A 12-month transition support pilot provided to 50 injured workers exiting the Victorian Workers’ Compensation system has shown benefits to the health and wellbeing for participants.
The pilot, commissioned by the Collaborative Partnership to improve work participation, involved a Transition Specialist identifying and providing relevant support services to build participants’ confidence, independence, and job readiness.
An independent evaluation by Monash University has highlighted the potential impact of a short-term, tailored service at the conclusion of workers’ compensation benefits to support individuals.
After participating in the pilot:
- 48% of participants reported a positive change to their general physical health.
- 48% of participants reported a positive change to their general mental health.
- 58% of participants reported a positive change to general self-efficacy.
Led by EML, the research highlights that people who have experienced long term unemployment have the potential to return to work and by receiving tailored services, including counselling, financial assistance, and family support can help improve and enable employability pathways.
Key findings tell us that the timing of the service was important and differed depending on individuals’ circumstances. Participants described significant financial difficulties, for some this included being unable to pay rent, buy food and pay for medical care. Participants found the Transition Specialist’s manner and willingness to listen and understand their situation as a strong key benefit of the services.
Findings also highlighted the desire by almost all participants to be working, not just for financial benefits but for the purpose that employment brings.
