Key points 

• Returning to work early after an injury enhances physical and mental recovery by integrating job tasks with exercise and social engagement. 

• Active+ Vocational Rehabilitation Services facilitate safe and effective return to work through tailored programmes developed in collaboration with clients, employers, and healthcare professionals. 

• Clients receive tailored care from experienced health professionals, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and occupational health nurses. 

• The process involves a detailed initial assessment of the injury, job role, and worksite, followed by a physiotherapy evaluation to determine suitable rehabilitation exercises. 

• A personalised plan is created, outlining safe tasks, progression strategies, and necessary equipment to facilitate a smooth transition back to work. 

• Many clients can access these services through ACC funding, though other funding options are available. 

• Active+ helps clients prepare for new employment opportunities by identifying career goals, providing job application support, training, organising work experience placements, and assisting with job searches and employer negotiations. 

• Active+ offers Initial Occupational Assessments (IOA) to identify potential job roles based on skills and interests, and Vocational Independence Occupational Assessments (VIOA) to finalise job suitability from a medical perspective, aiding clients at different stages of their rehabilitation journey.  

The importance of returning to work early after an injury 

When recovering from an injury, the instinct might be to rest and recover outside of the work environment. However, research and experience suggest that getting back to work early, even in a limited capacity, can significantly boost both physical and mental rehabilitation.  
 
By adopting a 'rehabilitation on the job' approach, individuals can benefit from a more comprehensive recovery, integrating physical exercise with psychological and social reconditioning. 

The Active+ approach to vocational rehabilitation 

Active+'s Vocational Rehabilitation Services are designed to help individuals return to work safely and effectively after an injury. By collaborating closely with the injured party, their employer, and other healthcare professionals, Active+ ensures a tailored rehabilitation programme that meets all specific needs 

What to expect from a Return to Work programme 

Engaging in Active+'s Vocational Rehab Programme means receiving personalised support from experienced health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or occupational health nurses. The process involves several key steps: 

1. Initial Assessment: Understanding the injury, the job role, and any specific needs through a comprehensive assessment, including a worksite evaluation. 

1. Physiotherapy Evaluation: Assessing the injury and physical capabilities to determine suitable rehabilitation exercises. 

1. Return to Work Plan: Developing a tailored plan that outlines physical abilities, safe tasks, progression strategies, and necessary equipment. 

Our integration with ACC ensures that many clients can access these services through ACC funding, though other funding options are available as well. 

Active+ Vocational Consulting 

Active+ takes vocational rehabilitation a step further by offering comprehensive consulting services to those unable to return to their previous jobs due to injury or redundancy. Their programmes, designed by a multidisciplinary team including vocational consultants, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, provide clients with the tools and support needed to re-enter the workforce in a sustainable way. 

Work Ready Services 

Active+ offers a Work Ready service that prepares clients for new employment opportunities. This involves: 

• Identifying career goals and interests. 

• Preparing job application materials like CVs and cover letters. 

• Providing training for necessary skills, such as computer literacy or driving. 

• Organising work experience placements and job trials. 

• Assisting with job searches and employer negotiations. 

Occupational Assessment Services 

We provide two types of occupational assessments: 

1. Initial Occupational Assessment (IOA): For individuals limited by injury, this assessment evaluates work history, education, skills, and interests to identify potential job roles without considering medical limitations. The outcome is a detailed report and a CV, guiding the next steps in the client's rehabilitation. 

1. Vocational Independence Occupational Assessment (VIOA): Similar to the IOA but for clients nearing the end of their rehabilitation, focusing on finalizing job suitability from a medical perspective. 

The Active+ Difference 

Active+ stands out with committed, experienced professionals and stringent quality control.  Our deep understanding of the job market, coupled with comprehensive rehabilitation services, ensures clients are well-supported throughout their journey back to work.  
 
Whether through ACC referrals or private arrangements, we’re committed to achieving sustainable employment outcomes for our clients.  For more information, contact us today.