Voc Rehab - Part Two: How Does the Process work?

Saturday, October 9, 2004 | 0

(This is the second in a two-part series for pre-2004 dates of injury cases)

In the first article, we looked at the initial interview, preparing for the meeting with the vocational counselor and what to expect. This article will give you some ideas on some of the steps as you continue through your vocational rehabilitation program.

How does the process work? What are the steps?

After the counselor gathers background information, typically the next step is for the counselor to do transferable skills analysis (tsa). They take into account all of the positions you have held and your medical restrictions and then look at areas that are related, to see about using them for a return to work plan. The counselor may also ask you about your hobbies.

What comes next?

Some counselors may do vocational testing in their office. They will review the results with you. Some may suggest a vocational assessment, typically 2-3 days, at a vocational testing center. If this is their recommendation, you will meet other injured workers who are at the center, also going through looking at job changes.

The counselor will send the testing center the initial interview (RU-120), referral questions and some information regarding your physical capacities and limitations so the vocational evaluator will know about you and plan the program to meet your needs.

What happens there? What can I expect?

The vocational evaluator will give you an orientation...and explain how the program will go. They will guide you through a series of work samples and tests to look at your interests and abilities. They will look at your mechanical aptitude, logical reasoning ability, give a reading and math test and give you the chance to look at different job areas. You will do research and have the opportunity to consider areas that you would like and would be good at. While you are there, the evaluator will be making notes on your physical abilities for sitting, standing, hand usage, all within the guidelines your doctor has set.

It is very important to have this information as you work toward a vocational plan with your counselor.

I have never used a computer before. What will I do?

The vocational evaluator is interested in seeing if you like using a computer and will give you a sample exercise to try it out. It does not matter if you have ever used a computer before. The number one thing is motivation and if someone wants to do something, they can learn how to use a computer in a skillbulding vocational training program.

I never finished high school. I had to go to work or I started my family and only got to the ninth grade. What if I cannot do anything new?

There are options for you, if you are motivated to go back to work. The evaluator will take you where you are, with your schooling background and work with you on finding something that will be right for you. Through your program, you will be guided toward areas that you can do or learn through coursework or hands-on training.

Then what?

A meeting called an Exit Staffing will be held at the testing center and you, the counselor and the evaluator will go over the results. All of your interest areas that are within your physical capacities your doctor has stated will be discussed. A list of the most promising ideas will be given to you and your counselor.

So is that it?

No way! The counselor and you will schedule a follow-up meeting and they may give you some help on how to start researching your interest areas. Take notes and be willing to get involved in the process.

Well, so how will I get back to work?

You and the counselor will look at all the interest areas. You and the counselor may visit some vocational training schools that have the courses for your vocational area of interest. A choice will then be made. They will then contact the doctor and ask for a medical opinion of the vocational choice. Once the doctor answers, the counselor will then start to develop a vocational rehabilitation plan. There is a form called an RU-102, which is a state form saying how you are being helped in your return to work planning. You and the counselor will review it. They will send a draft to the insurance claims representative. Once it is approved, if you have an attorney, the counselor will call them to see how they want to review it. It will be signed, initialed on three pages and you will be on your way.

Do I have to pay for this schooling? Does this come out of my medical or my settlement?

The workers compensation carrier will pay for the cost of your vocational rehabilitation plan. There is no cost to you. There is a set amount set aside for a vocational plan and the costs will be paid for by workers compensation.

Will the counselor be around to help me when I am in my Plan?

Usually, a counselor provides ongoing monitoring and support as you are in your Plan. Most people have been out of school for many years or school was not a good experience for them when they went. The counselor can help get you over the rough spots, when you need a confidence booster.

Then what?

You will be on your way to a return to work! If you go through skill building or vocational retraining, the staff and the counselor are there to help injured workers with the things that they are going through. Also, you will meet other injured workers who are also dealing with some of the things you are............

Will I ever rebuild my confidence?

Most injured workers find that they had skills, talents and abilities that were not used. As you learn new things, make friends and see all you can accomplish, confidence and self-esteem will start to build! Yes, you can do it!

Article submitted by: Jamie Charter, Vocational Consultant with Charter and Company, providing services to injured and disabled workers and their employers for 21 years. Jamie is active on the Injured Worker Forums. She is the Newsletter Editor of CARRP, the California Association of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Professionals. CARRP has been Keeping California Working since 1975; www.carrp.org.

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