PRESENTATION
Back2Work: Results and Reflections on an Early Intervention Vocational Rehabilitation Program in QLD, Australia
This presentation outlines the results and reflections from the Back2Work Early Intervention Vocational Rehabilitation program based in Brisbane, QLD. The Back2Work Program is designed and delivered by rehabilitation counsellors and represents an expansion of the scope of RC into the inpatient rehabilitation setting. Back2Work is a voluntary, person-centred, strengths-based, integrated VR program aiming to engage clients as early in their spinal cord injury rehabilitation as is safe and practicable. The program’s results have been promising, with an employment rate of 43% at 12 months post-discharge from hospital. Participants were overwhelmingly positive in their feedback about the program, highlighting the specialist knowledge of the RCs as being key in their RTW journeys. Participants’ feedback also highlights that VR is not something to attempt after adjustment to the injury, but something that can help bring about adjustment. Early intervention VR inspires hope which is protective and motivating during rehabilitation.
About the PresenterS
Dr Julia Bloom is a rehabilitation counsellor and early career researcher at Griffith University. Her research focuses on early intervention approaches to vocational rehabilitation, and the mechanisms underlying these approaches, including proposing an expanded model of occupational bonding and exploring the role of hope in the return to work journey after SCI. Julia is also committed to the development of the rehabilitation counselling profession, teaching into the Master of Rehabilitation Counselling program at Griffith U, with an emphasis on hopeful, person-centred practice.
Tania Goossen established the Back2Work Project in 2015, and has worked at Spinal Life Australia for 25 years. The Back2Work Project is a partnership between Queensland Health (Metro South), Griffith University and Spinal Life Australia, and is proudly funded by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission. Her passion for employment began 35 years ago, helping her mum at Central Queensland’s first Disability Employment Service during school holidays. Tania’s remained in the sector ever since. She has a Psychology degree and a Masters of Human Services. Tania’s role in the Back2Work team is varied, with no day being the same. Along with managing her amazing team of Rehab Counsellors and the strategic direction of the Project, you’ll see Tania at the Spinal Injuries Unit (PA Hospital, Brisbane), assisting patients with newly acquired spinal cord injuries to discover options for return to work and find a renewed sense of purpose in life.
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