The RETURN! to Work Program offers a comprehensive range of services with the primary goal of preparing individuals for competitive employment in the community.
The vocational plan developed with the individual may include any of the services below:
Neuropsychological Testing
Brain Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation
Work Readiness
Job Development and Job Placement
Job Coaching
Supported Employment
Neuropsychological Testing
This evaluation assesses the individual’s cognitive abilities, memory, problem solving, language skills, coordination and visual spatial processing. The neuropsychologist will make recommendations for appropriate rehabilitation services, medical needs, behavioral interventions and effective return-to-work strategies.
Brain Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation
In order to further assess the need for rehabilitation treatment, an individual can participate in our Comprehensive Living Skills Assessment (CLSA). This involves a three day period of evaluations with
Occupational Therapy,
Physical Therapy, and
Speech Language Pathology.
It also includes a social skills assessment in a group setting, a psychosocial evaluation, and a Physiatry consultation. Possible recommendations of the CLSA can be to either participate in the RETURN! Program, receive outpatient individual therapies, or proceed directly to vocational planning.
Work Readiness
This phase of our program allows individuals to prepare for re-entering the workforce. We partner with
VSP to provide vocational assessments and work simulation tasks, which gives further direction to the individual’s career goals.
We also utilize VSP’s Work Adjustment Training Program (WAT) to provide individuals with a paid “work practice” experience before stepping into the workforce.
Referral Process for DORS Consumers
Step 1: Complete a DORS application
online or go to your
nearest office location.
Step 2: Meet with a DORS counselor to determine your eligibility for vocational services.
Step 3: DORS makes a referral and partners with a Community Rehabilitation Provider, such as RETURN! To Work, for continued services.
Some applicants may be eligible for the Governor’s Employment Initiative for Individuals with Acquired Brain Injury. This supported employment program began in July 2006 and provides intensive vocational rehabilitation services to those who require long term ongoing support services to ensure success in employment. Our program is an approved provider for this initiative.
Referral Process for Workers’ Compensation Clients
The majority of referrals are made by a workers’ compensation case manager, but can also come directly from the individual with a brain injury or their representative. Our Vocational Case Coordinators can be contacted to begin the process and services are negotiated upfront.
During the intake interview an individual’s rehabilitation needs are further assessed and incorporated into an initial rehabilitation/vocational plan. Vocational planning is a collaborative effort between the person seeking work, case manager and the VCC.
Job Development and Job Placement
Once a participant is ready to actively seek employment, we begin
job development services which involve vocational interest testing, developing a resume, intensive job searching, completing applications, and preparing for interviews. We ensure successful job placement by matching the individual’s skills with the job qualifications.
Job Coaching
Upon gainful employment, our program provides job coaching to the worker to ensure success in the workplace.
Our job coaching services include the following:
- Learning work duties/responsibilities
- Developing strategies to promote independent work performance
- Arranging work place accommodations
- Providing employer education
Supported Employment
Ongoing long term work supports are provided to individuals requiring extended job coaching. It involves:
- Monthly visits with the worker on or off the job
- Ongoing assessment of the worker’s job performance
- Job-task analysis and useful work strategies
- Effective work skills and behaviors
- Maintaining good employer/employee relationships
- Employer education and counseling
- Workplace accommodation