This module will provide professionals with disability management and workplace health responsibilities with an understanding of the causes and experience of pain and with some tools to support workers who are dealing with pain. Participants will explore the physiological process through which pain is experienced; the types and causes of pain; the impact of pain on workers and the workplace; common treatments for pain; methods for supporting workers with pain both at the organizational and individual level; a biopsychosocial approach to assisting workers in remaining at work or returning to work when their disability involves pain; and work accommodations for workers with pain.
$250
Supporting workers with chronic and episodic health conditions can be challenging because impairments may not be obvious and visible and workers may prefer not to disclose their issues. When workers ask for support, a one-time solution may not be sufficient and work arrangements may need to change over time. The module provides people with responsibilities in the area of workplace health with approaches that can be used to retain workers and mitigate the effect of chronic and episodic health conditions on work performance and work absence.
The module will cover the types and characteristics of chronic and episodic health conditions and explore some common conditions. The costs for workers and workplaces when chronic and episodic conditions are not addressed will be examined as well as issues of disclosure and privacy; strategies for mitigating the impact of such conditions on workers and their employment; return to work planning and accommodation from a biopsychosocial perspective; the role of service providers; and wellness initiatives.
$250
The purpose of this course is to examine what skills, roles, and knowledge are central to being an effective manager. We will also explore management functions including concepts of return to work and occupational health and safety wellness programs. Since communication is one of the essential skills for managers in all areas, including workplace health programs, an introduction to the theory and practice of communication is provided. The course focuses on effective communication in individual and group workplace situations in order to support employees with health and disability challenges. Students will learn more about the role of effective communication and management in order to plan, organize, lead, and influence workplace health and safety programs.
Prerequisite: WHDM 215
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the human resource management (HRM) function within organizations, and to delineate the HRM structures and processes employed to enhance employee health, safety, and well-being while maximizing work performance. Additionally, HRM principles of organizational development and change are examined along with the role of change agents in this regard when introducing new policies or procedures aimed at maximizing employee health and performance.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to case management and its principles, models, and phases from a return-to-work focus. Disability case management is the process whereby one individual acts as the central liaison and facilitator for the delivery to clients of a range of services that can facilitate a return to work. Data gathering is an essential component of Case Management, and requires skilled interviewing techniques not only to obtain relevant information but also to uncover challenges and opportunities in order to develop effective responses to both. Models of helping and the potential and limitations of the helping role will be explored. Students will practice strategies to ensure that case management approaches are worker-centered, and that differences in background and situation are recognized and respected. The process of interview techniques and skills that enable disability management professionals to return to work will be explored through an inter-disciplinary approach.
The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation in research skills, with a focus on those that are applicable to the workplace. Topics include the literature review as an underpinning for research questions and approaches, and commonly used research methodologies, including case analysis, action research, correlational research methods, and quasi-experimental and experimental research methods.
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of the major components of an occupational health & safety program and management system, as well as of health promotion and workplace wellness, within the context of population health. Students will explore the processes related to identifying, measuring and mitigating risks to health and safety as well as population health determinants with a particular emphasis on employment and employment-related factors. Students will learn about theories related to individual health behaviors, and the role of workplace wellness and culture as factors influencing the physical and mental health of workers. Students will examine the characteristics of psychologically healthy workplaces and programs to promote the mental wellbeing of workers. The course will also address the considerations that influence decisions about program components, including marketing, communication, quality management & assurance, budgeting, purchasing, delivery and evaluation.
This course provides a multidisciplinary introduction to the interaction between physiological, biomechanical and psychomotor functioning and psychological, cognitive, and emotional processes. It provides an introduction to physiological and cognitive systems from the standpoint of the work context. Students will situate their learning about the body and mind at work in different work situations. The course provides an insight into the dynamic interaction between an individual and work using a biopsychosocial perspective on mental and physical functioning. It also explores the interaction between work and physical and mental health and well-being, and the effectiveness of workplace strategies developed to maintain worker health and capacity, and to respond to problems.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to three components of disability management: disability management as a discipline and the value it provides; corporate disability management programming best practice; and the role of an effective disability management practitioner in driving client experience. In each component, students will develop a broad understanding of: theories and concepts that underline disability management, legislative and policy frameworks, disability benefits and financial impacts to workers and employers, working with multiple stakeholders, client experience, and strategies and practices to achieve work retention and/or early return to work for workers who experience a work- related injury, or who are at risk of a health-related absence.
Disability Management and Return to Work.
Prerequisite: To enroll in this course, one must have completed: DMCS 750, DMCS 755, DMCS 760, DMCS 765, DMCS 770, DMCS 775, and DMCS 780.
The Capstone Course provides participants with an opportunity to review the concepts presented in previous courses in this program and to identify the priorities for their own workplaces. While the need for leadership and innovation by workplace leaders in this area has always been integral to workplace wellness, the current realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, substance use escalation and marked societal increases in mental illness, underscore the responsibilities of professionals who are involved in disability management. The Capstone Course is designed to assist participants in building a foundation of skills and knowledge related to mental health within their organizations. It provides an opportunity to develop a strategic knowledge transfer plan appropriate to the needs of their organization. Practice in supporting and justifying research processes and viewpoints will also be inherent within the activities.
