Upcoming Events
Return to work Coordinator Training
Overview
This one day course covers the role and responsibilities of a return-to-work (RTW) coordinator. Participants will gain knowledge and receive tools and templates that will help them succeed in this role. The course teaches a proactive approach to return to work, including how to:
- Support an injured worker from the time of injury
- Identify suitable work that is safe, productive, and within the worker’s abilities
- Keep workers connected to the workplace while they recover
What participants will learn
- The four stages of the RTW process
- The benefits of early identification and intervention
- What it means to focus on function
- How to create a written suitable work offer that matches duties to an injured worker’s abilities
- How to create, implement, monitor, and troubleshoot a RTW plan
- How to communicate with WorkSafeBC
- Obligations of workers and employers under “duty to cooperate” legislation, and obligations of some employers under the “duty to maintain employment”
- How to troubleshoot and document any issues after a worker’s full return to work
- The role of the RTW coordinator and other stakeholders in the RTW process
Facilitators
Rachelle Grace RN, RTW Specialist-Nurse
Rachelle Grace is a highly experienced Return-to-Work (RTW) Specialist and a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of expertise in occupational health, specializing in injury management. She began her career at WorkSafeBC in 2004, where she honed her skills in helping organizations navigate the complexities of workplace injuries. Most recently, Rachelle has been working in Consultation and Education Services, where she partners with employers across the province to enhance their RTW outcomes. By implementing best practices in injury management and RTW strategies, she helps businesses create supportive environments that promote recovery and reintegration. Passionate about empowering employers, Rachelle is dedicated to preventing a disability mindset and fostering a culture of care, support, and resilience for injured workers.
Dustin Ho B.Kin, Registered Kinesiologist, RTW Specialist
Dustin is a Return to Work Specialist with expertise in active rehabilitation. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, he has a strong understanding of injury rehabilitation and practical experience in a clinical setting. In his first position at WorkSafeBC, he managed claims, collaborating with workers and employers to facilitate return to work opportunities. In his current role he helps employers develop their injury management programs by implementing leading practices.
Follow-up coaching
A WorkSafeBC RTW specialist will schedule a 30 to 60 minute session with each participant four weeks after the course to answer questions and review how learnings are being applied.
Assessments and activities
Before and after the course, participants complete a short self-assessment. During the course, participants document their RTW coordinator role and their workplace’s current RTW process, along with ideas for improvement. Case study activities help them apply what they learn. A question-and-answer period completes the course.