A return to work coordinator is a worker nominated by an employer (or a contractor engaged specifically for the role), whose principal purpose is to assist injured workers to return to work in a safe and durable manner.  The return to work coordinator ensures that the policy and procedures in an employer’s return to work program are followed. 

Under workers compensation law, Category 1 employers (ie. employers whose basic tariff premium exceeds $50,000, as well as self insurers, and employers who are insured by a specialised insurer and who employ more than 20 workers) must have a return to work coordinator. The Return to Work Coordinator must hold:a WorkCover certificate certifying attendance at the WorkCover accredited two-day course ‘Introduction to return to work coordination’.

 

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of return to work coordinators are outlined in WorkCover’s Guidelines for employer’s return-to-work programs (below). However, specific duties will reflect the needs of a workplace and its workers, and should be outlined in the employer’s return to work program.  Duties may include:

       developing and implementing the return to work program, educating the workforce, keeping injury and return to work    statistics, and developing policies to improve systems.

       providing information on the return to work process and workers compensation benefits to injured workers

       determining an individual injured worker’s needs by discussion with the worker, the nominated treating doctor and other treating practitioners

       working with the insurer to develop an injury management plan for the injured worker

       identifying appropriate suitable duties and assisting the injured worker to return to work as soon as possible

       preparing a return to work plan to document suitable duties and work restrictions so that all parties are informed and managing the return to work process

       being the focal point for all contact relating to the injured worker

       coordinating and monitoring progress in treatment, rehabilitation services and return to work plans

       maintaining confidential case records

Return to work coordinators require the following skills:

        ability to develop a return to work  program consistent with workplace requirements

        ability to implement policy and procedures of the return to work  program and facilitate the training of  staff

        excellent written and verbal skills, including negotiation and listening skills

        ability to implement and explain the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 and the Workers Compensation Act 1987

        ability to identify suitable duties, consistent with section 43A of the Workers Compensation Act 1987

        ability to develop and implement a return to work plan

        decision making skills

        ability to disseminate information to all relevant parties

        case and caseloads management skills

        organisational and time management skills