Strategies for RTW presentation -5-2

Strategies for Return To

WORKVocational Rehabilitation in Vermont

Panel Members• Vocational Counselor: Donna Curtin• Adjuster: Mary Sorrentino• Defense Attorney: Wesley Lawrence• Plaintiff Attorney: Bill Skiff • Employers: Lynn Dupuis (SB Collins) & Michael

Flora (Burlington Electric)

Early Intervention WORKS!

Mandatory at 90 days Temporary Total Disability:1. File a 25 Memorandum of Payment (25M: date

disability payment began, weekly amount of the payment, total amount of indemnity paid to date.)

2. File a referral to VR: • Choose a VR Counselor and File a VR1 Referral Form

Certified counselors are listed on the DOL website: www.labor.vermont.gov/workers-compensation• If a VR1 is not assigned by the adjuster at 90 days, a

screening is triggered with the filing of the 25 M.

Collaboration

“Five guys on the court working together can achieve more than five talented individuals who come and go

as individuals.” Kareem Abdul- Jabbar

• Refer Early! • Choose a counselor!• Maintain communication through accessibility and

responsiveness!• Strategize together and stay involved in the VR

process from referral, through eligibility status, RTWP development and job search efforts!

EDUCATE Medical Providers

• Nurse Case Managers collaborate to ensure prompt treatment for better outcomes.

• Nurse Case Managers assist in obtaining projected work release dates and work capacity for employment planning with employers and VR counselors.

• Nurse Case Managers team with VR Counselors and employers to discuss light duty options for earlier RTW.

• Nurse Case Managers and VR Counselors working together assign responsibilities so as not to duplicate services.

EDUCATE Medical Providers

(Cont.)• VR counselors attending work hardening team

meetings.• VR counselors forwarding Work Capabilities Form

at every medical appointment.• Some states mandate Work Capabilities Forms

are completed at every appointment prior to payment for visit by carrier.

• VR counselors review Job Goals with medical providers during RTWP development.

Some of us get stuck…

Services for consideration During

Treatment/Recovery/Suspension• General Equivalency Diploma/ Adult Diploma Program

(often no cost)• ESL course• Governor’s Career Readiness Program (prepaid)• Basic Computer Class (often no cost)• Attend job fairs• Develop resume• Register with job sites• Attend Department Of Labor sponsored workshops• Progressive Goal Attainment Program: 10 weeks of

weekly goal setting and accountability. • Volunteer

Work Capacity• Job Analysis• Job Description: Obtain for FCEs to discuss with

doctors for RTW options• Ergo Assessments• Nurse Case Managers• Functional Capacity Evaluations

Ergo Assessments• An ergonomic analysis of a worker’s job duties with

recommendations for modifications in the way the worker performs tasks, or with physical changes to the work environment, or both.

 • Analysis of the worker’s body mechanics and instruction in correct

posture and corrective exercises • Recommendations for adaptive equipment, if needed. Various

options for adaptive equipment are given to help carriers/insured’s contain costs.

 • An objective, detailed summary report of the evaluation is

provided to employer, claim manager, and worker. In the instance of an existing claim, the report can also be provided to medical providers and other involved parties

RTW with Employers

1. Include assistance from NCM and medical providers.

2. Utilize Job Analysis, Ergo Assessment, Job Descriptions.

3. Light duty options, part-time and graduated RTW options.

RTW: Different job/Different employer1. Register clients, educate on web search: Indeed,

Careerbuilder, VermontJobLink, Care.com, Linkedin.

2. Register with employment agencies: Westaff, Spherion, Manpower, Kelly Services, etc.

3. Interviewing skills4. Resume drafts: educate on resume building,

cover letter development. 5. Monitor job log activity.

RTW through Retraining

1. On The Job Training2. Apprenticeships3. Certificate Programs4. Employer-offered Training Programs (ex,

hospitals)5. VT HiTech

RTW: Self-EmploymentSelf Employment allows for RTW with consideration to modified scheduling, self-pacing and controlled environment.

• Home Businesses• Work as consultants

RTWP Return To Work Plan

• Law states the counselor must provide an opportunity in writing to the adjuster/employer to participate in RTWP development.

• The RTWP is most successful when collaboration occurs from the beginning and is ongoing.

• The VR Counselor assists injured workers’ understanding and follow-through of job logs.

• A RTWP lists a goal and services needed to complete the goal.

• A RTWP has a completion date. Paid services must be confirmed by the adjuster in the RTWP.

RTWP (Cont.)

• VR ends unless another RTWP is in place or an extension is requested.

• In place of another RTWP, a letter with change of dates may be submitted with all parties’ signatures.

• Plan Development fees are capped at $2000. Counselor must request costs exceeding $2000.

Follow-ThroughVR Counselors follow successful placements through the 60 days of transition.

• VR Counselors coach clients through RTW transition.

• VR Counselors are available to employers for communication through RTW transition.