Jim Hill

Jim's path to becoming a rehabilitation professional...
I obtained a BS degree in Education from UW-Madison in 1971. After a futile attempt to find a teaching job in speech/communication arts, I went to work at a rehabilitation facility in Janesville, WI. I was put in charge of a production line of Developmentally Disabled individuals, and among other things, we made rat poison. I loved it! Gradually, I realized there may be more to this field, and got a MS degree in Vocational Rehabilitation. After that, I helped write a textbook (Total Rehabilitation), spent 7 years at Goodwill, 6 years as a State DVR counselor, about 9 years with 2 private rehab companies, and for the last 10 years, I've run my own consulting business in Oregon, WI, Vocational Evaluation and Counseling Services.

Jim's rehabilitation education...
I have a BS degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1971), and a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Psychology, also from UW-Madison (1976) I also went to UW-Stout to complete their two week intensive program in vocational evaluation testing, and I attend every conference and training session possible to keep up my CRC certification.

How Jim developed his practice...
My primary customer is the State of Wisconsin, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). I perform vocational evaluations for their consumers in a 6 county area. However, I also do evaluations and vocational expert testimony for Worker's Compensation, divorce and personal injury cases. My caseload shifts more to the private sector when funding issues hit the public sector referrals. I have also been involved with job placement for insurance carriers, OWCP and the VA.

Jim's "Ah-Ha!" moments that shaped his rehabilitation career path...
I think sometimes we get focused so much on the technical aspects of our work for expert reporting and testimony that we lose sight of the fact that rehabilitation professionals can make a very positive influence on others. We provide guidance, help get people back to work, and can simply be good listeners. For some of our clients, that alone can make our involvement a good experience. Our influence extends to the students we supervise, or to other professionals we help educate through our involvement with professional associations and conference preparation.

Jim's outside interests that inform/influence his work...
I've been involved with the "Road Home", an interfaith network of churches that takes care of homeless individuals with lodging, food, education and job placement. It has been an eye opening experience in how difficult this economy has been for the disadvantaged. Traveling to other parts of our country, or abroad, can give us new perspectives on our work. It is fun to study how others problem-solve, what their job market and priorities are, and what kind of personality styles work.

How IARP has served Jim's professional development...
I have really enjoyed the IARP Forensic conferences and have developed friendships with other attendees. The listserv is a great resource.

Jim's advice to folks considering a career as a rehabilitation professional...
Try everything! Find your niche.