PSPINM003
Undertake initial rehabilitation assessments


Application

This unit describes the skills required to undertake initial assessment of the need for rehabilitation services for a worker with employment related injuries. It includes undertaking initial interviews, gathering information and assessing the need for rehabilitation services.

This unit applies to those working in the area of initial assessment for rehabilitation services for injured workers.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision while performing routine tasks in a range of familiar contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Undertake initial interview

1.1 Establish rapport with the injured worker and discuss the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in the injury management process.

1.2 Reinforce the injured worker’s role in the injury management process.

1.3 Ascertain the injured worker’s level of knowledge and attitude towards the workers rehabilitation and compensation system.

1.4 Provide information on the rehabilitation process taking into account and addressing any specific needs of the worker.

1.5 Take a comprehensive history and determine the injured worker’s knowledge of the injury.

2. Gather information

2.1 Establish contact with, and gather information regarding the workplace from the employer.

2.2 Contact the treating medical practitioner and clarify information relating to the injury and its treatment.

2.3 Discuss and clarify the role and communication expectations of the treating medical practitioner.

2.4 Contact the insurer/self-insurer and clarify service delivery requirements of the injury management process and roles.

2.5 Determine the need and provide referrals for specific assessments and/or rehabilitation services.

3. Assess need for rehabilitation services

3.1 Consider and compare the length of time the injured worker has been unfit to undertake normal duties in relation to average recovery time for specific injuries.

3.2 Analyse information from all relevant sources and identify the needs of the injured worker.

3.3 Confirm or deny the necessity for rehabilitation services.

3.4 Record and forward the outcome of the initial assessment.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to rehabilitation assessments

assessing rehabilitation requirements

reading and applying complex information

explaining complex legislation in line with the injured worker’s existing knowledge, experience and specific needs

communication including establishing rapport with a diverse range of people, engaging the injured worker, active listening, paraphrasing, clarifying, negotiating and probing for value added information in the initial interview

gathering, recording and reporting information in accordance with organisational requirements


Evidence of Knowledge

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

public sector legislation, including work health and safety, and environment

regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines and best practice principles relating to injury management

privacy legislation

freedom of information legislation

procedures to ensure confidentiality and security of information

requirements of rehabilitation assessment

roles and responsibilities in the injury management process

organisational standards and documentary requirements of initial rehabilitation assessment


Assessment Conditions

This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills are embedded within the elements and performance criteria of this unit.


Competency Field

Injury management