Return to Work Program
Return to Work Program
The Return to Work Program Provides:
Employee Online Training
The online training program is tailored to your needs as an employee returning to work after a concussion/brain injury.
Topics Include:
- Overview of Concussion and Brain Injury
- Coping with Physical and Cognitive Symptoms
- Sleep, Diet and Movement
- Emotional Health and Mental Well-Being
- Returning to Work
Key Features
- Self-paced, saving your location in the training automatically
- Receive a RTW Toolkit with over 50 pages of worksheets and additional information
Eligibility Criteria
- Employees must be located in Ontario
ENHANCED SUPPORT SERVICES
Enhanced Support Services is a collaboration between employees and their employers. Both parties must consent to participate. Enhanced Support Services provides access to the online training programs and support by a registered occupational therapist and registered social worker.
The occupational therapist will…
- Work collaboratively with employees and their employers to develop and implement individualized return to work plans
- Provide guidance on a gradual return to work schedule, accommodations and problem-solving around setbacks
- Meet with employees one-on-one to work towards their work-related goals
The social worker will…
- Meet with employees one-on-one to provide mental health and well-being support as they transition back to work
Key Features
- A collaborative effort between employees and their employer
- Virtual services
- Up to 6 months of support
- NO COST
Eligibility Criteria
- Both the employee and their employer consent to participating in the program
- Employees and their employers must be based in Ontario
- Employees must be employed
- Employees have completed the Employee Online Training
Employees - Apply Now
For more information, or if you need support filling out the application, please contact Lulu Antonucci at (905)-641-8877 ext. 812 or email lantonucci@obia.on.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The online training does not require participation from your employer.
- The Enhanced Support Services portion of the program requires both you and your employer’s consent and participation.
If you wish to not involve your employer, you can still participate in the online training program. The training aims to provide you with knowledge and strategies to manage your concussion/brain injury symptoms as you return to work.
At this time, employer involvement is a requirement for the Enhanced Support Services (occupational therapy and social work support) portion of the program. Our team is happy to connect you with other programs and resources.
Yes, all information collected during the program will be kept confidential. No identifiable information will be shared without your written consent and data will be used solely for project-related purposes. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout and after the program ends. The release of information to employers will only occur with the employee’s written consent.
Social Workers work with people to explore and address the social, emotional and environmental factors that affect an individual’s wellbeing and their ability to successfully return to and stay at work. Through Enhanced Support Services, the Social Worker provides individual counseling sessions to work towards your work-related goals. This may include exploring ways to manage stress, learning to balance work and home life, setting boundaries, and connecting people with local resources to improve their quality of life.
Occupational Therapists (OT) play a distinct and valuable role in supporting individuals returning to work. Through Enhanced Support Services this may include:
Gradual Return-to-Work Planning
- The OT may collaborate with you and your employer to develop personalized return-to-work plans that align with your functional abilities and workplace demands.
Workplace Accommodation Recommendations
- The OT may assess your work environment and/or job description to identify possible barriers and recommend practical accommodations or modifications that enhance your ability to perform your job safely and effectively.
Problem-Solving Support
- If challenges arise during the return-to-work process, the OT may provide guidance and strategies to help navigate obstacles and adjust plans as needed.
Occupational therapy and social work have unique roles in Enhanced Support Services. The Occupational Therapist (OT) will work with you individually on daily living skills and work-related tasks. They may meet with you and your employer to discuss return to work plans, provide accommodations and problem-solve any setbacks.
The Social Worker will work with you individually to provide emotional and wellbeing support. They do not meet with your employer, unless agreed upon.
Due to the virtual nature of the program, the team is unable to assess physical restrictions and limitations. We are unable to complete FAFs and would recommend speaking with your primary healthcare provider about completing the form.
The Return to Work program is unable to provide return to school support. We recommend connecting with your school’s Accessibility Services. You can also reach out to OBIA’s helpline for support, 1-800-263-5404, calls are open Monday through Friday from 9:30am until 4:30pm.
The Return to Work team is happy to answer any additional questions you may have; please contact us at returntowork@obia.on.ca.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The views expressed in this program are the views of the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.
