This topic relates to sections 2.2.4 and 3.2.2A of the VVRS Instrument [2].
Under section 1.3 of the VVRS Instrument [2], a psychosocial service is defined as a rehabilitative, skill-building or recovery-oriented service that aims to restore a person to his or her optimal level of independent functioning within the community.
A psychosocial service may be included in a vocational rehabilitation program (s2.2.5) or a rehabilitation program (s3.2.2A) if the services are reasonably required to:
a) assist the veteran to achieve or retain suitable paid employment; or
b) address an identified rehabilitation barrier as part of the process of assisting the veteran to achieve or retain suitable paid employment.
A service will be considered psychosocial in nature if it is likely to make objective* and subjective** progress towards a psychosocial goal, in the wider context of achieving a suitable paid employment outcome for the individual.
*Objective progress refers to an assessment of a VVRS delegate, taking into account the advice from a rehabilitation provider.
**Subjective progress refers to the perception of a VVRS participant.
Goals may include, but are not limited to:
An activity is not likely to be reasonable if:
Psychosocial Goals | Services |
---|---|
Self-management of the individual’s injury or disease |
|
Increased and improved social interaction and community inclusion |
|
Meaningful engagement |
|
Management of a changed sense-of-self and emotions from living with a long term illness or injury |
|
Improved living conditions |
|
If a gymnasium or pool membership is assessed as an appropriate intervention under s2.2.4 or s3.2.2A this activity may be approved as a one-time activity for a maximum three month period. This policy reflects the DRCA/MRCA policy on gymnasium and pool members in Chapter 5.4.1 [3] of this library.
A psychosocial service may include the hiring of necessary and reasonable equipment to enable the individual to undertake the authorised activity.
Links
[1] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=comment/reply/80059%23comment-form
[2] https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/F2015L01263
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/rehabilitation-policy-library/5-medical-management-rehabilitation/54-other-types-medical-treatment-support/541-gymnasium-pool-membership-therapeutic-exercise-programs