Counseling the Older Rural Worker: A Report

Abstract

This project's goals were to sensitize job service counselors to the needs and employment problems of older rural job‐seekers and to develop a model in‐service program.

Implications of Current Research for Counseling the Unemployed

“…Several studies have demonstrated that vocational rehabilitation programs are effective in assisting unemployed workers' return to the work force (Hurst & Shepard, 1985;Myers, McWilliams, Flanders, & Kohut, 1983;Oliver & Pomicter, 1981;Smith & Hershenson, 1977). Components of an effective vocational rehabilitation program might include the following: (a) assessment of interests and abilities; (b) assistance with job-search skills (e.g., resume writing and interviewing techniques); (c) referrals to career workshops; (d) encouragement of long-term planning; (e) basic literacy instruction;…”