Rehabilitation case managers
Rehabilitation case managers coordinate and manage the rehabilitation and return to work of employees with an injury or illness, on behalf of the employer.
Updated rehabilitation templates
Effective 30 October 2024, Comcare has updated the rehabilitation assessment and examination templates to assist rehabilitation authorities (RAs) to comply with the Guide for Arranging Rehabilitation Assessments and Requiring Examinations 2024.
Two separate templates are now available to meet the needs of both 36(1) rehabilitation assessments and 36(3) rehabilitation assessment examinations.
Role and responsibilities of rehabilitation case managers
When an employee makes a workers’ compensation claim, the rehabilitation authority – usually the current employer – will assign a rehabilitation case manager (RCM) to support the injured employee’s recovery and return to work.
Under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act) any employee can be assigned the role of RCM. In some circumstances, the rehabilitation authority will engage an external RCM.
Responsibilities of an RCM can include:
- initiating, co-ordinating and monitoring an injured or ill employee’s workplace rehabilitation program
- connecting and coordinating people involved in the return to work process
- promoting the health benefits of good work, early intervention and the employer’s return to work approach
- encouraging the employer to commit to rehabilitation
- facilitating early intervention
- helping employers to provide suitable employment for an injured or ill employee
- where appropriate, engaging and managing workplace rehabilitation providers
- co-ordinating the employer's responses to requests for information about the employee, their injury or illness, and rehabilitation
- maintaining appropriate records and ensuring relevant workers’ compensation forms are completed
- ensuring the employer complies with the:
Guidance for rehabilitation case managers
Guidance and resources to perform your role
- Rehabilitation Case Manager handbook (PDF, 1.5 MB) details requirements and better practice guidance for rehabilitation and return to work in the Comcare scheme.
- Rehabilitation case manager core capabilities (PDF, 602.9 KB) defines the capabilities required of an effective rehabilitation case manager and provides resources.
- Frequently asked questions: Guide for arranging assessments and requiring examinations (PDF, 113.2 KB).
- Scheme guidance can help you understand and apply the SRC Act.
- Claims and rehabilitation forms includes forms used by workplace rehabilitation providers and claimants.
Guidance and resources on return to work
- Find a workplace rehabilitation provider
- Return to work process for claimants
- Return to work process for employers
- Providing suitable employment
Videos and factsheets to share
As an RCM, you play a crucial role in helping injured or ill employees recover and return to work. The video playlists below offer information on the return-to-work process for both employees and employers. Share these playlists with employees, supervisors, senior managers, and other relevant stakeholders.
For more information about recovery and return to work, download the factsheet for employees: Your recovery and return to work (PDF, 407.5 KB).
Video playlist for employees
These videos explain the importance of a safe, timely and lasting return to work, the role of the employer and other support people in their recovery and include tips to help employees recover and return to work.
Video playlist for employers
The employer video explains the benefits of supporting employees to safely return to work, the importance of responding early to injuries and illness, employer responsibilities and how to effectively lead your organisation's return to work approach.
For more information on supporting employees to recover and return to work, download the factsheet for employers: Supporting recovery and return to work (PDF, 364.9 KB).
More information
- For information about past and upcoming RCM forums go to Rehabilitation Case Manager Forum.
- To be added to the RCM Forum mailing list or to receive regular information on Return to Work, email the Provider Frameworks and Return to Work team at providerframeworksandRTW@comcare.gov.au.
- Rehabilitation authorities can find information on their role in the rehabilitation and return to work process at Rehabilitation information for employers.
