Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Vocational Research Analyst

🎯 Role Definition

A Vocational Research Analyst serves as a subject matter expert on the world of work, bridging the gap between individuals' capabilities and labor market realities. This role is pivotal in providing objective, data-driven insights into occupational requirements, employment trends, earning potential, and transferable skills. By meticulously researching and analyzing vocational data, the Analyst produces comprehensive reports and evaluations that inform critical decisions in contexts such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, workforce development, and legal proceedings (e.g., personal injury, workers' compensation, and family law). This position requires a unique blend of analytical rigor, investigative curiosity, and a deep understanding of human and economic factors that shape career paths.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Research Assistant (in social sciences or economics)
Career Counselor or Advisor
HR Generalist or Coordinator with a focus on job analysis
Case Manager (in social work or rehabilitation)

Advancement To:

Senior Vocational Research Analyst / Vocational Expert (VE)
Research Manager or Director
Labor Economics Consultant
Program Director for Workforce Development or Rehabilitation Services

Lateral Moves:

Labor Market Analyst
Policy Analyst (in workforce or economic development)
Compensation and Benefits Analyst
Data Analyst (HR or Business Intelligence)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive Transferable Skills Analyses (TSAs) by evaluating an individual's work history, education, and functional abilities to identify alternative occupational pathways.
Perform in-depth labor market surveys and analyses to determine the availability of suitable jobs within a specific geographic area, considering factors like job openings, competition, and regional economic health.
Research and document the physical and mental demands of specific occupations using authoritative sources like the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
Develop detailed Vocational Evaluation reports that synthesize client information, test results, and labor market research to form an expert opinion on employability and earning capacity.
Analyze and interpret wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), state-level employment departments, and other proprietary sources to establish pre- and post-injury earning capacity.
Investigate and report on the typical training, education, and licensing requirements for a wide range of occupations, providing clear pathways for re-employment or career transition.
Provide expert analysis on the impact of physical or psychological impairments on an individual's ability to perform past work or other types of substantial gainful activity.
Utilize statistical software and methodologies to analyze vocational data sets, identify trends, and support research findings with quantitative evidence.
Maintain an up-to-date, expert-level knowledge of current employment trends, industry shifts, and the evolving nature of work, including the impact of automation and the gig economy.
Prepare and present clear, concise, and defensible reports for use in legal settings, including depositions and court testimony as a Vocational Expert.
Collaborate with career counselors and rehabilitation specialists to provide clients with realistic, data-backed information about viable career options and job search strategies.
Review and critically analyze opposing counsel's vocational expert reports, identifying methodological flaws, data inaccuracies, or unsupported conclusions.
Create detailed job analyses for specific positions within a company or industry to document essential functions, required skills, and physical demands for HR and legal purposes.
Administer and interpret a variety of vocational assessment tools and aptitude tests to gain deeper insight into a client's interests, strengths, and career potential.
Research the availability and cost of educational programs, vocational training, and certifications required for a client to re-enter the workforce in a new occupation.
Develop and maintain internal databases and knowledge bases on occupational information, labor market statistics, and case precedents to improve organizational efficiency and consistency.
Respond to complex inquiries from attorneys, insurance adjusters, and government agencies regarding vocational issues, providing clear and evidence-based answers.
Assess the vocational impact of long-term unemployment and develop strategies and recommendations for re-engaging with the labor market.
Evaluate the effectiveness of job-seeking efforts and provide documented analysis on the reasonableness of an individual's job search activities.
Author and contribute to thought leadership articles, white papers, and presentations on topics related to workforce trends, vocational assessment, and labor economics.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis from various internal and external stakeholders.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by identifying new data sources and analytical tools.
Collaborate with business units, legal teams, and case managers to translate complex case needs into specific research and analysis requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if working within a larger data or product team structure.
Assist in the training and mentoring of junior analysts or research assistants.
Engage in continuous professional development by attending industry conferences, webinars, and pursuing relevant certifications.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Labor Market Research: Mastery of using government and private data sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), O*NET, Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), and state-level labor market information systems.
Statistical Analysis: Proficiency in using statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, or R for data analysis, regression modeling, and interpretation of quantitative data.
Data Wrangling & Visualization: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas) and experience with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI is a strong plus.
Vocational Assessment: Knowledge of and ability to interpret vocational testing instruments (e.g., Strong Interest Inventory, aptitude tests).
Report Writing: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex information into clear, well-structured, and defensible narrative reports for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Database Management: Skill in querying and managing databases (SQL knowledge is highly desirable) and maintaining internal knowledge management systems.
Transferable Skills Analysis (TSA): Expertise in the methodology of identifying and documenting an individual's skills and mapping them to new occupational targets.
Job Analysis Methodology: Formal training or experience in conducting systematic job analyses to define the essential functions and demands of a role.

Soft Skills

Critical Thinking & Analytical Mindset: The ability to deconstruct complex problems, evaluate evidence objectively, and draw logical, data-supported conclusions.
Exceptional Attention to Detail: Meticulous accuracy is non-negotiable when dealing with data and preparing reports for legal or life-changing decisions.
Objective & Unbiased Judgment: A commitment to providing impartial analysis, free from personal bias, particularly in adversarial or high-stakes environments.
Communication & Presentation Skills: The ability to clearly articulate complex findings verbally and in writing to diverse audiences, including attorneys, judges, and clients.
Investigative & Research Skills: A natural curiosity and tenacity for digging deep to find the right information and validate sources.
Time Management & Organization: Proven ability to manage multiple complex cases and research projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Empathy & Professional Demeanor: The capacity to handle sensitive personal information with professionalism and an understanding of the human element behind the data.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.

Preferred Education:

A Master’s degree in a relevant field is highly preferred and may be required for roles involving expert testimony.
Professional certifications such as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), or similar credentials are a significant asset.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Vocational Rehabilitation or Rehabilitation Counseling
Psychology (Industrial-Organizational, Counseling)
Economics or Labor Economics
Human Resources
Sociology or Social Work
Statistics or Data Analytics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of direct experience in vocational research, labor market analysis, or a closely related field.

Preferred:
Experience working within a vocational rehabilitation agency, a private consulting firm specializing in forensic vocational analysis, or a government agency focused on workforce development. Direct experience preparing reports for workers' compensation, personal injury, or Social Security Disability cases is highly valued.