An employer is required to provide vocational rehabilitation to an injured worker who cannot return to the job held prior to the injury and lacks the skills or functional capacity to perform work paying a comparable wage.

The employer or insurance carrier must refer any worker who has been out of work for 90 days to a vocational screening. A worker may also request a screening earlier if it appears they will not be able to return to their previous job. The purpose of this screening is to determine whether the worker is entitled to vocational rehabilitation services.

If entitled, a vocational counselor will collaborate with the injured worker to develop a Return-to-Work Plan. This plan sets a clear goal for the worker’s return to suitable employment and outlines any necessary training or modifications to work or home environments to support this goal. The plan may be adjusted as needed throughout the process to help the worker successfully re-enter the workforce.

How Jarvis & Modun Helps Its Clients Get Quality Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Sometimes employers or their insurance carriers fail to inform injured workers of their right to vocational rehabilitation services or neglect to refer them for entitlement assessments within the required timeframe. At Jarvis & Modun, we ensure carriers and employers meet their obligations to provide quality vocational rehabilitation services promptly, in accordance with Vermont law. When one of our clients is found entitled to these services, we work closely with their vocational counselor to ensure a Return to Work Plan is developed that is tailored to the client’s needs.

The relationship between a worker and a vocational counselor is much like the relationship with a doctor—it requires mutual trust and comfort. Not every vocational counselor will be the right fit. Similar to what we’ve seen with Nurse Case Managers, some counselors may abuse the relationship, sometimes pushing injured workers back to any job as quickly as possible, regardless of whether it suits the worker’s abilities or circumstances. Injured workers in Vermont have the right to choose a vocational counselor who is a good fit for them. At Jarvis & Modun, we won’t hesitate to help you change counselors if necessary. We are committed to connecting our clients with the best vocational counselors Vermont has to offer.

For more information about vocational rehabilitation services in Vermont, call Jarvis & Modun at (802) 540-1030.