APPLICABLE 6

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 11. SELF-EFFICACY


S11Q01_INT Now I am going to read some statements about you. Please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with each statement.

S11Q01 It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish my goals.


STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW ………………………………………………………… 8


S11Q02 When I am confronted with a problem, I can usually find several solutions.



STRONGLY AGREE 1

SOMEWHAT AGREE 2

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 4

STRONGLY DISAGREE 5

REFUSED 7

DON’T KNOW 8


SECTION 12: DEMOGRAPHICS


I would now like to ask you some questions about yourself. First, I have a few questions about your background.


S12Q01. Are you Hispanic or Latino?

YES 1

NO 2

DON’T KNOW 8

REFUSED 9


S12Q02. I’m now going to read a list of racial categories. Please select one or more to describe your race. (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)

INTERVIEWER NOTE: If the respondent answers “Hispanic” or other ethnicity, try to find out the respondent’s RACE.


White 1

Black or African American 2

American Indian or Alaska Native 3

Asian 4

Native Hawaiian 5

Other Pacific Islander 6

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q02A. My records indicate that your age is _____ years. Is this correct?


YES 1

NO 2

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98















S12Q03. At the time you first applied for VR&E benefits, what was the highest grade or year of school you had completed?

INTERVIEWER: IF NECESSARY, PROBE FOR DEGREE OBTAINED, NOT YEARS IN SCHOOL.

GED 1

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE 2

TRADE/TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL-

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL 3

SOME COLLEGE BUT NO DEGREE 4

ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN COLLEGE 5

BACHELOR’S DEGREE 6

MASTER’S DEGREE 7

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL DEGREE

[MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD] 8

DOCTORAL DEGREE [PHD, EDD] 9

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q04. Have you pursued other education or training programs since then?


YES 1

NO (GO TO S12Q06) 2

DON’T KNOW (GO TO S12Q06) 8

REFUSED(GO TO S12Q06) 9


S12Q05. What is the highest grade or year of school you have ever completed?


GED 1

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE 2

TRADE/TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL-

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL 3

SOME COLLEGE BUT NO DEGREE 4

ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN COLLEGE 5

BACHELOR’S DEGREE 6

MASTER’S DEGREE 7

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL DEGREE

[MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD] 8

DOCTORAL DEGREE [PHD, EDD] 9

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98






S12Q06. What is your marital status? Are you…


Married 1

Widowed 2

Divorced 3

Legally separated 4

Never been married 5

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q07 During the (previous year) how many children depended on you for at least half of their support?


____________ (# of Children)


DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q08. I am going to read a list of income sources. Please tell me which sources are included in your total family income for the [PREVIOUS YEAR]. For [PREVIOUS YEAR], including yourself (and your spouse/and your dependent children), did you receive money from…


S12Q08A. Wages, salaries, or other employment income

(Probe if necessary: “include commissions, bonuses or tips”) 1

S12Q08B. Your own business 2

S12Q08C. Social Security 3

S12Q08D. VA service-connected disability compensation 4

S12Q08E. Any retirement or pension plan [including U.S. Civil Service

Retirement or U.S. Military Retirement] 6

S12Q08F. Unemployment insurance 7

S12Q08G. Interest and dividends 8

S12Q08H. Worker’s Compensation or Black Lung benefit 9

S12Q08I. Public assistance, such as welfare, AFDC, or SSI payments 10

S12Q08J. Any other source 11

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q09. Including any VA payments you receive, and from all sources combined, what was your total family income for [PREVIOUS YEAR], before taxes and deductions?

$ ____________________ (RECORD AMOUNT) (SKIP TO S12Q11)

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98




IF S12Q09 = 97 or 98

S12Q10. Please tell me which group best describes an estimate of your total combined family income in [PREVIOUS YEAR] before taxes and deductions? Would you say…


$10,000 or less 1

$10,001 to $20,000 2

$20,001 to $30,000 3

$30,001 to $40,000 4

$40,001 to $50,000 5

or Over $50,000 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q11. Is there more than one income earner in your family?

YES 1

NO (SKIP TO S12Q15) 2

DON’T KNOW 97

REFUSED 98


S12Q12. I am going to read a list of income sources. Please tell me which sources are included in your individual income for [PREVIOUS YEAR]. For [PREVIOUS YEAR], for yourself only, did you receive money from [INTERVIEWER: NAME ONLY THE CATEGORIES MARKED IN S12Q08]…


S12Q12A. Wages, salaries, or other employment income

(Probe if necessary: “include commissions, bonuses or tips”) 1

S12Q12B. Your own business 2

S12Q12C. Social Security 3

S12Q12D. VA service-connected disability compensation 4

S12Q12E. Any retirement or pension plan [including Uy.S. Civil Service

Retirement or U.S. Military Retirement] 6

S12Q12F. Unemployment insurance 7

S12Q12G. Interest and dividends 8

S12Q12H. Worker’s Compensation or Black Lung benefit 9

S12Q12I. Public assistance, such as welfare, AFDC, or SSI payments 10

S12Q12J. Any other source 11

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q13. Including any VA payments you receive, and from all sources combined, what was your individual income for [PREVIOUS YEAR], before taxes and deductions?


$ ____________________ (RECORD AMOUNT) (Skip to S12Q15)

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


IF S12Q13 = 97 or 98

S12Q14. Please tell me which group best describes an estimate of your total INDIVIDUAL income in (previous year) before taxes and deductions? Would you say…


$10,000 or less 1

$10,001 to $20,000 2

$20,001 to $30,000 3

$30,001 to $40,000 4

$40,001 to $50,000 5

or Over $50,000 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98


S12Q15. Do you have health care coverage under any of the following sources? (Mark all that apply.)


TRICARE 1

Medicare 2

Medicaid 3

Private health insurance (such as Blue Cross or Aetna) 4

VA 5

Other, please specify 6

REFUSED 97

DON’T KNOW 98




Thank you very much for your time today. We really appreciate your help. Have a good (day/evening).


File Typeapplication/msword
File TitleDEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
AuthorOlsonL
Last Modified ByDenise McLamb
File Modified2006-09-08
File Created2006-09-08
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