DSRS4033 Workers' and Accident Compensation: Injury Management & Occupational Rehabilitation

This topic provides an introduction to the legislation, knowledge and theoretical principles underpinning effective professional practice in compensable rehabilitation settings. These areas include: an overview of relevant Commonwealth and State legislation pertaining to workers', accident and criminal injuries' compensation; patterns of occupational and other compensable injury, illness and disability in Australia; opportunities to extend and apply key counselling and case management skills necessary to balance the needs of stakeholders at each stage in the rehabilitation process as it relates to compensable injury.

This topic focuses on the theoretical and practical underpinnings of effective professional practice in injury management and occupational rehabilitation, with an emphasis on facilitating:

• An understanding of the legislative framework, systems, knowledge and skills required to facilitate the central roles, functions and stages of injury management and occupational rehabilitation
• Increased awareness of patterns of occupational, accident and other compensable injury in Australia
• An understanding of the ethical, professional and self-care issues associated with the case management process in compensable injury environments

1. Demonstrate increased knowledge and awareness of patterns of compensable injury in Australia, and of legislation, systems, policies and procedures relevant to its effective management in industry
2. Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of best practice in the counselling and case management process relating to compensable injuries
3. Demonstrate an ability to work individually and with team members to assist workers, insurers, employers and significant others to formulate specific goals related to their injury management needs
4. Apply enhanced skills in report writing, and development of cost-effective individual assessment and rehabilitation plans, including return to work (RTW) plans, negotiation and advocacy in relation to compensable injury
5. Demonstrate an augmented capacity to work both independently and as a contributing team member, and increased understanding of the importance of ethical, professional and self-care issues in effective maintenance of human service roles in this field of practice
6. Demonstrate a commitment to facilitating own and peers' learning through participation in individual and team activities associated with this topic