Vocational rehabilitation programs help injured workers return to work.
The programs can be tailored to suit a worker's particular needs by adopting the full program or elements from the programs listed below.
JobCover placement program
The JobCover placement program provides an employer with incentives to employ an injured worker. The benefits of this program include:
- a wage subsidy for up to 12 months
- excluding the injured workers wages from the employer's workers compensation premium calculation for up to two years
- protection against further costs associated with the existing injury for up to two years.
The wage subsidy includes:
- $400 per week for the first 12 weeks up to $4800
- $500 per week for the next 14 weeks up to $7000
- $600 per weeks for the next 26 weeks up to $15,600.
Equipment and workplace modifications
Special equipment and workplace modifications required to help an injured worker achieve a safe and durable return to work may be covered under this program.
Retraining programs
Retraining programs assist injured workers to develop new skills and qualifications to keep their job or get a new job. This may involve formal study with TAFE, a university or registered training organisation. Course fees and associated costs such as stationery, textbooks, travel and accommodation may be covered under this program.
Transition to work program
The transition to work program can provide up to $5000 to address immediate or short-term costs (such as travel, transitional child care arrangements, relocation, clothing and the like) that may prevent an injured worker from accepting employment. The payment can be used more than once provided the cumulative costs do not exceed $5000.
Work trials
Work trials can be used to place a worker with a host employer for a short time if the worker's employer is unable to provide suitable duties. The work trial provides the worker with an opportunity to develop new skills and enhance their physical and psychological capacity for work. The host employer does not pay the workers wages as payments continue through the workers compensation system.
Call 13 10 50 for more information about vocational rehabilitation programs.