Health Care Management Specialist

The most common reasons a member may not be a candidate for the Joint Early Intervention Service are:

  • The member is unable to work as they are caring for a family member who is ill.

  • The member is unable to work as he/she is involved in a work-related issue that is interfering with their return to work and there is clearly no underlying medical condition contributing to the member’s inability to return to work.

Work-related issues causing absences can be a challenge given that it is often difficult to determine if the work-related issue was actually initially caused by or exacerbated by an underlying psychological issue not yet identified.

If it remains unclear if the absence is a work-related or personal issue or if there are medical symptoms driving the absence, the HCMS will always err on the side of caution and continue to provide support where appropriate to the Member to assist with a safe and sustainable RTW.

1.

Conduct an in-depth interview with the member and determine their status for the JEIS program as outlined in the table below.

Status Actions
Not a candidate
  • If applicable, will direct the member to any available support and/or resources that may assist them with their personal life issue(s).
  • Inform the member that you will be suspending their file and will be notifying the Committee.
  • Remind the member to contact their JEIS Union Coordinator with any questions or concerns.
May not be a candidate
  • Discuss the case with a supervisor to confirm this position or determine whether the position needs to be reconsidered
  • If there is any ambiguity or doubt, continue to work with the member and keep their file open
  • You may request an Attending Physician’s Statement be completed and may opt to contact the Committee to request additional and collaborative information.
  • Ensure that all sources of information are reviewed before determining that the issue is work-related versus medical.