Vocational and Return-to-Work
Services in Arkansas
Employability and return-to-work issues often arise in Arkansas workers’ compensation and liability claims. At claim settlement, these issues can add substantial costs if you are not prepared to present current and credible vocational and work options the injured worker is able to perform even with limitations.
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Arkansas employers’ Death & Permanent Disability exposure continues to increase. Consequently, vocational services are more important than ever in cost efficiency and return-to-work efforts.
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Systemedic offers a comprehensive program of vocational services designed to promote a return-to-work or alternative employment in Arkansas workers’ compensation, liability, FELA, and long-term disability.
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View the complete list of vocational services below for help determining reasonable accommodations for an injured worker.
Vocational Services
Initial Vocational Evaluation
This provides assistance in determining reasonable accommodations for an injured worker. It also helps document injured workers’ employability with specific recommendations for facilitating return to work.
Job Acquisition Coaching
This involves counseling and training in resumé preparation, interview skills, identifying local resources, and developing a list of suitable job openings.
Worksite Assessment and Employer Consultation
This involves performing an on-site assessment of work environment, equipment and tools used, and employee job duties. Video job analysis is available upon request.
Video Job Analysis
We record a 2 or 3-minute video clip of the injured worker’s actual work duties and work environment for the treating physician to review to better decide if or when the injured worker should return to work.
Transitional Employment Plan
This involves developing and coordinating a time-specific plan for the injured worker to return to work at their former job, modified job, or different job with the same employer. We facilitate an agreement to specific responsibilities of a return-to-work team consisting of the employer, physician, and vocational counselor.
Job Skills Training
We determine the realistic and suitable skills training for the injured worker that is also locally accessible and reasonably priced. We set up short-term re-training programs when work history consists of only manual labor, no skills for lighter employment, or if there will be a significant wage loss. Job skills training can also be a cost-effective option to promote claim settlement.
Forensic Assessment and Opinion
This involves completing an evaluation and getting an expert opinion report outlining the injured worker’s abilities and limitations with information derived solely from medical records and other file documents. No personal contact with the injured worker is needed. The vocational counselor would then be available for any subsequent deposition or Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing.
Job Market Research
We match injured workers’ abilities to current job openings.
Free File Consultation
We perform a quick review of designated files in your office, identifying vocational issues and potential solutions.
Indicators for Referral
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The injured worker may not be able to return to customary employment due to residual disability or limitations.
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The employer has concerns about taking the injured worker back to work due to no “light duty” jobs.
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The employer needs assistance determining reasonable accommodations for injured worker with residual limitations (particularly important in view of ADA requirements).
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The employer is willing to allow injured worker to return to work, but a written or video job analysis is needed for review by the treating physician to examine physical demands to suggest potential job modifications.
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The injured worker is nearing maximum medical improvement, but no return-to-work service or vocational plan is in place to prepare for a hearing or settlement.
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The injured worker expresses concern about returning to their customary job or has questions about the type of work they can do.
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The injured worker displays poor motivation to return to work, or there is evidence of secondary gain.
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What Our Customers Have To Say
“Thank you for keeping me up to date all this time, and providing me with your reports. Also, I believe Systemedic was a great help to the Claimant, and instrumental in saving his life. I am sure he appreciates you immensely.”
Claimant Attorney