Return to Work Program
The goal of this pilot is to provide employees and their employers with tailored education, training and Enhanced Support Services to improve the return to work process. This is a FREE SERVICE!
The Return to Work Program provides:
- An online training program tailored to your needs as an employee returning to work after a concussion/brain injury
- Access to Enhanced Support Services, which includes support from an Occupational Therapist and Social Worker
- This portion of the program is a collaboration between you and your employer
- Both you and your employer must consent to receiving Enhanced Support Services
Please note, this program is only available to employees working in Ontario and employees must be returning to work with their pre-injury employer.
Click the button below to express your interest in participating in the Return to Work Program with an anticipated start date of early Spring 2024.
Employee – Click to Express Interest
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Return to Work team at returntowork@obia.on.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
Employees are eligible to participate in the program if…
- They’ve sustained a concussion/ brain injury AND
- Are currently employed and are returning to work in the next 6 months AND
- Are residing in Ontario
Does my employer need to participate in this program as well?
- The online training does not require participation from your employer.
- The Enhanced Support Services portion of the program requires both you and your employer’s consent and participation.
I need support but my employer is unable to participate in the program.
The online training aims to provide you with knowledge and strategies to manage your symptoms as you return to work. If you are not eligible for Enhanced Support Services, please contact OBIA’s Helpline for support, 1-800-263-5404; calls are answered Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm EST.
How long is the program?
- The online training is self-paced.
- The Enhanced Support Services portion provides support for up to 6 months.
Will my personal information be kept confidential?
Yes, all information collected during the program will be kept confidential. No identifiable information will be shared without your written consent and data will be used solely for project-related purposes. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout and after the program ends. The release of information to employers will only occur with the employee’s written consent.
What kinds of support will the Social Worker provide?
The Social Worker will work with you on your work-related goals, which might include exploring ways to manage stress, learning to balance work and home life and communicating with your employer. Through Enhanced Support Services, you will have access to one-on-one sessions and facilitated support groups.
I’m looking for support in finding a job, can you help me?
The Return to Work program is currently supporting employees returning to work with their pre-injury employer. We are unable to provide support for job searching, resumes, interview skills or job coaching. Click here to visit Employment Ontario for assistance.
Do you offer Vocational Rehabilitation Services?
The Return to Work team is unable to provide Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Vocational Rehabilitation is a process and series of services that supports people with disabilities to access, maintain and return to employment. Some services involved in Vocational Rehabilitation include assessments, on-the-job training, re-training courses, career counselling and employment services (e.g. employment search).
I have questions about the program, who should I contact?
The Return to Work team is happy to answer any additional questions you may have; please contact us at returntowork@obia.on.ca.
The Return to Work Team:
Zoe Fallis, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Project Lead
zfallis@obia.on.ca
Mackenzie Klauck, RSW
Mental Health Coordinator
mklauck@obia.on.ca
Opeyemi Adegbemi
Program/Research Coordinator
oadegbemi@obia.on.ca
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The views expressed in this program are the views of the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.
