What is vocational rehab and who is it for?

More commonly called “voc rehab,” this is a set of services offered to an eligible injured worker (IW) who, due to an industrial injury or occupational disease, needs assistance to return to work, retain employment, or obtain new employment. Not all claimants will be eligible.  BWC determines eligibility for Voc Rehab (VR) services based on these criteria. TPAs or employers can contact their MCO’s VR Program Coordinator with eligibility questions.

Does the injured worker return to work for the original employer (where the injury occurred) or look for work elsewhere?

Either option is possible.  The VR case manager performs an initial assessment and file review, then makes a recommendation. An important part of the initial assessment is referred to as determination of the “return-to-work hierarchy.” This is typically followed by approval from your MCO’s Voc Rehab Program Coordinator. The VR case managers are responsible for systematically going through the four levels of the hierarchy & ruling options out based on info obtained at the onset of the case, and throughout the process until the hierarchy level is reached that fits the IW’s situation.

The research-supported priority outcomes for return to work minimizes disruption in the IW’s life & ensures the most cost-effective, efficient, and permanent re-employment for that IW.  The hierarchy in descending order of benefit is:

• Same job, same employer:  The IW returning to the original employer in the original job;
• Different job, same employer:  The IW returning to the original employer in a modified or different job;
• Same job, different employer:  The IW obtaining employment with a different employer in the same or related industry;
• Different job, different employer:  The IW obtaining employment with a different employer in another industry.

Who starts or requests the start of the process?

Anyone may refer an injured worker for VR services.

Does the injured worker have to enter into a VR plan if it’s offered?

No, the IW can refuse to participate in the rehabilitation. 

Who pays for voc rehab in an Ohio BWC claim?

VR services (including wage compensation – Living Maintenance for IW’s participating in a VR plan) are paid via the BWC’s surplus fund. Costs being paid via the surplus fund do not impact an employer’s experience.

Is there a benefit for the employer?

Vocational Rehab provides individualized, comprehensive programs focused on safely returning an eligible IW to duty in a cost-effective manner.  When the IW quickly returns to work or is able to maintain existing employment, case resolution progresses, and there’s a decrease in lost time, medical expenses and employer costs.  When an IW participates in MCO-approved voc rehab activities, BWC reimburses these services from its surplus fund.