What is the typical first step for an injured worker to receive vocational assistance?

The standard first step for an injured worker to receive vocational assistance is to complete a vocational eligibility assessment. This assessment evaluates the worker's ability to return to work and identifies any specific vocational needs they may have due to their injury. It helps determine the nature of the vocational services that best suit the worker's circumstances, such as retraining options or job placement services. Completing this assessment is crucial, as it establishes the foundation for any subsequent steps in the rehabilitation process, ensuring that the assistance provided aligns with the worker's capabilities and career aspirations.

Engaging in other options, such as submitting a written request to their employer or providing medical documentation of their injury, may play a role in the overall process, but they do not initiate the vocational assistance itself. Attending a counseling session may also be beneficial but typically follows the assessment stage, where the needs and plans are more clearly defined.