Client engagement with the Vocational Intervention Program is essential for successful outcomes.
Partner with the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program (BIRP) team to support the client to identify work-related goals and any barriers or enablers to achieving these goals.
At each step of the vocational rehabilitation process, engage the client in:
- decision-making
- planning
- being responsible for their program to the extent possible.
Key actions
Vocational providers supporting clients with a brain injury to return to work using the program have highlighted these actions for success.
- Start services with a pre-referral (‘meet and greet’) meeting with the client so they understand the vocational program.
- Together with the BIRP clinician, determine whether the client is ready to start employment. Consider medical, cognitive, physical, behavioural and psychological factors.
- Ensure the client is medically cleared to return to proposed work duties.
- Use flexible services that are responsive and adjust to the individual needs of the client.
- Provide education on brain injury to the employer if the client agrees to injury disclosure.
- Regularly collaborate with the BIRP clinicians through joint appointments with the client, case reviews and progress updates.
- Work collaboratively with other vocational providers if the client is eligible for dual funding.
For clients returning to the same employer
- Complete workplace assessments to gather details of the cognitive and physical demands of the client’s pre-injury work duties.
- If the client’s previous position is not suitable or not available, consider all familiar roles with their pre-injury employer ahead of new or unfamiliar roles.
- Recommend workplace adjustments to support the client in performing their work duties.
- Develop a suitable duties plan with the client and employer that includes work duties, workplace adjustments and a schedule of hours.
- Regularly monitor the client’s return to work through client and employer contact and workplace visits.
- Continually upgrade the return-to-work program, introducing new duties and increased hours at a pace suitable to the client.
For clients finding new employment
- Complete vocational assessments to identify suitable employment options based on the client’s strengths, work history and experiences and functional abilities.
- Use vocational counselling to help the client understand their post-injury capacity, exploring realistic work options and determining future work pathways.
- Access appropriate interventions and incentives to support the client achieve a successful outcome, such as work trials, employer incentives, supported wages or on-the-job support.