5 hours ago
Working to get YOUR people working....Need help? Let's Talk. Information and Resources for professionals helping disabled and injured workers as well as those needing to make a career change. www.Life-Works.Info 410.444.1989 Skype Mary.E.Sherwood
Showing posts with label return to work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label return to work. Show all posts
Monday, June 22, 2020
Friday, May 12, 2017
Workplace Solutions that work for everyone
PROFESSIONAL, REHAB, & OCCUPATIONAL SERVICES
As an employer or supporting professional, you naturally want to do all you can to resolve your workplace issues, claims or productivity concerns in a timely, cost-effective fashion. The good news is we are here to help!
We offer a range of services to help you address concerns in the workplace, not currently addressed by vocational rehab, EAP, or disability programs. Our experienced consultants can provide you or your workers with the information necessary to put your concerns to rest.
JOB READINESS TRAINING is an inexpensive and interactive job readiness guide along with a 4-week job readiness training program. Through this program, an injured worker who cannot return to work learns how to search for and apply to jobs, build a resume and cover letter, and learn interviewing skills to give them the knowledge they need to return to work after an injury or disability.
LABOR MARKET SNAPSHOT can be used to aid in settlement and may allow you to close your files without formal vocational involvement. This service can be used in conjunction with Job Readiness training to document the employer’s interest in returning the worker to the workforce.
TRANSITIONAL EMPLOYMENT provides assistance in planning for a return to work after an injury or disability (or other absence). This customized program will achieve a safe and successful return to work.
CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS DEBRIEFING: It seems that “Critical Incidents” are becoming more and more common, even in industries where there isn’t much-perceived risk involved. Naturally, employers may not be trained to help themselves or their employees when a catastrophic event happens at work or to a well-regarded employee.
SYSTEMATIC DESENSITIZATION can be requested when we are not the first called at the time of trauma, and it may be days, weeks, or months later when employers recognize that an employee is ailing. Our staff can intercede briefly to identify and remove obstacles that are interfering with productivity.
ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENTS keep workers where they should be - at work and being productive! Can also be useful tools in new hiring and with workers returning to the workplace following injury/illness.
ADA ASSESSMENTS help ensure the employer is doing everything possible to maintain compliance.
Tapping into these resources will further demonstrate the employer’s commitment and foresight of addressing concerns proactively and mitigating or avoiding claims. We work cooperatively with other companies, and work with the adjuster, assigned nurse case manager or vocational counselor to make sure they have the tools and resources needed to resolve their cases quickly. PROS is always available to assist you in any way possible.
Need help on a claim covered by a national carrier? No problem! We can tap into our network of trained consultants and are affiliated with national and regional vocational service providers. Still not sure if we can help? - just email or call to talk about it. Or, if you prefer, let's meet in person.
116 FRONT ST, UNIT 737, LEWES, DE 19958
PHONE 410.444.1989
FAX 302.258.0856
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Is Maryland Voc Rehab Changing?
I have worked in the Maryland Workers’ Compensation
arena for around 20 years now. I (like you, I am sure!) have seen many changes
and have proudly been a part of numerous transitions.
However, it seems that Maryland is
currently moving away from its focus on returning the injured worker to suitable
gainful employment. Now, it appears,
cases are settled more often than not – at the potential expense of the injured
worker.
I have had the luxury of working with many great professionals understand the
benefit of keeping the injured worker’s focus on return to work from the date
of injury. Short-term benefits include having a concrete goal and fending off
depression. Long-term benefits include increased self-esteem, a more complete medical recovery, and one less
person on public assistance.
Typically, it is pretty clear from the
first report of injury that the injured worker is or is not going back to work.
Developing a plan for return to work as
soon as possible will make a case easier to manage, possibly contributing to a
quicker, cheaper resolution.
Under the changing system, addressing
vocational needs of an injured worker is no longer the norm. There are a
number of reasons for this, and likely the most salient is a matter of
dollars and cents.
No one gets paid until the case is settled, including the injured worker. I get it.
We all get it. However, it need not take longer or excessive cost to
ensure that the injured worker gets, at a minimum,
some job seeking skills training, a resume, and labor market information if he cannot return to work with his employer.
Large
referral sources have told me that they are no longer offering
vocational services at any point, let alone before
MMI and settlement. Instead, they are
waiting for plaintiff counsel to demand it and most don’t.
Not long ago, not one Commissioner would
even have considered allowing a settlement without RTW being addressed. It was commonly
understood that medical rehabilitation alone was not enough to return an
injured worker to his or her best level of functioning. What has changed?
