What must an injured worker demonstrate about their employment to be eligible for vocational assistance?

To qualify for vocational assistance, an injured worker is required to demonstrate that they do not have suitable employment opportunities for more than 60 days. This criterion ensures that vocational assistance is directed towards individuals who are genuinely unable to find employment that aligns with their skills and limitations following their injury. The 60-day period serves as a benchmark to evaluate the individual's current job market conditions and ability to secure suitable work.

In the context of vocational assistance, the emphasis is on the lack of suitable employment rather than the duration of prior employment in the same role or industry. This approach helps prevent unnecessary strain on workers who have temporarily lost suitable job opportunities due to their injuries and allows for targeted support to aid them in reintegrating into the workforce effectively.