• Conducts systematic intake assessments of enrolled participants to determine barriers to work, level of function, and work goals.
• Develops a SAW/RTW plan collaboratively with enrolled participants based on the participant’s goals and individual situation. This includes participating in case reviews and consulting with the VT RETAIN clinical team, running Multidisciplinary Assessment (MDA) meetings for RTW planning, and using the VT RETAIN Return-to-Work Services Inventory.
• Provides SAW/RTW care coordination services based on the SAW/RTW plan using a strength-based model and focusing on early communication, education, support, provision of resources, and connection to services. Coordination includes:
  • providing counseling and coaching specific to identified work barriers
  • connecting participants with best-practice SAW/RTW services/interventions
  • facilitating early communication among stakeholders in the RTW process
  • utilizing innovative strategies to help participants meet their work goals and negotiate complex systems to remove barriers to return to work
  • facilitating workplace-based interventions, job rehabilitation, or job retraining when appropriate
  • collaborating with State of Vermont Job Center Specialists
  • using self-management and education tools and helping participants access telehealth sites if needed
  • discharging participants and developing a discharge summary with an appropriate post-program plan
• Provides early communication to all stakeholders by obtaining participant authorization for communication between members of the participant’s SAW/RTW team such as providers, employers, employment service providers, and other stakeholders. Facilitates communication among the RTW team to support return to work as soon as medically appropriate. Shares SAW/RTW plans, progress reports, and discharge plans with the participant’s RTW team. Builds strong working relationships with providers and employers and maintains close communication and supports providers at assigned primary care practices.
• Works with vocational rehabilitation counselors and Job Center Specialists to develop workplace-based interventions that support work, such as ergonomic modifications, schedule modifications, reduced work hours, adaptive equipment, modified job duties, and on job retraining and rehabilitation if indicated.
• Tracks, monitors, collects, and enters data on the medical and employment progress of participants using case tracking and electronic data capture systems. Works collaboratively with study coordinators to ensure participants are progressing and data is being entered and tracked correctly.
• Participates in staff training and development activities and works with other members of the RTW Coordinator team to ensure best possible RTW care.
• Assists with program development and improvement by identifying gaps in the SAW/RTW care continuum and working with VT RETAIN leadership and provider and employer networks to expand access to needed services. Contributes to the RTW Services Inventory and to the development of RTW intervention strategies. Participates in continuous quality improvement activities and team meetings.

• Bachelors level degree (or the equivalent combination of education and experience) in health or human services-related field such as nursing, social work, clinical psychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, education, or counseling (mental health, substance use disorder, employee assistance program, or career/guidance)
• Excellent assessment, interpersonal, organizational, time management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team and respond calmly and effectively in cross-functional teams and matrixed reporting structures
• Ability to be self-motivated and to work independently when appropriate
• Sound decision-making, judgment, and negotiating skills
• Familiarity with electronic medical records, and computer applications including MS Word and Excel
• Must demonstrate passion for care of individuals at risk for work disability
• Knowledge of methods to educate and counsel patients, assess their readiness for changing health behaviors

Required Licensure/Certifications

• VT Licensure or certification appropriate for credentials of individual being hired