Are we now giving them money and send them on
their way - medically rehabilitated and with a fistful of dollars that will not
last and without a way to support themselves and their family?
I am at a loss to understand how such a
cutting edge and considered Workers’ Compensation System could now be so
mundane and indifferent toward its constituents. Being isolated as I am in my relatively rural location, I was unaware
that the issue was as a more widespread.
Recently, I have found that other colleagues have noticed the same tendency. An additional, somewhat
disturbing trend is
that insurance companies are primarily referring to a handful
of large Rehab
Providers to the near exclusion of small or sole
proprietors.
I
have received only plaintiff generated
referrals over the past two years. Until recently, I assumed this was MY
problem and have only now found that other providers of similar size are
experiencing the same issue.
I cannot help but think that this is not
in the best interest of Maryland’s injured workers. A variety of approaches,
personalities, and standard operating procedures ensures a more personalized and effective relationship with the injured worker.
My colleagues and I are deeply troubled
by this change and hope to initiate at least a dialogue that will spark a
change for the better treatment of Maryland’s injured workers. We are, as a
group, committed to providing any knowledge, expertise, or effort required to
ensure that vocational rehabilitation is
provided to our injured employees and taxpayers in the State of
Maryland.
Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCM
Certified Disability Management Specialist
Landline 302.644.1827 | Mobile: 410.444.1989
If you
haven’t already, please check out our two signature products – used together
they can be powerful tools for settlement!:
FYI:
I handle Delmarva Peninsula and the area
immediately around the Chesapeake Bay, I work well with both defense and
plaintiff attorneys and can handle any file in Baltimore or DC if requested – I
never bill more than 2 hours travel.
Pat Highcove and Dane Crook are both based in
Mary and each have over 20 years of experience and excellent reputations with
both defense and plaintiff attorneys. Primarily they handle Baltimore and
DC, but can do parts of Western MD, Southern PA, Northern VA, and Western NJ if
needed.
We also are partnering with Kim Sellers, a nurse case
manager based in Mechanicsburg, PA who
covers most of Pennsylvania and Maryland!
She has tons of CAT experience in addition to routine medical
management.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday Mission, October 29, 2012
Avoid or recover from a Frankenstorm: Ask your loved one to butt out of your job search
It is hard to be unemployed and looking for work. It is hard not only for the job seeker, but for loved ones. This is especially true if the unemployment is unplanned, unexpected and/or unwanted. Most of them are.
The dynamics at home will quickly transform and appear to take on a new rhythm that, at first, may not seem too bad. But, if the job search takes longer than expected, or if any party doesn’t feel it is going well, then it may not take long for emotions to boil up into a Frankenstorm.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Monday Mission August 20, 2012
Think about how your life will be when you return to work. Be realistic. If you have been off work for a while you will likely have a period of adjustment - typically two weeks to a month. Everyone deals with the transition back to work differently, but here are a few things to think about and/or to prepare for:
Other Articles that may be of interest:
- You may have some physical discomfort. Talk with your doctor about taking an over the counter anti-inflammatory around the clock for your first two weeks. Even if you do this, you may have some discomfort as you will be doing things that are different than you are used to doing. This is normal.
- You may find that you feel more "stressed." This is because you are not used to juggling a job with other responsibilities. You may also really want to do well and/or fear you may not be able to "cut it." Put any fears aside and make sure to develop a routine that makes sense BEFORE you go back to work.
- You may find that your family and friends are reacting to you or behaving differently. Just as an injury impacts your entire life, so does return to work! Cut yourself and those around you some slack. Your children may act out because they miss you and are not used to going to a babysitter. Your spouse may feel neglected or lonely. Open communication will help alleviate some of these issues.
- You may overcompensate in the workplace, either physically or in terms of activity to "prove yourself." Don't give in to the temptation to do this. All new employees require a learning curve and no matter the position, no one expects you to sprint the entire marathon. Take your time to learn your job, get to know the people and the culture and how you fit in.
Other Articles that may be of interest:
Aug 22, 2012
You may have even heard TOO MUCH of it. I know in worki... Monday Mission August 20, 2012. Think about how your life will be when you return to work. Be realistic. If you have been off work for a while you will likely have a ...
Feb 01, 2012
Injured Workers Need Guidance to Return to Work. January, 2012. By Mary Sherwood Sevinsky. Job seekers with a work injury need career guidance to address issues only they experience due to their unique situation.
