Did you know every year over 2,000 Queenslanders don't return to
work after a work injury?
It's often not because they don't want to, or because they can't
physically work again - it's simply because they haven't been able
to access the wide-variety of support that's freely available to
help them get back into the workplace.
That's why we set up Return to work assist - a free and
voluntary service helping injured workers with:
- prior learning recognition
- training and job placement
- job preparation
- career guidance.
The process is simple, workers can access the service by being
referred by their workers' compensation insurer, medical
provider/allied health provider or employer at the end of their
compensation claim or by referring themselves by calling 1300 361
235.
We meet with the worker and develop a plan to meet the worker's
needs and link them with appropriate services to increase their
employability and return to work outcomes.
301 injured workers have accessed Return to work assist
since the service commenced in September 2008, either through
contacting us directly or being put in touch with us by their
workers' compensation insurer, medical provider or employer.
To date, 90% of the injured workers who have completed our program
have had a successful outcome of either returning to work, gaining
new qualifications and skills or simply being provided with new
information to help in reassessing career goals.
Successful outcomes range from returning to work, gaining new
qualifications and skills or simply providing workers with
sufficient information for them to re-asses their career goals.
We recently spoke to people who had accessed Return to work
assist and had completed the process.
Early survey feedback indicates our service is highly
regarded, with feedback including:
'You referred me to some amazing services. Through them I was
encouraged to do volunteer work and this led me to the great job I
am doing now'.
'Your support came just at the right time. I was ready to give up
as I couldn't afford to do the study I needed for a career change.
You found a free course for me and that's what got me the
job'.
'Thanks to your help I was put in touch with a great community
organisation. They revised my resume for me, I re-sent it for the
same job as I had previously and got the job. I am very
grateful.'
'I was getting very depressed. I always wanted to help others but I
couldn't get a job and I was too scared to study. You got me into a
course where I was supported and where they accepted my limitations
and were able help me'.
'Your team rang me regularly and I felt like someone cared. I have
become more realistic about what is possible.'
'You helped me to see that I was worthwhile and that there was a
chance I could work again at a time when I was about to give
up.'
'Your service was so good. I now have a job that I like so much
better than my pre-injury job. I also make more money and get
treated better.'
