Return To Work
GETTING EMPLOYEES BACK TO WORK
It's what
the Synchrony approach is all about. That's why we provide services focused on
return to work plus a team of skilled vocational professionals. Our services
are tailored to meet each employee's needs and may include:
§ Communications with the employee's medical
team to identify functional capabilities and expected return-to-work date
§ Job modifications/accommodations that may
include work site redesign or adaptive devices
§ Work hardening that simulates work tasks
to gradually bring the employee back up to speed
§ On-site job analyses to assess physical
requirements and essential job functions
§ Transferable skills analyses to determine
if an employee's skills can be applied to a new or modified job
§ Retraining programs to develop or enhance
skills that can be used in a new occupation
§ Labor market surveys to identify jobs
available locally
§ Training in job-seeking skills, such as
setting goals, writing resumes, and interviewing, to help employees find
alternative work
§ Coordination with outside resources,
including state departments of vocational rehabilitation and community services
to identify possible avenues for assistance to employees
Treatment protocols,
disability duration guidelines, independent medical exams, functional capacity
evaluations, physician consultants, ergonomic and engineering resources are
among the tools and resources Synchrony teams use to improve return-to-work
effectiveness.
For additional return-to-work information, visit the Job Accommodation Network
web site:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu
What are Vocational
Rehabilitation Services?
We recognize the
changes and emotions a person may experience because of an injury or illness.
Even though disability benefits can provide a temporary safety net while
employees are off the job, they cannot make up for the financial freedom gained
by working. Skilled vocational rehabilitation consultants help people with
disabilities return to work. We evaluate the claimant's return to work needs
and work with the claimant, employer, and doctor to facilitate a return to work
when the claimant is medically ready. We provide vocational rehabilitation
services that match the claimant's needs. Our services may include:
§ Talking to the doctor about treatment
needs
§ Assisting the employer in returning the
claimant to work
§ Helping the claimant find another job, if
needed
When do claimants
get involved with Vocational Rehabilitation Services?
As soon as the doctor
says that it is appropriate for the claimant to return to work. It is important
for claimants to take an active role in their recovery. Our services can help
them do that.
If it is not possible for claimants to return to their own job or to other jobs
with their employer, we may be able to help them get a job with a new employer
or arrange retraining for a new job, if needed.
Who assists
claimants with Vocational Rehabilitation?
Highly trained and experienced vocational rehabilitation consultants work with
claimants as well as local support services and resources returning hundreds of
individuals to meaningful, gainful employment.
|