Return To Work Handbook For Case Managers

Definition:

The Return to Work Handbook for Case Managers is a handbook designed by Comcare Australia to assist case managers achieve earlier return to work of injured employees, using Comcare Australia's Return to Work Model.

Description:

The Return to Work Handbook for Case Managers provides practical advice to case managers about the key part they play in the achievement of a successful return to work outcome, and how to utilise the Comcare Australia Return to Work Model.

The Handbook provides information for case managers on –

•    the responsibilities of all parties under the SRC Act 1988

•    the requirement for employers to have a Return To Work Policy

•    their role in the rehabilitation of injured employees, using the Comcare Australia Return To Work Model

•    case manager job description and selection criteria, plus details of the core competencies required

•    how to implement the Return To Work process, and suggested strategies to use in difficult circumstances

•    how to select and work with approved rehabilitation providers, what to expect from them, and how to evaluate their performance

•    the various forms of support available from Comcare Australia to assist case managers carry out their function more  effectively

•    employee benefits and entitlements under the scheme

•    privacy and confidentiality requirements and how to ensure these are observed by all parties.

The Handbook also provides case managers with copies of key procedural documents used by Comcare Australia, including sample claims reports, letters, and a work trial agreement.

Target markets:

Case managers and others involved in the rehabilitation of injured employees using the Comcare Australia Return to Work Model.

Value for the customer:

Handbook containing practical information about the role of the case manager in Comcare Australia's Return to Work Model and its related processes.

Responsibility:

Rehabilitation Policy Unit,

Business Centre, Sydney.

Phone          (02) 334 9828

Fax              (02) 334 9850

Delivery mechanisms:

The Handbook is intended for issue to case managers attending the Introductory Case Manager Training Course. However, it replaces an earlier version of the Handbook called the Rehabilitation Handbook for Case Managers. State offices are arranging for current case managers to be issued with the new contents package to replace the existing contents of their Handbook.

Performance indicators:

Employer return to work performance as measured by compliance rates for return to work plans and outcomes.

Feedback from case manager network.

Cost considerations:

The cost of the Handbook is included in the course fee for the Introductory Case Manager Training Course.

Additional copies may be supplied to customers at $50 per copy.

States can produce these locally, by the following process –

(a)  print contents package from master set of contents pages held by all Rehabilitation Managers.

(b)  obtain printed folders from Rehab Policy Unit. (see above)

Printed folders will be charged to states at $10 ea. incl delivery.

NOTE: The material in the Return to Work Handbook is subject to copyright, and unauthorised copying is expressly forbidden.

Other related products:

Introductory Case Manager Training Course.

Redeployment Kit for Case Managers.

Supporting documentation:

RTW Policy Guidelines for Employers.

Case Manager Easy Reference Guide.

Date last review:

June, 1994.

Future directions:

The Return To Work Handbook will be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes to the current RTW policy.