How to Be Occupational Disability Case Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 17, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The role of an Occupational Disability Case Manager is essential for those individuals who have been injured in a workplace accident. Their primary responsibility is to assess the employees medical condition and determine if the workplace injury is preventing them from safely returning to work. If so, they then provide guidance and support to the employee in seeking appropriate medical treatment and financial compensation.

They may also help the employee access government benefits and vocational rehabilitation services. This can be extremely beneficial to an injured employee as it allows them to obtain the financial support they need while they are unable to work, ensuring that they can continue to provide for themselves and their families.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming an occupational disability case manager is to obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Degrees in fields such as social work, public health, psychology, or human services are preferred.
Get Relevant Work Experience. Before you can become an occupational disability case manager, it is essential that you gain experience in the field. Volunteering with local organizations and non-profits can be a great way to gain the necessary experience.
Take a Certification Course. After completing your bachelors degree and gaining relevant work experience, you should take a certification course to become an occupational disability case manager. This course will teach you the skills and knowledge required to work in this field.
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state you are in, you may need to obtain licensure or certification to become an occupational disability case manager. Check with your local state licensing board for more information.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have completed your training and obtained licensure, you can begin applying for jobs as an occupational disability case manager.

Staying ahead and efficient as an Occupational Disability Case Manager requires being organized, proactive, and creative. Being organized is key to success, as it allows for a streamlined workflow and efficient communication. Staying proactive ensures that you are ahead of any potential issues and able to respond to them quickly.

Creativity is also important, as it allows you to find new ways to approach challenges and come up with innovative solutions. By utilizing these methods, an Occupational Disability Case Manager can remain ahead of the curve and effectively manage their cases.

You may want to check Occupational Safety Inspector, Occupational Kinesiologist, and Occupational Safety Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement strategies to support individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
Coordinate and facilitate meetings between employers, medical professionals, and individuals with disabilities.
Provide guidance, counseling, and support to individuals with disabilities to help them successfully transition into the workforce.
Monitor the progress of individuals with disabilities in the workplace and provide feedback and guidance as needed.
Develop and implement individualized plans to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals.
Collaborate with employers to ensure that accommodations are provided to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Establish relationships with local employers to identify job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Conduct follow up activities to assess the progress of individuals with disabilities in their employment settings.
Advise employers on best practices for creating an inclusive and accessible workplace environment for individuals with disabilities.
Maintain accurate records of services provided to individuals with disabilities and submit regular reports to stakeholders.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws and regulations
Ability to evaluate claimants medical and vocational information to determine eligibility for benefits
Understanding of the principles of disability case management
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
Knowledge of return-to-work strategies and processes
Ability to develop and maintain successful relationships with employers and other stakeholders
Ability to remain organized and manage multiple cases simultaneously
Ability to work independently and under pressure to meet deadlines
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of medical terminology

Having strong communication and organizational skills is essential for an occupational disability case manager. Being able to provide clear information and instruction to clients, families, medical providers, and employers is key to successful case management. they must be able to quickly assess a client's needs and develop a plan with short-term and long-term goals.

By being able to communicate effectively, occupational disability case managers can ensure that all parties are on the same page and that all required documents are completed correctly. Furthermore, having strong organizational skills is essential in order to keep track of all paperwork, medical records, and other important information related to the case. This helps to minimize delays or errors in the case management process and ensures a smooth transition for the client.

Finally, having excellent problem-solving skills is a must for an occupational disability case manager, as they are often responsible for resolving conflicts between employers, insurance companies, and clients. In this way, an occupational disability case manager can help ensure that all parties are able to reach an agreeable solution.

Occupational Health and Safety Technician, Occupational Psychologist, and Occupational Therapist Assistant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with clients with disabilities?
Describe a situation in which you had to develop a plan for a client with an occupational disability.
How do you handle difficult conversations with clients and their families?
How have you worked to ensure that your clients rights are respected?
What strategies do you use to ensure that clients understand their rights and options?
How do you stay up-to-date on changing regulations and legislation related to disability services?
Describe a situation in which you had to advocate on behalf of a client.
What challenges have you encountered while working with clients with disabilities?
How do you ensure that clients receive the best possible services and support?
What strategies do you use to ensure that clients are able to access the services they need?

Common Tools in Industry

Job Analysis Tool. A tool used to identify the skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform a job. (eg: Workplace Skills Assessment)
Job Accommodation Tool. A tool used to assess an individuals needs and identify potential workplace accommodations to enable them to perform their job. (eg: Job Accommodation Network)
Return to Work Assessment Tool. A tool used to assess an individuals ability to return to work following an injury or illness. (eg: Functional Capacity Evaluation)
Rehabilitation Plan Tool. A tool used to develop a plan of action for an individuals return to work. (eg: Return to Work Action Plan)
Job Retraining Tool. A tool used to assess the skills and knowledge required to transition into a new job. (eg: Career Skills Assessment)
Job Placement Tool. A tool used to match an individual with an appropriate job opportunity. (eg: Employment Placement Services)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN)
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN)
National Association of Disability Case Managers (NADCM)
International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP)
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM)
American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC)
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP)

We also have Occupational Training Specialist, Occupational Health Technician, and Occupational Health Advisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Disability Benefits. Financial assistance provided by an employer or government to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability.
Disability Evaluation. The process of evaluating an individual's physical, mental, and emotional abilities to determine if they qualify for disability benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation. A program that helps people with disabilities gain skills and experience to make them employable. It may involve job training, job placement, or other services.
Return-to-Work Programs. Programs designed to provide support and assistance to individuals who have been out of the workforce due to an illness or injury and are ready to return to work.
Job Accommodations. Adjustments made to a job or work environment to help accommodate an individual with a disability.
Reasonable Accommodations. Adjustments made to a job or work environment that are tailored to the needs of an individual with a disability and are necessary for them to perform the essential functions of their job.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses. Expenses incurred by an employee with a disability in order to perform their job, such as medical supplies, assistive devices, or modifications to the workplace.
Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA). A program funded by the Social Security Administration that provides free information and services to help people with disabilities understand their work options and make informed decisions about returning to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Occupational Disability Case Manager?

An Occupational Disability Case Manager is a professional who specializes in helping individuals with disabilities manage their disabilities and access necessary resources. They provide guidance and support to individuals with disabilities, their family members, and employers to ensure they receive the accommodations they need to successfully manage their disability.

What are some of the duties of an Occupational Disability Case Manager?

An Occupational Disability Case Manager's primary role is to provide support and guidance to individuals with disabilities. This includes helping them understand and navigate the disability benefits system, connecting them with resources and services that can help them manage their disability, and advocating for them in any legal proceedings. Additionally, they may act as a liaison between employers and employees with disabilities to ensure that both parties understand the needs of the individual.

Who qualifies for assistance from an Occupational Disability Case Manager?

Individuals who have a disability that affects their ability to perform daily activities, such as a physical or mental disability, may qualify for assistance from an Occupational Disability Case Manager. It is important to note that each individual's case is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the individual must meet specific criteria in order to qualify for assistance.

What qualifications or certifications do Occupational Disability Case Managers need?

Occupational Disability Case Managers typically must have a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as social work, psychology, or public health. Additionally, they must be certified by a professional organization, such as the Institute of Certified Occupational Disability Professionals or the National Board of Disability Examiners.

What is the job outlook for Occupational Disability Case Managers?

The job outlook for Occupational Disability Case Managers is positive as the demand for disability services continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Occupational Disability Case Managers is projected to grow by 9% from 2019 to 2029.