Suffering an injury on the job can be devastating. In many cases, the injured worker cannot return to the same job they performed before the work accident. Luckily, many workers’ compensation programs offer vocational rehabilitation to help employees remain competitive in the job market.

The amount and type of vocational rehabilitation offered to workers varies between states. Some benefits a worker may be entitled to include:

• Tuition payments
• On-the-job training
• Resume services
• Interview training
• Job search assistance
• Vocational rehabilitation counseling

In many states, the employee’s only obligation is to “accept” vocational rehabilitation. In other words, the injured worker must make a valid attempt to return to employment. The employer also has a responsibility in regard to vocational rehabilitation. For instance, in Minnesota, the company must offer rehabilitation counseling to workers who missed 60 days of work because of an injury. In another example, employers in Missouri must offer vocational rehabilitation within 120 days if the injured worker lost suitable gainful employment.

Responsibilities of both employers and injured employees vary between states, so workers should speak with a workers’ compensation attorney to help with their claim.