Competencies for effective program evaluation and quality assurance in vocational rehabilitation

This study explored the primary competencies considered necessary for successful practice of program evaluation and quality assurance (PEQA) roles within state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies. A mixed methods approach was utilized to analyze responses from a survey of members of a community of practice of PEQA specialists in VR (N = 43) in order to identify the foremost competencies that define PEQA effectiveness and investigate the relative importance of these characteristics. A thematic analysis of the 190 distinct qualitative responses revealed five primary competencies: (a) methodology and data analysis, (b) interpersonal skills and effective communication, (c) project management, (d) knowledge of the state-federal VR system, and (e) critical thinking. The resulting primary competencies were then compared to current educational standards in rehabilitation and program evaluation fields to evaluate degree of fit.