Looking At Our Three-Point “Vocational Rehab Assessments”

When an employee is set to return to work after a long layoff, it’s a process that is far different than when a brand new employee enters a workplace for the first time. Of course, there is generally on-the-job training required for both situations. But when an individual who has suffered an injury or illness has been away from the workplace for a significant period of time, he or she must endure a sensitive process before the return.

Naturally, sensitivity is required to handle delicate situations. And depending on one’s reason for the layoff, particular steps may need to be taken to ensure that the transition from the hospital to the home and then to the job is as smooth and comfortable as possible. At Independence Incorporated, we offer “Vocational Rehab Assessments” that enable us to meet with clients to assess their abilities to return to work safely.

The process is often done over three “points”. The three point assessments seek to discover the various issues that may still be persisting through in-person visits. We feel that this is an important process for both the client and his or her employer. And there is a reason why we are so thorough. By conducting all three points, we ensure that our assessments are both complete and accurate. Let’s take you through each point.

One Point Assessment. This is also known as the “Client Interview”. During the one point assessment, an injured or ill client is interviewed in our office. However, we are also happy to accommodate our clients by visiting them in their homes if it is preferred. During this interview, we discover the various needs and requirements of the clients in order to establish his or her vocational rehabilitation potential.

Two Point Assessment. In this case, we would conduct the client interview, but also follow it with an in-person consultation. This is done with the client’s signed consent. It can also be done through written correspondence with the primary caregivers involved. During this process, we clarify the appropriate support and rehabilitation interventions that are needed in order to maximize the quality of life of our client and his or her vocational rehabilitation potential.

Three Point Assessment. In addition to the client interview and in-person consultation, we pay a visit to the client’s worksite in order to meet with the employer. It’s very beneficial for both the returning worker and his or her employer to be on the same page about the various tasks that are listed as the employee’s responsibilities. Can they be carried out with relative ease or is additional support required?

We seek to answer such a question by focusing on a few key points. Firstly, we wish to clarify any issues that may be related to the client’s performance history. Secondly, we seek to verify if the employee’s work needs to be modified. Thirdly, we assess whether or not there are any worksite conflicts that may exist that could hinder the employee’s return to work. And finally, we look to create a joint team effort approach between management and union.

It is important to note that any information that is related to medical diagnoses and conditions of our clients is not shared with their employers. Employers, however, are entitled to know about the potential of functional limitations that may have resulted from an employee’s illness or injury. If there are restrictions that affect the employee’s ability to meet the demands of the job, an employer must be informed.

For more information about our “Vocational Rehab Assessments”, please feel free to call us at 204-478-6644.