ORS in Practice: Join Our Free May Webinar Series
We love to see the conversation around Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) data continue to grow within the vocational expert community. With the implementation of SSR 24-3p and more VEs incorporating ORS into their testimony, it's clear that this data set is becoming an important part of how VEs support and explain their opinions.
We also understand that ORS comes with a learning curve. There are different perspectives on how to apply it, how much to rely on it, and how to integrate it into testimony. This is a good thing! It reflects a field of experts that are actively engaging with new data and tools and refining their approach.
To support this ongoing learning, we're excited to announce a free, three-part live webinar series this May, hosted by John Yent, focused on ORS fundamentals and practical application. We think VEs need less theory and more demonstration on how ORS is being used.
What the Training Will Cover
Across three Friday sessions in May, John will walk through:
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What ORS is and why it matters
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Why accurate, current occupational data is the foundation of VE testimony
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How ORS data can be used in vocational testimony (in SSA disability hearings and forensic work)
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SSR 24-3p and what changed
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Why ORS adoption is inevitable (technology, policy, SSA direction)
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Practical, real-world examples of testifying with ORS data (without relying on DOT codes)
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Why "special sauce" and unexplainable methodologies don't hold up
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Why naming tools ≠ defending methodology
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The importance of being able to explain your process clearly
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Increased attorney adoption of ORS and what that means for VEs
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Why cross-examination is becoming more aggressive post-SSR 24-3p
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Why "choosing not to learn" = falling behind professionally
A Practical Approach
These sessions will demonstrate one clear, structured approach using software designed to make using ORS data easy and efficient while recognizing that professionals may ultimately develop their own preferred methods. The trainings will feature live demonstrations using Workscape Analytics, a software platform developed by a VE for VEs. The approach follows the methodology published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for ORS calculations and provides access to the full ORS dataset.
This means attendees will see how to:
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Work through ORS calculations step by step without having to do the math yourself
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Navigate visual aids that display the full range of ORS data
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Respond confidently to questions from judges or attorneys
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Support testimony with clear, explainable methodology
Whether your approach involves calculating every element of a hypothetical or focusing on specific factors, having complete access to the data can make a meaningful difference when answering questions under pressure.
Why This Matters Now
With the implementation of SSR 24-3p, vocational experts may be asked to explain their methodology and defend their job number estimates in greater detail. Confidence in your approach and the ability to clearly articulate it is essential.
A key goal of this training series is to help VEs feel more prepared and more comfortable doing exactly that.
Flexible, Private, and Accessible
We've designed these sessions with your schedule and preferences in mind:
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Live sessions held on Fridays in May
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All sessions are recorded and emailed to attendees the following day
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Completely anonymous participation - no attendee names, images, or participant lists are visible
You can attend live, watch later, or revisit the material as often as needed.
Join Us
We're encouraged to see more vocational experts engaging with ORS and expanding how they use data in their testimony. This series is simply an opportunity to explore one practical, transparent way to do that.
If you've been meaning to deepen your understanding of ORS or want to feel more confident applying it in your work, we hope you'll join us.
Register here:
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Kristen Medina-Perez
Chief Executive Officer
kristen.medina-perez@workscapeanalytics.com------------------------------