University of California Office of the President

UCOP RETURN TO WORK/DISABILITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES (VHS)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the primary functions of Vocational Rehabilitation Services?

Vocational Rehabilitation Services has two (2) primary functions*:

To provide a safe and healthy environment in which employees can work; and

Return disabled employees to work in accordance with applicable policies and statutory guidelines, as appropriate.

* For both work-related and non-work-related disabilities.

Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals have background and experience in job modification, rehabilitation, and return to work planning for people with disabilities. Assistance is provided to managers, supervisors, and disabled employees seeking ways to overcome disability-related limitations. Most disabled employees can continue working if proper accommodations are made.

2. How many employees have disabilities?

Although no one keeps a count of how many employees have disabilities, it is estimated that approximately 20% of Americans have work impairments.

3. What are some examples of accommodations?

Accommodations are "tailor made" to the individual based on his or her particular needs. Some Examples are:

Ergonomic Modifications: for computer users or other employees who perform repetitive work. Changes in workstation set-up and/or purchase of ergonomic equipment can effect a change that allows an employee to continue working.

Time Flexibility: starting earlier, leaving later, or working a reduced time schedule, can assist employees who need a gradual return to work after being ill or who are coping with a chronic illness.

Job Restructuring: redistributing or redesigning tasks can assist a disabled worker in overcoming an otherwise work-limiting restriction.

Specialized Equipment: using assistive technology can sometimes be helpful. Such items as voice activated computers, optical character recognition software, optical scanners, and voice synthesizers’ fall into this category.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services can facilitate these kinds of accommodations. Typically we work with the employee's physician, supervisor, benefit/claims administrator and other staff, as appropriate, in order to develop an effective return to work plan that meets both employee and departmental needs.

For more information regarding modified duty or reasonable accommodation, please contact Vocational Rehabilitation Services at (510) 987-0893 or (510) 987-0879.

4. What if I need an ergonomic workstation assessment?

If injury has not yet occurred, and/or, you or your department, wish to arrange for an ergonomic workstation assessment on a proactive basis in order to prevent future injury, please contact Vocational Rehabilitation Services at (510) 987-0762 or (510) 987-0893.

If illness or injury has already occurred, VHS will automatically arrange for a workstation assessment as part of the workers' compensation claims process.

You may also call Vocational Rehabilitation Services directly at (510) 987-0893 should you have additional questions or to discuss your individual situation.

5. What if a disabled employee is unable to return to his/her current job and regularly assigned duties and responsibilities?

UCOP disabled employees unable to return to their current jobs and regularly assigned duties and responsibilities will be provided assistance in looking for alternate employment opportunities within UCOP in accordance with applicable policies, contractual provisions, and statutory guidelines, as appropriate.

6. What if an employee is permanently disabled and unable to return to work at all?

University employees who are permanently disabled and unable to return to work at all may be eligible for long-term disability benefits, or other benefits options, in accordance with applicable policies, contractual provisions, and statutory guidelines, as appropriate.

For more information, please contact UCOP Benefits Services at http://www.ucop.edu/humres/benoffice.html.

7. Who do I contact for Vocational Rehabilitation Services assistance?

For further assistance please contact the following:

Renee Jackson - Manager, Employee-Labor Relations and Vocational Rehabilitation Services, (510) 987-0879 Rene.Jackson@ucop.edu

Roger Howland - Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (510) 987-0893 Roger.Howland@ucop.edu

Karren Yun – Labor Relations Specialist (510) 987-0815 Karren.Yun@ucop.edu

Ebony Jacob – Employee-Labor Relations and Vocational Rehabilitation Assistant (510) 987-0762 Ebony.Jacob@ucop.edu

Notice: Please refer to current University policies, procedures, statutory guidelines, and applicable collective bargaining agreements which shall supersede any and all information contained in this document or elsewhere on this site.