Introduction

This module is suitable for anyone interested in understanding the meaning of work and its relationship to health. The module content will cover the underpinning policies relating to work and will also address assessments and intervention techniques used for return to work and job retention. The module is relevant to those both with experience in vocational rehabilitation but wishing to enhance and evidence base their practice, and for those who have never worked in vocational rehabilitation but who are wishing to develop that as an area of expertise. The module focuses on health and work in a variety of settings with a range of groups and individuals.

You will explore the social and political context of work and you will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of assessments used with people who have physical, psychological and cognitive difficulties and analyse job roles and plan interventions relating to both job retention and return to work.

Learning takes place alongside other students using online collaborative resources that allow you to work together as a group. As well as watching presentations (e-lectures) you will undertake regular "e-tivities" many of which are as part of a smaller group.

Who the module is aimed at 

Anyone who is interested in vocational rehabilitation, for example managers, occupational health staff, vocational rehabilitation practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists.

Benefits of taking the module to the individual, the organisation and the patient

You develop a solid understanding of the meaning and importance of work and how you can best support individuals in remaining in work or helping them into/back into work. You explore the evidence base around current practice which ensures that you are offering your users the best service possible.

What you learn 

You explore the context and principles of vocational rehabilitation and examine the concept of work and the benefits that it brings, considering this from three different perspectives:

• people who have never worked and are looking to gain vocational skills
• people who are returning to work following illness or disability
• people who are in work and managing ill health or a disability (work retention/sickness absence management)

These perspectives will be then be explored with respect to a range of strategies, interventions and multi agency approaches which enable individuals to overcome the barriers to their individual vocational pathway.

General areas covered 

• the psychological, social and policy context of work
• the meaning of work
• vocational rehabilitation interventions
• multi-agency working

Skills gained for the workplace, technical skills or academic skills

Vocational rehabilitation skills such as job demand analysis, functional capacity evaluation, coaching, awareness of motivational interviewing, knowledge of other approaches e.g. case management, Individual placement and support.

To Study this distance learning module you will require access to a computer with:

• a reliable internet connection
• Microsoft or Apple Mac Supported Office Software
• the current version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox

Fees and Funding for 2022/23

Further details

For further information please contact the module leader Tina Guilford - m.guilford@shu.ac.uk or contact the student experience team:

alliedhealth@shu.ac.uk

Related course(s)

• MSc Vocational Rehabilitation