Faqs
What is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Voc Rehab provides assistance to injured workers so they can return to the workforce or even retain their job when there are disability-related problems. It is an individually tailored program made up of services to overcome your personal return-to-work obstacles. These services are outlined in Chapter 4 MCO Policy Guide for Vocational Rehabilitation Services located at www.ohiobwc.com under publications for medical providers.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility is determined by BWC. Essentially, you have to have been off work at least 8 days AND are receiving Temporary Total Comp OR have reached Maximum Medical Improvement, OR have received a Permanent Partial Impairment award. The allowed conditions must be the reason why you are not working.
Am I feasible?
Feasibility means that you are likely to return to work if provided voc rehab services. Feasibility will continually be assessed during your program. The purpose of the program is to help you get back to work.
What can I expect?
Working Concepts takes a realistic approach to helping injured workers. Once you have physically met your potential, the most effective return to work plan will be put in place. Whether or not there is a job to return to, we should be involved.
What are the services?
The starting point is really determined by your doctor. If you need therapy, we start there. Upon discharge, or if therapy is not prescribed by your doctor, then we determine your return to work goal and what services will be necessary to reach the goal. Common services include functional capacity evaluation, transitional work, gradual return to work, vocational evaluation, job placement, career/adjustment counseling, training, and other supportive services based on need.
Where are these services located?
As close to your home as possible. For services not facility-based, the provider usually travels to your hometown. In situations where avoiding travel beyond 45 miles roundtrip is not possible, you can be provided travel reimbursement.
Is there compensation?
Yes, most go on Living Maintenance Compensation while in an approved plan.
Can I get training?
Honestly, that depends on several factors with your skill level as the most important one. If you cannot return to work in the same job, but your employer can place you in a job that you need training in order to do, yes you can get training. If you are skilled at a job that you are physically capable of doing, training is most likely not going to happen. These are only two of many possible scenarios and training is looked at case by case.
I heard I had to make 15 job contacts a week?
Working Concepts sets the amount of job contacts each week. Sometimes it is 15 and sometimes it is less, depending on your circumstances. No doubt 15 is a lot, but you also get help in breaking that number down into manageable pieces. Three job contacts a day is manageable and we will show you how.
Do I have to look for work at fast food restaurants?
Only if that is your job goal.
Am I a part of the decision-making process?
Of course you are! Whenever possible, Working Concepts likes to meet with you and your doctor to outline goals and services.
Do I really get to choose my own case manager?
There are few things you have control over in the BWC system. Just like how you chose your doctor, you also get to choose your voc rehab case manager. Take charge of your claim by choosing Working Concepts. We are honored to help you.
How is Working Concepts different?
Most importantly, Working Concepts is an independent provider of voc rehab services. We have no investor ties to a MCO or employer to ensure that the best interests of the injured workers are served. We understand that your circumstances are unique and deserve to be managed with an individualized approach. We identify your return-to-work barriers and actually provide solutions.