When a gradual onset psychological injury occurs at work, a team is there to help the worker and employer through every stage of the claim, including recovery and return to work. 

At any time, workers and employers can contact the Client Care Navigator with questions or concerns.

Client Care Navigator

The Client Care Navigator will guide and support the worker and employer in opening a claim through to when a decision has been made on whether it is approved. If the claim is approved, they will connect you with the other team members as needed—keeping you updated on the next steps.

Employer

Employers are a critical part of supporting workers after an injury occurs. They are part of the return-to-work team—responsible for creating an environment that supports recovery and a safe and timely return to work. This includes helping create a return-to-work plan that provides safe, transitional work to help workers stay connected as they recover and return to work if time off is necessary.

Meet the Team: After a Claim is Open 

Eligibility Specialist

The Eligibility Specialist gathers all the information needed to decide on the claim. This is when the worker and employer will need to share all the relevant details for the claim. They will use information gathered from:

• The worker and employer
  
• Client Care Navigator
• Psychologist or psychiatrist
• If necessary, co-workers
• If necessary, they’ll ask for input from others

These are registered health professionals who are experts in diagnosing and helping people recover from gradual onset psychological injuries. 

To be eligible for coverage by the WCB, a worker must have a psychological injury that is diagnosed by a registered psychologist or psychiatrist. They will diagnose the injury. And, if the injury is work-related, they may be part of your health care team to help you recover and get back to work safely. 

The WCB will arrange the entire process, connecting you with the health care providers and paying for their services. Your Client Care Navigator will organize all of this for you.

Meet the Team: After a Claim is Approved

Case Manager

Once a claim has been approved, the Case Manager will be the main point of contact. They will work with the worker, employer and any care providers to:

• help organize treatment
• ensure a supportive workplace during recovery
• support a safe and timely return to work if time off is necessary, including return-to-work planning

They will also make sure the worker gets their claim benefits.

Return-To-Work Specialist

Whether recovering from a psychological or physical injury, work is almost always part of the recovery. The Return-to-Work Specialist will keep the worker at the center of the process—working with the employer, Case Manager, and healthcare provider. 

They will help create a safe path for the worker to stay safely connected to work or to return to work as soon as it’s safe to do so. They will also help plan transitional work and accommodations based on what a worker can do safely during recovery. It is important to note that returning to work does not impact entitlement to your claim.

Health Care Providers

To support your treatment and recovery, workers will be connected with the right health care team members. Depending on the injury and treatment plan, this may include:

• Registered Social Workers
• Occupational Therapists
• Registered Counselling Therapists
• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists