Preparation for return to work may commence early on in the rehabilitation process, with the introduction of pre-vocational activities in therapy sessions. Designed and guided by the occupational therapist, return to work often includes team support. Therapeutic intervention may include:

  • Employer and employee consultation
  • Ergonomic assessment and setup
  • Skill and strategy development
  • Cognitive or physical work hardening
  • Simulated work programs
  • Consultation with employers, vocational counsellors and other team members
  • Developing, monitoring and modifying a graduated return to work plan
  • Volunteer placements
  • Work trials
  • Developing and implementing job and environmental modifications
  • Job coaching

Every attempt is made to reintegrate the individual in his/her pre-injury job; however, sometimes the job analysis and functional capacity assessment may reveal the need for a new direction.