11.2 DVA-specific requirements for approved rehabilitation service providers

From 1 July 2016, to work with DVA clients, approved rehabilitation service provider organisations and their consultants also need to satisfy a number of DVA requirements. These requirements ensure that DVA clients have access to the best possible professional team, and also support providers through providing training about DVA’s programs and clients. The DVA requirements are distinct from Comcare’s approval criteria and operational standards.

The DVA requirements do not apply to providers who only undertake specific service assessments, like an activities of daily living/home assessment for household services or attendant care purposes or service provision relating to a particular activity on a client's rehabilitation plan. 

Summary of DVA requirements

There are five DVA rehabilitation provider requirements.

Fulfilling the requirements does not of itself guarantee that rehabilitation providers will be engaged by DVA, as the selection of a rehabilitation provider by a DVA rehabilitation coordinator depends on a number of considerations including the specific needs of the client (including their preference), geographical location and the availability of types of services.

Further information relating to the selection of a rehabilitation provider by a rehabilitation coordinator can be found in Chapter 11.5 Choosing the Right Rehabilitation Service Provider.

Forms submission

Rehabilitation service providers may complete DVA Form D9255 available on the DVA Website.  Completed forms should be submitted to the Rehab Service Providers mailbox.

Failure to fulfil a DVA requirement

Depending on the needs of the client, the rehabilitation coordinator may engage a rehabilitation consultant who does not meet all of the requirements, however, further consideration and investigation by the rehabilitation coordinator will be necessary.

Guidance in relation to the failure to meet specific DVA requirements is outlined below.

• Experience in working with DVA clients or similar

Where a rehabilitation consultant has not had experience working with DVA clients or with those from a similar background (e.g. police or emergency services), the rehabilitation coordinator should consider whether the rehabilitation consultant can contribute to and manage a successful rehabilitation plan outcome taking into account their skills and background provided in their DVA Form D9255 and attached CV. Where necessary, this requirement should be read in conjunction with the requirement to have two years hands on experience in whole-of-person rehabilitation.

• Experience in assisting clients with complex medical conditions to move to a new job with a new employer, to change careers and/or move into a new industry; and

• Experience in translating specific skills and qualifications to other industries

Where a rehabilitation consultant has not satisfied the above vocational requirements, rehabilitation coordinators should consider whether the rehabilitation consultant can contribute to and manage a successful rehabilitation plan outcome taking into account their skills and background provided in their DVA Form D9255 Staff Details Sheet and attached CV.

In some circumstances, the vocational requirements will have no bearing in advancing a rehabilitation plan outcome, particularly where the client is not in need of vocational rehabilitation or the rehabilitation provider does not deliver vocational services (that is, job placements or vocational assessments).

In summary, where a rehabilitation consultant does not fulfil the vocational requirements rehabilitation Delegates should consider:

• whether the rehabilitation consultant can contribute to a successful rehabilitation plan outcome taking into account their skills and background and attached CV;
• the nature of the services a rehabilitation provider delivers with consideration to the needs of the client.

• Completion of DVA e-learning courses

Without exception, all rehabilitation provider consultants working with DVA clients must have completed the following DVA e-learning courses:

• Non-Liability Health Care – Online Training
• Rehabilitation Online
• Understanding the Military Experience
• Rehabilitation Program (for consultants who register with DVA from mid-April 2017)

These e-learning courses, and information about how to access the modules, are available on the DVA Website. As other appropriate courses become available, DVA will inform providers of details and timeframes for completion.

• Minimum of two years’ hands on experience working with clients in whole-of-person rehabilitation

Where an individual rehabilitation provider consultant does not have two years’ hands on experience in delivering whole-of-person rehabilitation, professional supervision through an employer-based mentoring program will need to be undertaken for the length of time it requires the individual to gain two years’ experience.

Mentors must meet the DVA rehabilitation provider requirements; therefore, a mentor cannot be someone currently registered with DVA as being mentored. Mentors should co-sign rehabilitation reports and plans. At the end of the period of two years’ experience, the mentor will need to provide DVA with a performance report certifying that the individual rehabilitation consultant meets DVA’s requirements.

Notification of change of staff circumstances

Submission of new consultants

Should rehabilitation service provider organisations wish to submit the details of new consultants not previously registered with DVA, a DVA Form D9255 may be completed and submitted to the Rehab Service Providers mailbox.

Cessation of employment of existing consultants

Should existing consultants who have been registered with DVA cease employment, the rehabilitation service provider organisation should advise of this change through sending an email to the Rehab Service Providers mailbox.