Application of the KVI-R to Assess Current Training Needs of Private Rehabilitation Counselors

Abstract

The primary purpose of this mixed-methods study was to identify the current training needs of rehabilitation counselors in the private sector. Four hundred twenty-six participants completed the Knowledge Validation Inventory–Revised. The self-reported needs for training are reported across the 10 knowledge domains of rehabilitation counseling. The overall training needs (TN) score for the sample was moderate. For the broader knowledge domains, respondents reported the highest mean TN scores for Case Management and Utilization of Community Resources, Disability Management, Vocational Consultation, and Services for Employers. A secondary purpose was to compare the self-perceived training needs of rehabilitation counselors who are certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs) with those of counselors who do not possess a CRC. Higher reported training needs were indicated for individuals without CRCs. A third purpose was to examine the relationship between counselor demographic variables and training needs. Gender and years of experiences were significant predictors of perceived training needs. Finally, the following areas were identified as the most significant training needs for private rehabilitation counselors in the field today: multicultural competence, private vocational rehabilitation, labor market research skills, ethics, and forensic case management.

Multicultural ethics in rehabilitation services

“…The literature indicates rehabilitation counselors both need and want a broader knowledge base and skillset to prepare them to work with a diverse clientele (Beveridge et al, 2016;Zanskas & Leahy, 2007).…”

“…A study by Beveridge et al (2016) found multicultural competence to be one of the most significant training needs for rehabilitation counselors with 67% agreement from respondents. In response, rehabilitation counseling programs must adapt their curricula to ensure students are provided with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high quality services that are culturally responsive and sensitive.…”

Training Needs of Peer and Non-Peer Transition Service Providers: Results of a National Survey

“…Leahy et al 49 and Beveridge et al 11 to gauge rehabilitation counselors' training needs for core competencies identified for their professional group. These studies using the KVI-R were able to link scale ratings to practice settings, frequency of use in practice, and job functions.…”

“…Needs was also adapted from the KVI-R, 11,46 and listed eight transition service provider skills identified through the collaborative process, such as "Clarifying my role in interdisciplinary teams" and "Collaborating with providers to access resources for youth. " As with the competency instrument, participants used 5-point Likert-type scales to indicate the importance of the skill for their success in delivering transition services (1 = not at all important, 5 = very important), and their personal need for training (1 = not at all needed, 5 = very much needed).…”

“…9 Young adults entering the workforce as peer support providers bring an array of additional training needs to their work. 10 While the self-reported training needs of rehabilitation counselors and some other health and mental health professionals have been investigated, [11][12][13][14][15] there have been no systematic studies of the training needs of mental health service providers working with young people in the transition years. To understand and meet the need for a skilled workforce, several approaches have been used.…”