Vocational rehabilitation providers are external contractors to the Department.

Vocational rehabilitation services can become involved to assist an employee with and illness or injury return to work. An assessment is undertaken by the Department's Injury Management Consultant, to determine the need for internal or external rehabilitation . The Department works on a model of early intervention.

Referral

The Department or treating general practitioner can make a referral to vocational rehabilitation services. There needs to be agreement by both parties with regards to the referral. The injured employee is advised of their choice of Vocational Rehabilitation Provider. The WorkCover site has a list of Accredited Vocational Rehabilitation Providers.

Once the referral is made to an external provider, the following will occur:

1.	Referral received by External Vocational Rehabilitation Provider.
2.	Rehabilitation provider contacts and meets with the injured employee, treating general practitioner, school or line manager and relevant treating practitioners (as appropriate).
3.	Injury management plan developed by Rehabilitation Provider in consultation with all relevant parties.
4.	Worksite or ergonomic assessment undertaken and equipment recommendations completed as required.
5.	Rehabilitation provider to develop and prepare the return to work program to document suitable duties and work restrictions, so that all parties are informed.
6.	Arrange relief and relief notification as required.
7.	Rehabilitation Provider to monitor the rehabilitation program.
8.	Close the rehabilitation program when the employee has successfully returned to work, and all parties have agreed with vocational rehabilitation closure.

The rehabilitation provider can provide specialist assistance to injured employees including:

		Vocational Rehabilitation Assessment
		Specific Services

Please refer to WorkCover for further details on the above

Further information can be obtained on Vocational Rehabilitation Providers by contacting WorkCover on (08) 9388 5555, and accessing the pamphlet 'Injury Management and the Injured Worker'.

The vocational rehabilitation providers can access the External Rehabilitation Providers Kit, which outlines the Department's procedures for employees on rehabilitation.

Any queries or concerns regarding vocational rehabilitation providers can be directed to the Department's Injury Management Consultants.

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