Vocational Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Programs Flashcards

In a return-to-work (RTW) program, which approach has been shown to produce the best outcomes for injured workers?

Answer: Early, modified duty return to work as soon as medically feasible

Research consistently shows that early return to work, even in a modified capacity, reduces chronic disability and improves long-term outcomes.

What is 'work hardening' in the context of occupational rehabilitation?

Answer: A structured, work-oriented program that restores physical, behavioral, and vocational functions

Work hardening is a multidisciplinary program using real or simulated work tasks to restore physical capacity and work behaviors for return to a specific job.

Which vocational rehabilitation service helps an individual with a disability learn specific skills for a new occupation?

Answer: Occupational/vocational training

Vocational training provides instruction in a new trade, profession, or skill set to prepare the individual for employment in a different occupation.

What is a 'job analysis' used for in disability management?

Answer: Documenting the physical and cognitive demands of a specific job to match worker capabilities

A job analysis systematically documents physical, cognitive, and environmental demands of a position to compare with a worker's functional capacity.

Which Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) physical demand category applies to work requiring lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally?

Answer: Light

The DOT classifies 'light work' as involving lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently.

What is 'on-the-job training' (OJT) as a vocational rehabilitation strategy?

Answer: Employer-based training where the employer is reimbursed for training costs while the worker learns the job

OJT places the VR participant directly with an employer who receives reimbursement for the cost of training while the worker develops job-specific skills.