Navigating the Return to Work Process Jennifer Featherston, PhD, LPC, CRC, CVE, EAGALA certified

Learning Objectives Identify essential information needed to individualize a return to work plan Select appropriate vocational evaluation tools Learn how to incorporate job duties into rehab services Identify common accommodation and modification options for returning to work Brain Injury & Stroke

What is Pate? Post-acute treatment for acquired brain injury 3 treatment programs: Transitional living, Day neuro, Supported living Length of time since injury Length of stay Brain Injury & Stroke

Therapy Services Offered Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Cognitive Therapy Counseling Vocational Counseling Neuropsychological assessment Biofeedback Aquatic Therapy* Animal therapy Dog therapy Equine Assisted Therapy (EAGALA)* Driving Rehabilitation including on-the-road assessment and training *location specific Brain Injury & Stroke

Vocational Team Members Speech Language Pathologist Occupational Therapist Physical Therapist Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Case Manager Psychotherapist Neuropsychologist Physician Brain Injury & Stroke

Considerations Studies show that the following client factors impact probability of return to work: Driving status Severity of injury Marital status Ethnicity Level of education Kruetzer, JS, et al. (2003) Brain Injury & Stroke

At admission Assess goals Orientation to vocational services at Pate Expectations of the patient Expectations of the therapy staff Vocational interview Discuss goals for return to work and current barriers at admission Increases patients motivation Builds rapport Brain Injury & Stroke

Brain Injury & Stroke

Vocational Activities Return to previous job Sign releases so staff may speak with employer Obtain job description O*Net Online “A day in the life” Strengths that will promote employment success Barriers to employment success Understanding benefits and the impact RTW will have Employer contact Job site evaluation Notify employer about need for assistive technology Provide return to work order from the physician Work samples Physical or cognitive work trials Disclosure Transferable skills analysis Brain Injury & Stroke

Vocational Activities New Job / Job Search Vocational Interest Inventories (SDS, COPS) Vocational Abilities Tests (CAPS, VALPARs) Vocational Preference Survey (COPES) Barriers to Employment Success Inventory Job Search Knowledge Scale Job Search Attitude Inventory Networking Mock interview/video Identify computer use skill level Work simulation tasks Participate in additional training Identify and trial assistive technology Make weekly schedule with proposed work times Review transportation needs and plans Transferable skills analysis Sign releases Create a list of resources Job search online Update resume Job Fairs Brain Injury & Stroke

Work Simulation Ideas Use written information relevant to their job for cognitive activities Use tools from their job Practice physical job requirements Role-play work Practice specific vocabulary or communication skills **Use ONET or job description for ideas Richard – draw blueprints of building, bring in blueprints, make changes and check for errors Tools – Johnny – helicopter mechanic – tools, positions, Teachers – Jarrett – walk/talk/write on chalkboard, Stan – phone calls – speaking to strangers, thought organization, intelligibility Brain Injury & Stroke

O*Net Online Brain Injury & Stroke

Meaningful Activity Volunteering Returning to school Additional training Mentorships Support groups Brain Injury & Stroke

Reasonable accommodation defined A modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things usually are done that enables a qualified individual with a disability to enjoy an equal employment opportunity Allows performance of essential job functions Brain Injury & Stroke

Job Accommodation Network www.askjan.org Brain Injury & Stroke

Driving Members of the voc rehab team can also make recommendations for resuming driving In Texas, DPS makes the final determination on resuming driving after a change in medical status Medical barriers Adaptations available Brain Injury & Stroke

Driving cont. Many brain injury patients benefit from behind the wheel training with a driving rehab specialist If a client is unable to return to driving, rehab services can include training on accessing public or private transportation alternatives Job site eval starting at their house and taking public transportation Brain Injury & Stroke

Case Studies Zach Shoshanna Billy Richard Stanley Casey Karen 33 y/o sustained left MCA stroke Admitted to Pate ~ 6 weeks post stroke into transitional program with a high level of care Moved to ILS treatment team and moved back home (seizure set back) Work simulation (grocery store, lifting, mechanics training, standing tolerance) driving rehab Part time schedule – with reduced deliveries for a few weeks Brain Injury & Stroke

Jennifer Featherston jfeatherston@paterehab.com Thank You! Jennifer Featherston jfeatherston@paterehab.com