[email protected]
​1201 Terminal Way, Suite 111
      Reno, NV 89502

ABOUT US
At Coughlin Vocational Counseling, we specialize in guiding individuals through the complex process of vocational rehabilitation—especially those navigating the challenges of a work-related injury or disability. Our mission is simple: Empower you to return to meaningful, sustainable employment that aligns with your skills, interests, and abilities.
Our Services:
  • Vocational Counseling & Support
    Individualized guidance to help you explore new career paths, build job readiness skills, and regain confidence after an injury.
  • Transferable Skills Analysis (TSA)
    We evaluate your existing skills, education, and experience to identify alternative job options that match your abilities.
  • Vocational Evaluation
    Comprehensive assessments of your aptitudes, interests, and abilities to guide informed career decisions.
  • Labor Market Surveys
    Research on job availability, wage information, and industry trends to ensure your career goals are realistic and achievable.
  • Job Placement Assistance
    From resume writing to interview preparation, we’re with you every step of the way to secure suitable employment.
  • Vocational Expert Witness Services
    Expert testimony for Workers’ Compensation cases, personal injury claims, and disability hearings. We provide clear, credible opinions on employability, earning capacity, and labor market access.

Why Choose Coughlin Vocational Counseling?
  • Specialized in Workers’ Compensation & Disability Cases
  • Trusted Expert Witness for Vocational Testimony
  • Personalized, Client-First Approach
  • Extensive Knowledge of Nevada and Kentucky Labor Markets
Let us help you move forward with confidence—whether you’re returning to work, seeking new career options, or navigating legal proceedings.
We helps injured workers explore, prepare for, and secure suitable employment after a work-related injury or illness has affected their ability to perform their previous job. They play a crucial role in the return-to-work process by providing assessments, job placement assistance, and support to ensure the worker can achieve a stable and sustainable career within their physical and cognitive abilities.



A vocational expert (VE) with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a specialist who provides testimony and opinions during disability hearings to help determine whether a claimant is capable of performing any work in the national economy, given their medical impairments, age, education, and work experience.

Key roles and responsibilities of a VE include:

1. **Evaluating Work History**
​​2. **Transferable Skills Analyses**
​3. **Labor Market Analysis**
​4. **Vocational Expert Testimony**
​5. **Providing evidence for ALJ Decisions**
6. **Loss of Earning Capacity Evaluations**
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Vocational Evaluations, Vocational Expert Witness Testimony, Workers' Compensation, Case Management & Consulting.

THE TEAM

Karla Rangel, BS

Karla Rangel is a dedicated bilingual vocational counselor and case manager at Coughlin Vocational Counseling. Since joining the organization in September 2024, she has played a vital role in assisting clients through their career transitions with expertise and compassion. Ms. Rangel holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from the University of Nevada, Reno, equipping her with a deep understanding of physical rehabilitation and injury recovery. Her fluency in English and Spanish ensures inclusive and accessible counseling for a diverse client base ensuring tailored support for those navigating career changes. Outside of her professional work, Ms. Rangel enjoys staying active through skiing and participating in various other recreational sports, reflecting her commitment to health and wellness both personally and professionally.

Katie Westendorf, BA

​Katie Westendorf is a Certified Paralegal with extensive experience in civil litigation, receiverships, family law, and medical malpractice. Over the course of her career, she has worked closely with attorneys, judges, and court-appointed officers, providing high-level legal and administrative support. Katie holds a Certified Paralegal Certificate from NALA, a General Litigation Specialty Certificate from the University of San Diego, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada-Reno. She is known for her expertise in legal document preparation, case management, and court procedures across various state and federal jurisdictions.
​Katie also has extensive knowledge and aptitude for transactional responsibilities including managing accounts, financial records, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and reconciling accounts. She is proficient in QuickBooks and other accounting software. Katie takes pride in her commitment to continuous learning, strong organizational skills, positive work culture, and efficient work product."

Services

Vocational Evaluations
A vocational evaluation is a comprehensive assessment process used to determine an individual's skills, abilities, interests, work-related strengths and limitations, and potential for employment. It is commonly used in vocational rehabilitation, disability services, and career counseling to help guide career planning, job placement, and training recommendations.
Key Elements of a Vocational Evaluation:
  • Assessment of Abilities: Includes testing for cognitive abilities, aptitudes, academic skills, and problem-solving capacity.
  • Work Skills Analysis: Evaluates practical work skills, transferable skills, and specific job-related abilities.
  • Interests and Preferences: Identifies the individual's career interests and job preferences.
  • Work Tolerance and Limitations: Assesses physical, mental, and emotional capacities for work, including stamina and any limitations caused by disabilities or medical conditions.
  • Occupational Exploration: Reviews potential career options based on labor market information and the individual’s capabilities.
  • Recommendations: Provides a written report with recommendations for suitable job goals, training needs, accommodations, and job placement strategies.
Identifying Transferable Skills
A Transferable Skills Analysis (TSA) is a systematic process used to identify the skills an individual has gained from previous work experience, education, training, volunteer activities, and hobbies, and how those skills can be applied to new jobs in the labor market. It is commonly used in vocational rehabilitation, career counseling, and disability services to support clients in identifying alternative employment opportunities when they can no longer perform their past work.​
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Labor Market Analysis
A Labor Market Survey (LMS) is a research process used to gather information about the availability of jobs, wages, hiring trends, and specific requirements for occupations in a particular geographic area. It is often used in vocational rehabilitation, career counseling, and disability claims to assess the feasibility of employment options for an individual, especially when they are seeking to re-enter the workforce after an injury or disability.

Key Elements of a Labor Market Survey:
  • Job Availability: Identifies whether jobs in the targeted occupation exist in the geographic area.
  • Wage Information: Provides data on typical pay rates for the identified positions.
  • Hiring Trends: Indicates whether the occupation is growing, stable, or declining in the local economy.
  • Qualifications: Lists education, training, or skills required for entry-level positions.
  • Employer Contacts: May involve direct contact with employers to verify job openings, hiring practices, and accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.
  • Feasibility of Employment: Assesses whether the individual’s physical, cognitive, and vocational abilities align with labor market demands.

Why is a Labor Market Survey Important?A Labor Market Survey helps:
  • Determine if a proposed job goal is realistic based on current market conditions.
  • Support vocational opinions in disability or legal cases (e.g., worker’s compensation, Social Security Disability claims).
  • Inform career counseling and job placement services by identifying viable local opportunities.
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Years of Experienced
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Our History

We specialize in providing professional vocational evaluations and reports.  We also provide a full range of vocational rehabilitation counseling services to insurance carriers, hospitals, and individuals in need of career counseling, guidance and placement services.
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Carly Coughlin has a Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation counseling and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
She is an active board member of IARP and an Associate member of ABVE.  
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