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Rachelle
Gray is a graduate of the Social Services Program with more than
12 years experience working with disabled clients, is fluently bilingual
and an Accredited Rehabilitation Professional with the Canadian
Association of Rehabilitation Personnel. Rachelle
provides personal and independent rehabilitation consultant services
to long term disability insurance companies. The purpose of the
service is to assist individuals with special needs in the medical,
vocational, and employment aspects of their rehabilitation process.
Initial
Evaluation
The
Initial Evaluation consists of a through meeting with the claimant
to gain insight and understanding into his/her special needs and
level of motivation to reintegrate into the workplace.This visit
is followed by a meeting with the Employer which usually includes
a tour of the job site. An analysis is done of the physical requirements
of the job to determine whether special aids and devices or a referral
to an independent Occupational Therapist would be helpful. The consultant
will at times discuss the possibilities and/or options for client
to participate in a gradual work reintegration.This information
is then provided to the treating Physician who will advise whether
the client is able to return to the occupation. At times, additional
medical management is required either before or in combination with
vocational activities for a return to work. The consultant will
endeavor to find our from the treating physician whether the client
is capable of returning ti his/her former occupation(and if possible,
employer) or if a change of occupation needs to be considered.
Identifying
Vocational/
Employment Goals
Once
the physician has released the claimant to return to work, the consultant
is able to begin vocational planning with the client. The vocational
goals and direction are initiated with the approval of the client,
the long term insurance carrier rehab coordinator the physician and
the caseworker. The consultant at times recommends job search, vocational
tests, a work hardening program, a work trial and/or an upgrading
program.
Familiar
with
Community Services
Rachelle is
familiar with various government agencies in the community and programs
which are available to clients to specific age groups given their
disability. In some instances this could result in financial savings
for the claimant and/or insurance company.
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The assessment
process very often begins by means of an initial evaluation. The
consultant will evaluate and advise early in the process, whether
vocational potential exists. Once this is established, specific
goals will be formulated with the client to ensure cooperation while
assisting the claimant to secure suitable employment.
Health
Care Liaison
As
a health liaison the consultant assists, at times, in the coordination
of a medical treatment program recommended by the claimant's treating
physician. In some instances the consultant may approach the treating
physician to consider alternative types of treatment and/or reefer's
too other specialists.
The
rehabilitation specialist is often helpful in providing support to
the client and the family at the onset of an illness. This type of
service can avoid duplication of health care treatment and may provide
assistance in educating the claimant and families about services available
to them in the community.
Job
Search
Once
the claimant has been medically released to return to work and the
type of employment and salary expectation are determined, the consultant
and the client will begin job search. The worker will assist the
client in the preparation of realistic job search techniques including
resume preparation and/or refer the claimant to a job finders club.
Rachelle will approach and discuss employment opportunities
for the client with prospective employers by means of telephone
calls and meetings. Once employment is secured for the claimant,
support by means of counseling and monitoring for a predetermined
period of time can be negotiated between the client, employer and
LTD carrier.
This continuity is often essential to ensure a successful job placement.
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