Support services for your patient
ReturnToWorkSA has a number of services available that your work injured patient may be able to access to support their recovery and return to work.
Information on the claims support your work injured patient can access is available on the claims section of our website.
ReCONNECT
ReCONNECT is a free service that helps injured workers navigate relevant supports available. ReCONNECT Advisors can meet with clients face to face in local community facilities, via phone or email.
Claims agents and service providers, including general practitioners, legal representatives, psychologists, physiotherapists and other return to work service providers can refer people to ReCONNECT. People can also self-refer.
The ReCONNECT service is available to workers:
- at any stage during a work injury claim
- when a claim has been rejected
- when income support is ending
- if disputing a claim decision
- if approaching retirement age
- for employees of self-insured employers.
ReCONNECT is also available to affected family members.
The ReCONNECT service may vary depending on individual circumstances. It can include quick advice and information that directs people to relevant services, through to ongoing and longer-term support and assistance. The ReCONNECT service can be provided for up to 12 months.
You are able to refer for ReCONNECT by recommending it on the Work Capacity Certificate or contacting us directly. Your patient can also self-refer.
To speak to a ReCONNECT Advisor contact ReturnToWorkSA on 8238 5959 or email us at reconnect@rtwsa.com.
Mental Health Support Service (Low Intensity)
The Mental Health Support Service is a low intensity service available to injured workers, regardless of claim type. The service provides coaching and support to assist an injured worker to respond as best as possible to the circumstances surrounding their work injury claim that may be impacting on them.
This service is voluntary, with no obligation to participate and is available for undetermined and accepted claims.
Our Mental Health Support Service is available to people who are:
- presenting with mild or moderate anxiety, depression or stress symptoms, and
- not actively engaged with a psychologist or psychiatrist on a regular basis.
This service can also be accessed for family members aged 16 years and over supporting the injured worker in their recovery and return to work.
Our Mental Health Support Service is delivered by providers approved by ReturnToWorkSA.
The service must be approved by the claims manager. You can recommend this service on the Work Capacity Certificate.
Surgery Assist
Recovery from surgery can be a complex process. Research shows that there are many factors which can impact the success of surgery, including pre-operative opioid use, other health conditions (co-morbidity) and the amount of social support available.
Surgery Assist (previously Post-Surgical Support Program) is available to help injured workers manage and address these variables to ensure the best possible recovery and rehabilitation.
Surgery Assist provides support and education to help injured workers navigate their recovery and rehabilitation for up to 10 weeks before and after surgery.
Delivered by qualified health professionals the support is tailored to meet the needs of the injured worker. This support may include:
- flexibly delivered support to help set goals and develop an action plan
- education on managing post-operative pain
- strategies to help track medications and appointments
- assistance with connecting back to the treating GP and other health professionals.
Surgery Assist is delivered by providers approved by ReturnToWorkSA and is initiated by the claims managers.
The service must be approved by the claims manager. You can recommend this service on the Work Capacity Certificate.
Return to Work Services
If your patient has a work injury claim, their employer is required to make all reasonable efforts to identify suitable alternative duties they can perform in the workplace, and provide the suitable alternative duties described in their return to work plan.
To support this process, there are return to work services such as a worksite assessment, the ReSkilling program which can help maintain work skills in a supervised and safe environment, or develop new skills to improve employability or job placement support.
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Date printed: 21 Nov 2024
