Vocational Rehabilitation
Northwest Renal Network Vocational Rehabilitation Toolkit
January 2015
Northwest Renal Network (ESRD Network 16) strives to promote optimal care for individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease. Optimal care not only includes safe and quality care, but must also include efforts to improve patient independence, quality of life, and rehabilitation. The CMS Conditions for Coverage for ESRD Facilities require facilities to assist patients with an individualized vocational rehabilitation (VR) plan. In support of this endeavor, and to aid you in your quality improvement efforts, Network 16 has updated the Vocational Rehabilitation Toolkit. The following recommended practices, tools and resources are available for download.
- Informational materials for patients
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- Working While Disabled: How We Can Help – A Social Security Publication (download other languages version at https://www.ssa.gov/ )
- Understanding the Benefits – A Social Security Publication (download other languages version at https://www.ssa.gov/ )
- Social Security Administration Fact Sheet – Information about Social Security changes for 2019 (Also available in Spanish at https://www.ssa.gov/ )
- Keeping Your Social Security Benefits While Working – A poster for the facility waiting area / handout for patients
- Guide to Working with Your Local Vocational Rehabilitation Office – A step by step guide to the VR process for patients
- Keeping Your Job When You Need Dialysis – A fact sheet developed by the Medical Education Institute, that addresses anemia, income and treatment options
- Vocational Rehabilitation Resources
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- Northwest Renal Network Vocational Rehabilitation Resource List – A list of DVR offices and resources for providers and patients
- Threading the Needle to Complete the Stitch: Rehabilitation – Dialysis Through Transplant – Article by Mary Beth Callahan, ACSW/LCSW
- Social Security Administration WISE Seminar Slides – Information on Ticket to Work, answers to frequently asked questions, and success stories from people who went back to work
- Recommended Practices for Providers
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- Good News – A handout for CKD/ESRD partners related to work incentives and resources
- Vocational Rehabilitation Best Practices Checklist – Recommendations and resources for facility operations and patient care (Make sure you share this checklist with your facility manager)
- Tips for Partnering with Local Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Offices – A list of best practices for building relationships with VR Counselor
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- Network 16 Vocational Rehabilitation QIA Tools and 2744 VR Worksheet Instructions :
- Quality Improvement Action (QIA) Plan – A QI template for monitoring your facility VR activities
- Quality Improvement Action Plan Sample – A sample QI plan
- 2744 VR Worksheet Instructions – How to report VR data on the annual facility survey.
- Network 16 Vocational Rehabilitation QIA Tools and 2744 VR Worksheet Instructions :
The Network wants to support your efforts in regards to vocational rehabilitation and to help address any barriers. If you have any suggestions/comments or would like technical assistance on this matter, please give call Lisa Hall, MSSW, LICSW, Patient Services Director, at 206-923-0714, ext. 109.
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Page updated April 10, 2019