Passionate about helping others, Patricia Highcove became involved in her profession as a vocational consultant after gaining experience working with developmentally disabled children. She started out by earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in rehabilitation counseling from Syracuse University in 1981 and 1982, respectively. Ms. Highcove also became a certified ergonomic assessment specialist, as well as a certified case manager, certified rehabilitation counselor, and certified vocational evaluator.
Now, Ms. Highcove is flourishing at the head of Highcove Consulting in Baltimore, MD, which is a vocational consulting company for individuals with disabilities who need help getting back into the workforce. She provides counseling services that include resources for developmentally and physically disabled individuals, workers’ compensation, and long-term disabilities. On a daily basis, Ms. Highcove oversees her clients and assesses their skill levels, assisting them and referring them for various training in different kinds of industries. She then works with them on their interview skills so they can represent themselves effectively during an interview. Her clients are referred to her from insurance companies that are dealing with injured individuals who claim workers’ compensation after orthopedic injuries. Some of her other responsibilities involve developing business plans for start-up companies, including the formulation of the organizational structure, job descriptions, budget, daily operational routines, and hardware and software needs.
Prior to running her own company, Ms. Highcove held several positions at Intracorp Companies. She was territory director, field services manager, and rehabilitation specialist. She was also senior executive at Guilford Group, LLC. In addition, Ms. Highcove served as specialist IV in the Division of Rehabilitation Services at Maryland Rehabilitation Center, counselor and evaluator at Alliance, Inc., vocational evaluator at Merrimack Valley Rehabilitation Center, and student assistant at the Vocational Assessment and Career Center.
Keeping up with developments in her field, Ms. Highcove is a board member and former president of the Chesapeake Association of Rehabilitation Professionals in the Private Sector, board member of Kids’ Chance of Maryland, Inc., and a member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals. She also volunteers at the Special Olympics.
Ms. Highcove enjoys spending time with her children, reading, traveling, and listening to music when she isn’t working. She attributes her success to her passion for helping individuals with disabilities. Looking forward, she hopes to expand her business and to be remembered as dedicated and trustworthy.