The Disability Management Program, offered by the Delaware Valley Municipal Management Association, serves as a resource for employers seeking to support employees in their recovery and reintegration into the workplace following non-occupational injuries, surgeries, or illnesses. This fee-based program addresses both temporary and permanent disabilities that may impact an employee’s mental or physical capabilities, thereby hindering their ability to fulfill essential job functions.

Central to this initiative is the role of our nurse case manager, Mary Hicks, who acts as a crucial liaison among the employee, their medical provider, and therapists. Mary facilitates ongoing communication to assess the employee’s recovery progress, treatment recommendations, and the identification of necessary job accommodations. Through a collaborative approach, the employee, physician, therapist, and nurse case manager work together to create a tailored and safe progression strategy that enables the employee to return to work effectively and sustainably.

A Fitness For Duty (FFD) examination may be necessary and serves as a crucial assessment to determine an employee’s readiness to return to work. The process involves a thorough review of the employee’s medical records, a comprehensive physical examination, and, if deemed necessary, the formulation of treatment recommendations tailored to the individual’s needs. The collaboration between the treating medical provider and the FFD specialist ensures a detailed evaluation of the employee’s capability to perform essential job functions, both with and without any imposed restrictions. This multi-faceted approach not only safeguards the well-being of the employee but also upholds workplace safety and productivity.

To learn more about the Disability Management Program, please contact Mary Hicks, Nurse Case Manager at mhicks@dvtrusts.com.