Aug 14, 2012
Whether you Considering a career change or looking to change employment, your first step should be to think about how you want your work day to be. As adults, we spend at least a third of our day working. Get few of us give ...
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Job search tip of the day: Stretch every hour
Sitting at the computer applying for jobs can put a strain on your body and mind. This does nothing to help with an injury or disability. Do yourself and your job search some good by taking a break every hour or so. Set a reminder in your calendar or use a kitchen timer if you need to.
Here are a few simple things you can do:
- Eyes - focus on something far away.
- Hands and wrists - interlace your fingers and turn inside out, pushing away from yourself. Let your arms hang down and shake your hands loosely.
- Neck - tilt your head forward, back and to each side several times.
- Back - stretch your hands above your head and clasp them, then lean to each side several times. Put your hands on your hips and bend forward and backward several times.
- Legs - lift each knee to your chest and hold several seconds; do this a few times. Lunge forward several times on each leg.
- Mind - think about a pleasant memory, vacation or a loved one. Go outside and walk around the block!
Now you should be ready for a more productive hour of job search!
Other articles that may be of interest:
Jan 01, 2012
Ask questions and take notes of the answers - write the questions or concerns down as they come to you; you won't remember them at your next doctor or employer meeting. Take stock of the resources you do have - including ...
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Job search tip of the day: map out your ideal work day
Whether you Considering a career change after an injury or looking to change employment, your first step should be to think about how you want your work day to be. As adults, we spend at least a third of our day working. Get few of us give much thought to planning our careers.
Other articles that may be of interest:
Most often, myself included, we have just kind of "lucked into" this or that job or career. What's more, once in a position, we often count ourselves lucky to be among the employed. We don't have it so bad...
If you are reading this it is likely that you are at least wondering what else might be out there. If you are unemployed you might be tempted to disregard this article entirely. DON'T.
You will be far more successful in your job search if you know what you want and are eager to pursue it. Without a focus of some sort, you will be more likely to miss out on opportunities for pursuing what could be your dream job.
Stop what you are doing now and jot a few notes about what you would like your workday to be like. Would you prefer to work:
Days or nights
In an office or at home
For a large corporations or a small business
Alone or as part of a team
On the phone or in the field
With people things or information
Getting your hands dirty or dressing up every day
At a predetermined rate or sky's the limit commission
In a position of responsibility or following directions
These are just a few of the questions you can ask yourself to begin planning a satisfying career. Not down even more ideas as you come across jobs that pique your interest. Once you have a focus don't be afraid to look beyond what you are currently searching for and assess what opportunities make sense given where you want to go.
It's your journey. Why not make the most of it?
Other articles that may be of interest:
Aug 14, 2012
Job search tip of the day: map out your ideal work day. Whether you Considering a career change or looking to change employment, your first step should be to think about how you want your work day to be. As adults, we ...
May 18, 2012
If not an ideal position or one in the best location, there jobs available in other fields or locales.… Someone has to pluck the chickens after all! If you do need to work then you may, considering the current labor market, need to ...
Jul 30, 2012
A temporary employee is in an ideal position to do well in this interview with a little foresight and preparation. More career information: www.JobSearchForTheRestOfUs.com. Posted by Mary Sherwood at 7:06 AM ...
May 03, 2012
Could they double check? Some searchers are uncomfortable using the telephone - fake it or follow up in another way. A post card can sometimes be ideal. There is nothing for the employer to open, your short note with a link ...
Friday, August 10, 2012
Job Search Tip of the Day: Make a list of everyone you know
I often ask the injured workers I assist to do this when I first start working with them... I am often met with
resistance! It usually takes a couple of sessions and some nagging for job
seekers to understand how important this step is in finding a job!
Save yourself the
trouble - just make a list of everyone you know. It might take a couple
of days of walking around with the list so that you can write everyone down,
but that is ok. If you have a contact management program or address book,
even better!
This list will be your
anchor in weeks to come. Some people you know will be a help to you by
supporting you emotionally. Others, may know someone who knows someone
who may be interested in hiring you. Still others will be able to serve
as a reference. For now, just make the list or access it if already done.
Once your list is done
add all the contact information you have/know for each person. Review the
list and determine how each person might help you and label them accordingly.
For those that you have labelled fill in the missing contact
information.
