Work-Connected Recovery for Employers

What is work-connected recovery?

The Work-Connected Recovery (WCR) program is a network of WCB-approved health care providers.

  • It enables fast access to a WCB-covered assessment after a workplace injury, with further treatment when needed.
  • The program connects your workers with physiotherapists, kinesiologists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other health care providers across Nova Scotia—so they receive consistent, high-quality care and can begin recovery and return-to-work planning right away.
  • Early access to care supports better outcomes. Improved recovery can contribute to shorter claim durations, more predictable return-to-work timelines, and lower claim costs over time.
  • All providers remain independent—they follow the same standards so your workers receive consistent care no matter which provider they see.
  • Providers work with workers on recovery and return-to-work planning from the beginning—making sure both happen safely.
  • Workers may also receive care from physicians and other medical specialists (when needed)—while helping keep recovery progress and return-to-work planning on track.

If you are a worker looking for information on WCB's Work-Connected Recovery Program, check out this resource for workers.

How to access care

For a physical injury including a sprain, strain or concussion:

  • Call an appointment coordinator at 1-888-383-3361, or share this number with your worker
  • Either you or your worker can request a referral for a workplace injury assessment
  • Assessment appointments often happen within 3 days 

For a psychological injury:

  • A referral from WCB is required
  • Call 1-833-491-8889 to speak to a Client Care Navigator, or share this number with your worker
  • Once referred, a clinic will contact the worker within 24 hours to book the assessment
  • Assessment appointments often happen within 5 days
  • You or your worker may request a specific provider, as long as they’re part of the network and can meet program timelines

See providers in the Work-Connected Recovery network.

What to expect

All providers in the Work-Connected Recovery network follow the same standards (like how quickly appointments are scheduled and how often progress is shared) and use the same processes (the same forms, reports, and communication).

That means:

  • Your workers get quick access to assessment and treatment
  • You, your worker, and your WCB case worker receive clear, consistent information
  • You receive timely functional abilities information to support predictable return-to-work planning
  • Everyone shares the same goal—to support safe recovery and a timely return to work

Your role as an employer

  • Your role is critical in helping workers return to work safely.
  • Treatment through a WCR provider is one part of the process. Successful outcomes also depend on working with your worker to identify safe, suitable transitional work—temporary duties that can often begin early in recovery.
  • For many injuries, these conversations can happen right away. There’s no need to wait for an assessment when clear, safe transitional work is available.
  • For more complex injuries, the WCR provider will help clarify functional abilities and support identifying appropriate transitional work.
  • Remember, you and your worker have a legal obligation under the Workers’ Compensation Act to cooperate in the return-to-work process. This is known as the Duty to Cooperate.

Learn more about the program:

Learn about what led us here:

If you have a question, please contact WCR@wcb.ns.ca or connect directly with your WCB Case Worker or Business Partner.

Last updated: 2026-01-09
employers physical injuries psychological injuries accommodations and transitional work return to work rights and responsibilities