$450.00
(If you have previously completed DMCS 715 – Strategies to Retain Workers Experiencing Mental Health Challenges within the last three years, you can receive an Exemption for this course upon presentation of an original transcript.)
This course provides a bigger picture overview of the workplace environment and context in which processes aimed at responding to mental health challenges are initiated. This course offers the opportunity to integrate a systematic approach to remaining and returning to work in the workplace as now more than ever, individuals responsible for disability management are looked to for leadership. Evidence-based tools enable professionals involved with disability management and return to work to act as a stable force in an environment of ‘new normal’. Approaches to identifying the issues within the participants’ workplaces, problem-solving with peers, and engaging in collaborative planning are included.
$250.00
(If you have previously completed DMCS 512 – Substance Recreational Use, Misuse and Addictions: A Disability Management Perspective within the last three years, you can receive an Exemption for this course upon presentation of an original transcript.)
This course provides an overview of substance use and addiction and its effects on the employability of workers and the productivity of the workforce. It covers the concept of substance recreational use, substance misuse and substance addictions; incidence rates; types of addictions; the challenge of comorbidity; treatment approaches and impacts; and the strategies that can be used in terms of prevention, job retention and return to work. The course overviews, from the perspective of the individual responsible for disability management, the strategies, interventions and supports that can assist employers to establish workplace prevention and promotion programs and assist at-risk workers to access appropriate treatment and to remain at work or reintegrate into the workplace.
$250.00
DMSC 770 Psychological injury: Prevention, Job Retention and RTW strategies
(If you have previously completed DMCS 514 – Psychological Injury: Prevention, Job Retention, and RTW Strategies within the last three years, you can receive an Exemption for this course upon presentation of an original transcript.)
The concept of psychological injury is addressed primarily from the perspective of the individual responsible for disability management who is involved in prevention, job retention, and return to work. The course focuses both on creating psychologically healthy workplaces, and the functional and activity implications of mental distress that arise either from a traumatic event or chronic stress. It also addresses the basis for determining legal responsibility for a mental injury as well as the challenges that arise when a psychological injury occurs comorbidly with another health condition. It covers the range of symptoms, evidence-based treatments, available interventions, and the strategies, supports and interventions that can be used to support job retention or return to work.
$250.00
(If you have previously completed DMCS 615 – Stress and Anxiety in the Workplace within the last three years, you can receive an Exemption for this course upon presentation of an original transcript.)
Information and tools required to support workers who are experiencing stress, chronic stress, anxiety and anxiety disorders are explored. The characteristics of stress, anxiety and anxiety disorders are outlined and their impact in the workplace is considered. Approaches to supporting workers will be examined along with factors that act as barriers and facilitators to remaining or returning to work. Employer obligations and workplace initiatives that can be put in place to mitigate stress and anxiety for all workers will be examined.
$250.00
In this module various ways of classifying mental health conditions are described. A range of approaches to retaining workers with mental health conditions are explored including the biopsychosocial approach. The International Classification of Functioning, and Disability and Health (ICF) is a classification system that can be used to examine work function from a range of perspectives. In assessing work ability, the capacity to function in the workplace is conceptualized as an interplay between the worker, job tasks and skills requirements, and the environment. As well, the concept of resiliency is addressed. A focus on understanding the functional challenges of workers is intertwined with the challenges of worker disclosure, invisible disabilities, and the provision of appropriate supports. Conditions commonly seen in the work environment are highlighted, with a more intensive look at depression.
$250.00
Communication skills that are key to effective practice are the focus of this course, and the development of self-awareness. Individuals responsible for disability management and workplace health programs must build and maintain relationships with managers, supervisors, labor representatives, workers with disabilities, treatment providers and others. The helping and problem-solving skills that are explored in this course are not designed to prepare participants to help workers deal with serious, long-term psychological issues. Rather, the course is intended to build awareness of how and when a disability management practitioner can provide direct assistance to a worker experiencing mental health challenges and provide referral to a specific resource.
$250.00
(If you have previously completed DMCCD – Mental Health Issues, Rehabilitation and RTW within the last three years, you can receive an Exemption for this course upon presentation of an original transcript.)
This course begins with an exploration of some of the foundations of mental health including the delineation of mental health versus mental illness. The concerning prevalence of mental health globally is examined. Course activities will then focus more specifically on the integral role of the individual responsible for disability management in guiding the recovering worker. A three-stage model of helping is introduced. Ethical considerations in executing a helping role are addressed. Consideration of the role of the mentally healthy workplace environment as an overarching concept will be integrated into the activities of the course and will continue to be addressed in other modules.
$250.00
This module provides a bigger picture overview of workers within their environment and offers the opportunity to integrate a systematic approach to remaining and returning to work. Now more than ever, RTW/DM professionals will be looked upon to be leaders. Evidence-based tools provide a means to be a stable force in an environment of ‘new normal’. Opportunities for problem-solving with peers, discussions, and the encouragement to identify the issues within the participant’s workplace are included as well as communication strategies to assist with engaging in collaborative planning. This module has been endorsed for Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) and Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC) professional development. The number of continuing education credit hours that can be claimed for this module is 12 hours.
$250.00
