The role of vocational rehabilitation services is to assist individuals to return to suitable and sustainable employment. Vocational rehabilitation services are an ongoing process and collaborative relationship.

Vocational rehabilitation services empower individuals, and services offered vary based on individual needs, the nature of someone’s injuries, and the local regulations and resources. Various components may include counseling and guidance, assessment and evaluation, training and skill development, job placement assistance, assistive technology, crisis intervention and support services, and coordination with employers.

The vocational rehabilitation process begins with an Entitlement Assessment. If found entitled, services could include exploration of return to work with the date of injury Employer, placement services to explore alternative employment, career exploration, vocational testing, transferable skills analysis, resume development, labor market research, job development and placement assistance, mock interviews, and assistance with employer follow up. Vocational rehabilitation services provide follow along support for 60 days once someone begins suitable employment.

Field nurse case management bridges the gap between injury and recovery by bringing a dedicated nurse case manager directly into the care process. Tandem offers field nurse case management through two programs: Workers' Comp, serving injured workers within the workers' compensation system, and Tandem Concierge, a nurse case management program available through private pay outside of workers' compensation.

Tandem's field nurse case managers work alongside patients, employers, treating physicians, and claims professionals to coordinate care, remove barriers to treatment, and support safe, timely recovery. Services are provided in the field, meaning the case manager attends medical appointments, communicates directly with providers, and maintains real-time insight into an individual's recovery progress. This hands-on presence improves communication across all parties and helps ensure that treatment plans are appropriate, evidence-based, and aligned with each patient's goals.

Field nurse case management may include:

• Medical appointment accompaniment and provider communication

• Coordination of treatment, referrals, and specialist care

• Review of medical records and treatment appropriateness

• Identification of barriers to recovery or return to work

• Collaboration with vocational rehabilitation staff on integrated return-to-work planning

• Regular reporting to adjusters, employers, and legal stakeholders

For Workers' Comp cases, this service integrates naturally with Tandem's vocational rehabilitation work, allowing medical and vocational needs to be addressed in a coordinated, whole-person approach. Tandem Care extends this same level of dedicated, hands-on case management to individuals and families seeking private, personalized support outside of the insurance system.

A vocational assessment plays a crucial role in return-to-work planning, especially for individuals who have experienced a disruption in their employment due to injury, illness or disability. By providing a comprehensive overview of an individual’s capabilities, interests, and limitations, vocational assessments contribute to the development of personalized and effective return to work plans. The primary objectives of a vocational assessment in the context of return to work planning include:

o Identification of abilities and limitations

o Matching skills with job requirements

o Determining vocational interests

o Setting realistic employment goals

o Identifying necessary accommodations

o Skill enhancement and training needs

o Career counseling and guidance

o Collaboration with rehabilitation professionals

Utilized by both plaintiff and defense attorneys, an Independent Vocational Evaluation addresses an individual’s employability, potential job modifications or accommodations, and the availability of suitable employment. Testimony assists in assessing the feasibility of an individual returning to the workforce, and if developed return to work plans are reasonable and necessary.

A labor market survey gathers information on labor market statistics and provides an understanding of the market for various types of employment opportunities related to someone’s work capacity, restrictions, income level, and education and experience.

• A transferable skills analysis takes into consideration education, employment, community activities, and interests to generates a list of vocational opportunities based on the identified skills.

An ergonomic assessment is an evaluation of an individual’s work environment to ensure correct positioning, with the intention of reducing risk of injury due to poor body mechanics or overuse.

Ergonomic evaluations contribute to overall well-being, productivity, and safety of employees.