Set aside a couple of
hours one day a week to network with those people on your list that you feel
might:
- Work somewhere you would be interested in working
- Know a lot of people
- Be active in groups - civic, business and industry,
non-profits, etc
- Respect enough to consult for advice on how to conduct
your job search
Go out of your way to
stay in touch with and even (gasp!) enlist support from those on your list that
are:
- Positive and Upbeat
- Caring and Supportive by nature
- Have recently been out of work or helped another who
was unemployed
- likable - just hearing their voice might be a pick me
up
It is easy to lose touch
with people on your best day. When you are out of work and not feeling at
the top of your game it is very difficult to reach out to others and even
harder to ask for help. BUT, it is crucial that you work to do so - it
will keep you sane and help you find your next job!
Other articles that may be of interest:
Other articles that may be of interest:
Jul 16, 2012
You may never have had the opportunity to use or practice skills employers are looking for. Volunteering may be just the way to get the skills you need to be competitive. 3. Network with people you wouldn't normally come into ...
Apr 30, 2012
linkedinadvice.com - Insightful ways to improve your profile and grow your LinkedIn job search network. As LinkedIn is the biggest professional social network in the world and is a proven tool for building business, ch.
May 18, 2012
Expanding your network, knowledge, skills, experience; Providing the opportunity to think about an plan your future career path. As far as I know of not liking your job options or even your job never killed anyone. We have all ...
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Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Job Search Tip of the Day: Revisit your references
Chances are if
you are job searching you have given some thought to who you might use as a
reference. However, you might be worried about your reference at your employer of injury. Give thought to who there you will use. Now rather than later - say when you are being seriously considered for a job!
You should have a list of 10 people and their detailed contact
information to meet the requests of various employers.
You should have one
reference per position from someone at the company you worked for, preferably a
superior. You should also have on hand a list of three relatives and
three close friends with their detailed contact information. If you have
a teacher, clergy, vocational counselor or other professional that could serve
as a reference gather and maintain their contact information as well.
Contact all your
references periodically to keep them apprised of you progress in finding a job
and any changes in focus that you may make. Update any changes in their
contact information immediately. Consider asking some or all of your references
for a letter of recommendation that you can have on hand to present to
employers if called for an interview.
Prepare and carry with you a Reference Page with three to five
references listed below your name and contact information. This can be
referenced when completing applications or provided to an employer if you
obtain an impromptu interview.
References should not be provided without being asked for them UNLESS
you have several that you can count on to be savvy enough to present the
appropriate skills to the appropriate employers consistently. It is
preferable to be able to notify your references that they will be
called (many people do not answer calls from unknown callers), the
position for which you are applying, and the skills that you would like them to
highlight.
Sample Reference List
John B. Harding
123 Washington Avenue
Homewood, Illinois 12345
(123) 456-7890
123 Washington Avenue
Homewood, Illinois 12345
(123) 456-7890
Jan Miles, Operations
Manager
Shorewood Manufacturing, Inc.
123 East Muncie Avenue
Shorewood, Illinois 12345
(123) 456-7890
Shorewood Manufacturing, Inc.
123 East Muncie Avenue
Shorewood, Illinois 12345
(123) 456-7890
Carl J. Walker,
Director of Human Resources
Ace Hospital Supplies, Inc.
789 Tanaka Circle
Freeport, Illinois 12345
(111) 111-3333
William T. Gannon, Shop Supervisor
Rail Cars Express
900 Smithton Street
Seaside, California 12345
(111) 111-4444
Ace Hospital Supplies, Inc.
789 Tanaka Circle
Freeport, Illinois 12345
(111) 111-3333
William T. Gannon, Shop Supervisor
Rail Cars Express
900 Smithton Street
Seaside, California 12345
(111) 111-4444
Monday, March 5, 2012
Monday Mission
You should check out the Weekly Works for a newspaper/magazine style presentation of information related to job search – Click The Weekly Works from www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com/p/weekly-works.html to visit the magazine anytime.
The Members
Only Page will take you to more resources.
Don’t forget to log in using your email and password “Sevinsky”.
Make sure you can locate the documentation needed for the Federal I-9 form (usually a driver’s license and birth certificate; or a
passport). Either bring ONE document
from List A or ONE EACH (2 total) from List B or List C:
Starting a new job is stressful enough (good stress, but stress
nonetheless!) – no need to feed the fire!
For those of you on the shore – there is a very large career fair
in Ocean City, MD on March 17th 9 am to 1 pm. If you live within 1 ½ hours it would be
appropriate for you to attend: http://chamber.oceancity.org/events/details/2011-ocean-city-job-fair. Here are some links to Career Fair Tips to review:
WHAT NOT TO DO AT A CAREER FAIR
CAREER FAIR TIPS
WHAT NOT TO DO AT A CAREER FAIR
CAREER FAIR TIPS
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