MWCEA 2023 Program Directory

Taking the Bull by its Horns with Vocational Rehabilitation Our guest panel will discuss advanced vocational rehabilitation skills to get those problem cases back on track. Topics such as motivating claimants, tailoring services to mitigate barriers, communicating clear expectations, and knowing how and when to end vocational rehabilitation services will be addressed. Panel members will also share success stories and the factors that led to positive outcomes. (Slides provided.) Moderator: Shelby Dubato, MSW, LCSW-C, CRC, CLCP, CCM, CDMS, MalcolmDubato, LLC Panel: Samantha Kieley, First Rehab Resource Daniel Lentscher, CAM, PT Defense: Sheri Tirocchi, Esq., GodwinTirocchi, LLC Claimant: Sara El-Shall, Esq., Law Office of Sara El-Shall

 Claimant attorney should introduce the idea and likelihood of vocational rehabilitation as soon as possible  The VR counselor begins discussing expectations, goals, steps to achieve goals, and any anticipated barriers/challenges on Day 1 during their initial assessment with the IW  This same information should be communicated to all parties  If the injured worker has not participated in an FCE, this should be done as soon as possible in the vocational rehabilitation process prior to the development of a job placement plan *Tip: Injured workers are frequently concerned about returning to work in their pre-injury capacity and have not thought about other vocational alternatives. Communicating the process and expectations early will help to ease anxiety about all the “unknowns” in their future.

Presented by:

Samantha Kieley, MA, CRC, CDMS, CCM Sara El-Shall, Esquire Sheryl Tirocchi, Esquire Daniel Lentscher, CFCE, COEE Shelby Dubato, LCSW-C, CCM, CDMS, CLCP, CRC

Moderated by:

 In addition to physical limitations, there are often psychosocial barriers such as financial strain, lack of reliable transportation, family/caregiving responsibilities, etc.  Any learned barriers should be communicated between all parties in order to begin working on potential solutions immediately:  A person of color may prefer, and benefit from, working with a provider who is a person of color  A native Spanish speaker may prefer, and benefit from, working with a Spanish speaking provider  An advance can be a successful way for an IW to obtain car repairs to ensure reliable transportation  Transportation to PT or work hardening sessions can increase compliance with the rehabilitation program if the IW has no form of transportation  A low-cost laptop can ensure compliance with job search activities if the IW only possesses a smartphone

 Get to know your client  Assess readiness to return to work

 Be aware of the IW’s personality, language, minority status, or cultural elements which may impact their comfort levels and preferences for certain providers  Try to understand the reason behind the lack of motivation  The IW is a “whole person” who has been impacted by the injuring event in other ways outside their physical symptoms and rehabilitation  Show empathy – the IW has recently learned that their expectations for their future no longer align with reality *Tip: Claimant attorneys should use their knowledge of their clients to set them up for success and make recommendations for counselors or providers who will be the best fit.

 The IW must understand the expectations from the beginning, including what it means to be compliant, and the potential consequences of non-compliance  Expectations should be communicated both verbally and in writing, and should be communicated frequently throughout the rehabilitation process  The rehabilitation provider should communicate the reasons behind their recommendations/expectations to increase buy-in and motivation  Rehabilitation providers should attempt to increase the IW’s intrinsic motivation whenever possible [i.e. compliance will maximize their restoration of function, independence, etc.] rather than focusing on extrinsic motivation [i.e. compliance will keep their TTD check coming]. *Tip: If compliance issues are not addressed from the onset, it will be difficult to close a case for non-compliance. If there are no documented expectations, there is no way to quantify compliance.

 If an FCE indicates an IW could benefit from a WHP, this should be seriously considered either prior to or in conjunction with VR services in order to increase an IW’s vocational options  The PT and vocational counselor work together to discuss the type of simulated work activities which would be most beneficial based upon the IW’s goals  Participation in a WHP often increases an IW’s confidence in their own perceived capabilities and productivity  The VR process and plan should always be tailored to address the IW’s specific barriers * Tip: When all parties work together to address an IW’s barriers, there is a greater likelihood of a successful outcome. The IW feels they are being heard, which increases confidence and motivation.