Vocational Case Management
VocMed provides vocational case management for workers’ compensation claims in North Carolina and Virginia, helping injured workers pursue a safe return to work.
Upon referral for vocational case management services, each file is thoroughly reviewed by our Director of Case Management, and a follow up consultation provided to the referring agency. Our case managers then meet with the injured worker, and, when appropriate, their legal representative, to obtain a vocational assessment, including an initial interview, vocational aptitude and interest testing, and a transferrable skills analysis. This information is utilized to develop a formal return-to-work plan. We then work with the injured worker to execute this plan and successfully return to the workforce.
Traditionally thought of only when a claimant has reached maximum medical improvement and issued permanent physical restrictions, oftentimes vocational case management services are appropriate for a claimant in the mid to late term recovery stages from their injury. For many, the introduction of short- or long-term retraining, such as obtaining a GED or Microsoft Office certifications, can assist in returning to current employers in appropriate modified duty positions, or, better prepare them to seek new employment when beginning the new job placement process.
File review
Our Director of Case Management reviews every referral, then follows up with a consultation for the referring agency.
Vocational assessment
An initial interview, aptitude and interest testing, and a transferrable skills analysis — with legal representation present where appropriate.
Return-to-work plan
Assessment findings become a formal, written plan targeting modified duty or suitable long-term employment.
Placement
We work the plan alongside the injured worker until they are back in the workforce.
Field Vocational Case Management Services
VocMed field vocational case management services always include a one on one weekly meeting with the injured worker in a safe, public location, allowing us to jointly and directly research, network, and apply/enroll with local employers, employment agencies, and training opportunities in the injured workers' immediate geographical area.
In person field vocational services are an especially effective tool in returning injured workers to both modified duty jobs with their pre-injury employer, as well as new jobs with new employers. For more information on our field vocational services, please contact us and a member of our executive team will return your inquiry to directly discuss how we can best serve your needs.
Telephonic Vocational Services
For claimants who live in underserved communities, telephonic vocational services may be the most cost-effective and appropriate way for VocMed vocational case managers to provide job placement assistance. In these instances, a VocMed vocational counselor will provide job coaching and vocational counseling weekly, via telephone, as well as conduct telephonic networking in the local community.
For less-complex cases, telephonic case management services can be a cost-effective way to assist injured workers in preparing to return to a modified duty position, coordinating a modified duty return to work, or, maintaining periodic contact during retraining or self-job search. To better discuss the needs of an individual claimant, please contact us to further arrange for a follow up consultation with a member of our executive team.
Labor Market Surveys
Traditionally used prior to implementing a final vocational plan, labor market surveys are helpful to support the proposed vocational plan by confirming whether a set of particular jobs are available within a client's geographical area. Labor market surveys can also be of assistance when dealing with wage-loss and earning capacity issues, in litigation, or when the counselor is prohibited from meeting with the injured worker.
To request a Labor Market Survey on a client, or for more information regarding how a Labor Market Survey can be of benefit, please do not hesitate to contact us to request samples of our work and the results they have obtained.
Vocational Expert Testimony
Vocational experts can explain how a worker’s injury and medical diagnosis may affect their ability to perform specific jobs and daily activities. Vocational expert testimony can address vocational potential and wage-earning capacity in a vocational assessment.
Contact VocMed to discuss vocational expert testimony for a workers’ compensation claim.
Ready to discuss a vocational referral?
Talk to a certified vocational case manager today — referrals and consultations are available 24/7.