Achieving a Successful and Sustainable Return to the Workforce after Acquired Brain Impairment: A Client-centred Approach
Objective: CRS Australia provides vocational rehabilitation services to people with a disability, injury or health condition to enable them to gain and retain employment. This paper describes the approach used by the Victorian ABI specialist team to facilitate participation in the workforce for its clients. The approach was compared and contrasted with other models within Australia and overseas, and outcome rates achieved were compared where possible.
Method: A search of the international literature was conducted to describe vocational rehabilitation models for people with ABI currently in use. An analysis of client statistics for CRS Australia’s Victorian ABI specialist team was undertaken. This includes referral source, length of time since injury, length of program, whether they had a job to return to, and final work outcome. Comparisons are made with statistics published in those papers reviewed. The team members were surveyed as to which assessments and interventions were most commonly used, and were asked to rate the utility of these in achieving a work outcome. A qualitative audit of closed client files was also undertaken to describe services provided, duration of program, and outcomes achieved.
Results: CRS Australia’s results compare favourably with other published results. Of those who commenced a program in the financial year 2003-04, 47% achieved a durable employment outcome (ie the client achieved paid employment consistently for a minimum period of 13 weeks). Services frequently provided included assessments, vocational counselling, coaching in successful job search techniques, job placement, and intensive post-placement support. Compensatory strategies (such as diary use, checklists, and “buddying” with a work colleague) were seen to influence success at work. The services that correlate most highly with successful work outcome (as identified by staff survey and file audit) are also described.
Conclusions: CRS Australia embraces a client-centred approach whereby the client negotiates their vocational goals in line with their capabilities, experience, interests and the labour market. This approach, combined with specialist expertise, has been successfully applied to clients with ABI.