Advocating for Your Rights to Vocational Rehabilitation after a Work-Related Injury in New Jersey
Workers’ compensation is a benefit employers provide when an employee is injured on the job in New Jersey. All employers, aside from a select few who meet the criteria, must have workers’ compensation insurance, which covers the employee’s medical expenses, treatment, and a portion of their lost wages. Once the employee has recovered or has reached their Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), they may enter into the vocational rehabilitation area of workers’ compensation, a specialized program whose primary goal is to provide the support needed to connect a recovered or injured worker with employment opportunities and transition them back into the workforce safely and efficiently.
Securing all of the benefits to which you are entitled after injuries on the job in New Jersey, including vocational rehabilitation services, is imperative to live your best life and foster a future that provides for you and those you love. At Cohen & Riechelson, our distinguished workplace injury attorneys can protect your rights, helping you receive the help, training, and job placement vocational rehabilitation provides. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Vocational Rehabilitation Resources and Services for Injured Workers in New Jersey
Vocational rehabilitation resources include a variety of services. The injured worker is given a vocational rehabilitation counselor to facilitate their return to work. The counselor can contact the worker’s previous employer and inquire about available positions. They can expose the worker to assistive technologies or request workplace accommodations for physical or cognitive difficulties. The counselor may conduct a vocational evaluation to determine the worker’s interests, abilities, and aptitudes to find a good fit. They may provide education programs and vocational training. They can assist in creating a resume that highlights the workers’ skills, accomplishments, and experience. A rehabilitation counselor frequently provides a return-to-work plan, job placement, and training. They may also offer counseling services to polish the workers’ interview and communication skills, guidance on career options, or discuss their concerns about returning to work.
Benefits of Professional Rehabilitation After a Workplace Injury
Vocational rehabilitation provides numerous benefits for injured workers. Participants receive training and education in their field of interest, which helps them develop new skills and improves their chances of finding a job they enjoy that pays well. Returning to work benefits workers mentally, physically, and economically, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Workers can receive customized rehabilitation plans that provide tailored services to their needs. These plans often include job search support, such as résumé writing, preparing for interviews, and connecting with potential employers, which can facilitate a smoother transition back into work. Vocational rehabilitation counselors can train workers to use assistive technologies, such as mobility aids and communication-related technologies, to provide independence and increase productivity.
How Vocational Rehabilitation can Benefit Employers
Employers receive many benefits when their injured employees receive vocational rehabilitation. Research has shown that injured workers whose time away from work is shorter are likelier to return to work after being cleared. This reduces the costs of training new employees and workers’ compensation overall. It reduces company costs by offering expert advice regarding the placement of the injured worker, including recommendations for a scaled pace and responsibilities and workplace accommodations to facilitate a safe and efficient transition. By restoring injured workers to their positions, the company experiences a positive impact on overall productivity and keeps their valued employees.
Medical Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation in NJ
Injured workers receiving payments for workers’ compensation, those who cannot return to their role at the time of the injury, or those who have access to work opportunities that fit their abilities within a commutable distance, are eligible. According to the treating physician, if an employee can return to work with the help of rehabilitation services, they are eligible. Treating physicians are crucial to any decision regarding the worker’s abilities and readiness for work. Their diagnosis, medical treatment, and work restrictions are the foundation of any decision regarding suitable work opportunities.
A workers compensation lawyer on our team can help determine your eligibility and provide information regarding your rights to these workers’ compensation services.
Breaking Down the Vocational Rehabilitation Process for NJ Workers’ Compensation Claims
Initial Referral
The process begins with a referral, which the individual, their attorney, or their employer can make. Typically, a referral is made when the employee has been released for work but needs accommodations that the original employer cannot meet or returns to the job they had before they were injured.
Assigning a Counselor
After the referral, a vocational rehabilitation counselor is assigned to the worker. The counselor conducts an intake assessment that includes the worker’s medical history, education, training, limitations, treatment for the injury, work history, vocational interests, and the characteristics of their family support system. These assessments are also composed of cognitive and psychological tests and aptitude evaluations to determine the worker’s strengths, preferences, and weaknesses in their employment.
Developing a Vocational Rehabilitation Plan
Once all the vital information is gathered, a rehabilitation plan is tailored to the worker’s specific skills, needs, goals, and capabilities. The worker’s input is invaluable to build a clear final draft that represents a clear plan they feel positive about. It is a fluid plan that can be adjusted to fit the evolution of the worker’s recovery.
Vocational Training and Education
Once a plan has been mapped out, services such as training and additional education can begin. A vocational rehabilitation counselor can provide instruction on writing a resume and interview skills. Training can also include implementing assistive technologies and tools the worker can use to complete their role successfully. Additional vocational training or general education can also be a part of this process.
Obtaining Employment
The next step is to obtain employment. Often, workers can return to their former employer in their previous or alternate position. When that is not an option, the vocational rehabilitation counselor works with the person to seek other opportunities. They discuss salary limits, commuting, work environments, and the features required for the worker to be successful. The worker is required to participate actively in the process by submitting paperwork to potential employers and sometimes attending scheduled interviews if they seem to be a good fit in terms of interest by the worker, a salary similar to the one earned previously, a reasonable commute, and in the worker’s professional field.
Follow-Up Period
Lastly, there will be a period of monitoring and follow-up. This usually lasts up to 90 days but can be extended if necessary. It is a time of adjustment for the employer and employee. The vocational counselor can ensure the accommodation the employee needs is met and the employee successfully integrates into their position.
The length of time you will need to receive vocational rehabilitation services will depend on your situation, including the severity of your injury and the complexity of retraining or job placement.
Consult our Worker Injury Attorneys to Learn More about Securing Vocational Rehabilitation Services in New Jersey
Employers want their employees to work safely and efficiently. However, the priority of insurance companies for their workers’ compensation is to lower costs, which sometimes comes at the expense of injured workers. They want workers’ benefits to stop soon to keep costs minimal. As such, it is a good idea to hire a lawyer to navigate the workers’ compensation system when you are injured at work in New Jersey. You need someone who knows the intricacies of workers’ compensation laws and who can ensure you receive the services to which you are entitled.
Our attorneys at Cohen & Riechelson will advocate for your rights to prevent any roadblocks or setbacks in the workers’ compensation process, serving as your liaisons, your advocates, and your guides after a work injury has you sidelined or permanently unable to return to your job. We proudly serve clients throughout Southern New Jersey, including Trenton, Ewing, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hopewell, Hopewell, Lawrence, Pennington, Princeton, Mercer County, Burlington County, Middlesex County, and beyond. If disputes arise, we are prepared to take your case to the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Court, where we will present evidence such as expert witnesses, medical records, and vocational assessments.
Whether it is returning to your previous job, starting a new career, or securing long-term financial benefits, we are by your side every step of the way. If you have had a workplace accident and would like information regarding your rights, call us today at (609) 528-2596 or contact us online.
