Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation can be defined as whatever helps someone with a health problem to stay at, return to and remain in work.
The OT Practice provides a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation service through assessment, advice, and treatment of individuals identified as requiring this specialist service.
Occupational Therapists are specialists in assessing, treating and rehabilitating individuals with a disability, illness or injury. Our aim is to increase the individual’s independence and function in the worker role through a holistic and client centred approach whilst encompassing the individual’s physical, psychological and social needs.
The OT Practice accepts referrals typically from insurers and solicitors and can offer a wide range of interventions for individuals with a disability, health condition or impairment enabling them to overcome barriers to work.
Vocational Rehabilitation Initial Assessments
This is a comprehensive initial assessment that gathers detailed information on the individual’s health/medical history, their current performance ability with activities of daily living and details of their work history. This also includes identifying transferable skills and where appropriate some initial vocational exploration. The assessment also includes an action plan with mutually agreed goals to initiate the rehabilitation process.
Worksite Assessments
This on - site assessment focuses on three main areas; the job role, the working environment and the employer’s views. This is completed to enable the therapist to gain an accurate picture of the work 'tasks' involved and the demands on the individual in their job role and any barriers in the workplace environment preventing them managing their position. The worksite assessment and initial assessment are usually followed up with a workplace assessment.
Workplace Assessment
This assessment is completed with the employee present to establish the work tasks that the individual is able to perform taking into consideration their illness, injury or disability. Where appropriate the therapist can also use functional capacity, workstation and manual handling assessments incorporated in this visit.
Return to Work Plan
This plan is drawn up and agreed by all involved parties in the individual’s rehabilitation. It agrees timescales, actions and responsibilities incorporating fixed review points to monitor the progress and outcomes of the individual. The return to work plan typically incorporates staged or phased return to work for individuals to facilitate a smooth transition back into the workplace.
