628.515—Objective assessment.
(a) General.
The requirements of this section shall apply to programs conducted under title I (i.e., sections 121 and 123) and title II, parts A, B, and C.
(b) Definition.
(1)
For purposes of this part, an objective assessment means an examination of the capabilities, needs, and vocational potential of a participant and is to be used to develop an individual service strategy and employment goal. Such assessment is customer-centered and a diagnostic evaluation of a participant's employment barriers taking into account the participant's family situation, work history, education, basic and occupational skills, interests, aptitudes (including interests and aptitudes for nontraditional occupations), attitude towards work, motivation, behavior patterns affecting employment potential, financial resources and needs, supportive service needs, and personal employment information as it relates to the local labor market.
(2)
For the program under title II-B, the objective assessment shall include an examination of the basic skills and supportive service needs of each participant and may include the other areas listed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section ( sections 204(a)(1)(A), 253(c)(1) and 264(b)(1)(A) ).
(c) Methods of objective assessment.
(1)
The SDA shall choose the most appropriate means to measure skills, abilities, attitudes, and interests of the participants. The methods used in conducting the objective assessment may include, but are not limited to, structured interviews, paper and pencil tests, performance tests (e.g., skills, and/or work samples, including those that measure interest and capability to train in nontraditional employment), behavioral observations, interest and/or attitude inventories, career guidance instruments, aptitude tests, and basic skills tests.
(2)
Instruments used for objective assessment may be developed at the local level; however, any formalized instruments nationally available should be used only for the specific populations for which they are normed.
(d) Updating of assessments.
Objective assessment should be treated as an ongoing process. As additional relevant information relating to a participant becomes available, it should be reviewed and considered for inclusion in the individual service strategy.
(e) Other sources of objective assessment.
Other non-JTPA assessments (e.g., through the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program under title IV of the Social Security Act, or through schools) which have been completed within one year of application for services, and which meet the requirements of this section, may be used to comply with the requirement to assess each participant.