Arrange and coordinate rehabilitation and return to work strategies

Element

Performance Criteria

Establish rehabilitation need and potential for return to work

1. Rehabilitation need and potential for return to work is assessed as soon as possible after injury and communicated to employee.

2.Nature and status of claim is understood and high risk claims are referred for appropriate rehabilitation as arly as practicable.

3. Assessment is undertaken applying section 36 of the SRC Act.

Engage, where required, and manage a Comcare approved rehabilitation provider to deliver the return to work services

1. A Comcare Approved Rehabilitation Provider (ARP) is engaged, matching skills with nature of injury.

2 Agencies timeframes and desired outcomes are negotiated and agreed when the ARP is engaged.

3. A return to work plan is determined in accordance with section 37 of the SRC Act.

4. ARP services and costs are monitored and controlled, applying the Comcare standards for ARPs.

5. Feedback is given to the ARP on quality of service delivery.

Coordinate the development of a return to work plan

1. Consultation occurs between the injured employee, employer, ARP and medical providers in developing the return to work plan.

2. High level negotiation, mediation, judgement and conflict management skills are used to manage objectives and outcomes in complex cases.

3. Return to work plans are assessed to facilitate and ensure an early, safe and durable return to work outcome.

4. A program of suitable work duties is outlined in the plan.

5. The plan provides details of specific return to work goals, objectives for the employee to achieve, services to be provided, and estimates of the cost and duration of the services to be approved.

Monitor the progress of a return to work plan

1. The injured employees progress is monitored against the goals and objectives of the return to work plan.

2. Case conferences and stakeholder meetings are arranged as required to achieve the goals of the return to work plan.

3. The return to work plan is amended if required to ensure the goal is achieved.

4. Regular communication is maintained with treating medical pracitioners to ensure return to work plan is consistent with medical advice.

Coordinate case closure and provide post return to work support

1. On completion of the return to work plan a closure report form is provided to all stakeholders.

2. Post case closure support is provided to injured employee and supervisor to sustain the goal of the return to work plan.

Maintain records

1. Information is gathered and recorded in accordance with agency and legislative requirements (including privacy principles).

2. Records are secure, accessible and up to date.