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Sep 24, 2024 • 9 min read
How Return to Work Coordinators Transform the Workplace
What Does a Return to Work Coordinator Do?
Return to Work (RTW) Coordinators are individuals appointed by their employers to plan and manage their company’s RTW program, so that returning workers can smoothly and confidently transition back into the workplace.
A RTW Coordinator’s responsibilities include:
- Monitoring Recovery Progress: Track the injured worker’s recovery and readiness to return to work.
- Developing and Implementing RTW Plans: Formulate personalised Return to Work plans in consultation with other key stakeholders involved in the injured worker’s claim.
- Maintaining Communication: Correspond regularly with the injured worker and their support team throughout their work rehab process.
- Preventing Repeat Injury: Identify potential hazards and implement safety measures to comply with work health and safety regulations, so as to minimise the recurrence of similar injuries.
- Modifying the Workplace: Implement strategies or modifications in the work environment that enable the employee to work within capacity.
- Finding Suitable Duties: Assist in finding suitable roles for the injured worker within the organisation, if they are unable to return to their pre-injury duties.
- Ensuring Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality regarding personal information, medical health records and other sensitive data.
- Resolving RTW Issues: Help resolve any issues or disputes related to the Return to Work process.
- Ensuring Compliance: Verify that both the injured worker and the employer meet their RTW obligations under relevant legislation.
Appointing a Return to Work Coordinator
Only Category 1 employers are legally required to appoint someone for the role of RTW coordinator. To be classified as a Category 1 employer, your company must:
- Have an average performance premium of over $50,000 per year; or
- Be self-insured; or
- Be insured by a specialist insurer; and
- Have more than 20 employees
If the above does not apply to you, you’re a Category 2 employer and thus you don’t have to appoint a dedicated RTW Coordinator.
Qualities of an Effective Return to Work Coordinator
A RTW Coordinator is an injured worker’s bridge to successfully recovering at work. Their role is key to creating a positive and supportive work environment that can facilitate the reintegration of injured workers into the workplace.
A skilled RTW Coordinator should have the requisite knowledge and experience in RTW planning, including:
- Expertise in Workers Compensation: Understanding the workers comp scheme well allows for the formulation of a targeted and effective RTW program.
- Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills: Knowing how to communicate, negotiate and resolve conflicts is essential in ensuring optimal outcomes for everyone involved.
- Organisational and Time Management Abilities: Being able to coordinate RTW plans, track progress, and establish timely interventions is key to the role.
- Knowledge of RTW Regulations: Being informed about RTW regulations allows the RTW program to be implemented in ways that fulfil employer obligations while protecting injured workers’ rights.
- RTW Planning and Processes: Mastery of the planning and processes involved in RTW programs is preferable.
- Stakeholder Identification and Consultation: Being able to identify key stakeholders in an injured worker’s claim and actively participate in medical conferences is important.
- Being Respectful and Responsible: RTW Coordinators should strive to secure arrangements that accommodate the employee’s needs, and adopt a helpful disposition when engaging in case management.
Benefits of Having a RTW Coordinator
Besides the fact that appointing a RTW Coordinator is an employer obligation, any workplace will benefit from having an RTW Coordinator as they:
- Save employers the hassle of navigating the complex system of workers compensation and Return to Work programs.
- Foster a supportive work environment by educating staff and reducing stigmas, which boosts team morale, improves employee performance, and enhances job satisfaction.
- Help reduce incidence of workplace injury and duration of work absences to elevate workforce quality.
- Help facilitate effective communication amongst the key stakeholders in an injured worker’s claims, thus strengthening collaborative processes and producing better results.
- Analyse workplace incidents and injuries to identify underlying causes, implement preventive measures, and create a safer work environment.
How to Appoint a Return to Work Coordinator
Employers can either appoint an internal staff member, hire specifically for the role or outsource the position to a third-party provider, depending on company needs and resources.
If appointing a RTW Coordinator internally, the individual must be provided with adequate time, training, and resources to perform their role effectively. This is especially relevant if the position is filled by an employee who also has other work responsibilities.
If outsourcing the role or hiring an external RTW Coordinator, the employer will be responsible for all associated costs. The individual must have the necessary training, skills, and experience before starting the role.
Return to Work Coordinator Training
RTW Coordinators can acquire the skills and knowledge required for the job through SIRA’s online training program. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the workers comp system, as well as how to develop RTW programs and workplace recovery plans.
The online training is useful for:
- Individuals who wish to work as a RTW Coordinator in NSW
- Existing RTW Coordinators who want to stay up-to-date
- Anyone wanting to find out more about workers comp and recovery at work
How AusRehab Plays An Important Role
As your employee’s chosen work rehab provider, AusRehab has the duty of monitoring the recovery process, providing timely updates, and communicating regularly with stakeholders like RTW Coordinators.
Our team of allied health professionals have the expertise to carry out this process as seamlessly as possible. AusRehab’s near 90% return to work rate is a testament to our proven strategies and unwavering commitment to your employees’ successful reintegration.
Want to find out how you can clinch such numbers for your company? Reach out to us today.
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