- It is important to return to work through Health Services if you have been off work for five or more days, had surgery or been hospitalized. HSD encourages you to make an appointment prior to your first day back. In the absence of an appointment, you may drop into HSD for an RTW evaluation.
- If you have been absent for an extended period or have significant functional limitations, it is important to initiate communication with your RTW Liaison and Health Services in advance of your anticipated return to work so that the process can be managed efficiently.
- You may be asked to provide written documentation regarding work status if you have sought care from an off-site treating clinician. The Health Services clinician will assess whether or not you require any medical restrictions and discuss them with you. Your supervisor(s) and your directorate RTW Liaison will be notified of any restrictions and will help ensure that you receive temporary accommodation that is compatible with your medical restrictions.
- Similarly, while off work, it's important to keep your supervisor informed of your status. An unnecessary communication gap can occur unless you make an effort to let your supervisor know of your progress and likely return to work date.
- Discuss medical restrictions with your supervisor to determine how best to accommodate them. Accommodation of medical restrictions may take the form of modifying your current job or possible temporary assignment to a different position. Talk and work with your supervisor to determine the best accommodation. The RTW Liaison is another resource in your directorate.
- Perform your work safely, observing all restrictions.
- Notify your supervisor if:
- You experience difficulty performing your assignments.
- You will miss time due to scheduled physical therapy and/or medical exams.
- You are unable to report for your assignment.
It depends. For temporary restrictions, the RTW Program is intended to provide modified duties until you can resume normal duties.
Most employees with permanent restrictions return to their usual assignment; but some, because of the severity of restrictions, may not be able to return to their former job. In that case, efforts will be made to find a suitable alternate position; one in which restrictions can be accommodated. Permanent accommodation of medical restrictions will require a formal accommodation review involving the DMT, your payroll supervisor, your RTW Liaison and an upper management representative from your payroll organization.
Your directorate RTW Liaison can provide information about the program. Your payroll supervisor should know who your RTW Liaison is, or you may download the list here.
You can also contact the Health Services Department (HSD) main line at 1-925-422-7459, or Staff Relations at 1-925-422-9501.