Chapter 6:
Vocational Rehabilitation Services

In most cases, when an employee files a workers' compensation claim, Sedgwick CMS will request a job description and PEM (Physical/Environmental/Mental Demands) form. This request is usually made by Sedgwick CMS to Disability Management Services, who will in turn contact the department. To expedite this process, supervisors are encouraged to submit the job description and PEM to Disability Management Services at the same time the Employer's Report of Incident is faxed. Sedgwick CMS will provide these documents to the employee's treating physician to aid in his/her decision as to whether or not the employee will be able to return to work. The goal is to return employees to work as soon as medically possible and obtain reasonable accommodation when medical restrictions apply.

If and when the treating physician determines that the employee has permanent work restrictions, supervisors will be contacted by Disability Management Services and/or Sedgwick CMS to determine whether or not reasonable accommodation is possible. A determination will need to be made as to whether or not the department will be able to offer permanent modified or alternative work.

As with other disabilities, the interactive process will be utilized to determine whether or not reasonable accommodation is possible. When requested, Disability Management Services, in collaboration with other campus units, will assist in this process. See the "Reasonable Accommodation and the Interactive Process" section of this manual for further details.

In terms of Workers' Compensation benefits, as mandated by the State's Labor Code, if permanent modified or alternative work is not available, the employee may be eligible for the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit. This benefit is administered by Sedgwick CMS.

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