By Rosalind Asch-Hobeck

Getting Back to Work After an Injury: Vocational Rehabilitation Resources for Injured Workers in New York State

Sustaining a work-related injury can be a physically, emotionally, and financially challenging experience. Beyond the pain and recovery process, many injured workers face uncertainty about their future employment. Will they be able to return to their old job? Do they need new training? How will they support their families during this transition? What will they do if they are terminated from their job?

To address these challenges, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) offers a wide range of vocational rehabilitation services. These free programs are designed to help injured workers rebuild their careers, either by returning to their previous positions or by finding new employment that accommodates any lasting limitations.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what vocational rehabilitation is, how the New York Workers’ Compensation system supports it, and how you can access these vital resources.

What Is Vocational Rehabilitation?

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) is a set of services that help people with injuries or disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. In the context of workers’ compensation, these services are geared toward individuals who have been hurt on the job and are unable to return to their prior employment due to physical or psychological limitations.

VR services can include:

• Job training and re-skilling

• Career counseling and job placement

• Educational programs

• Workplace accommodations

• On-the-job training or internships

• Resume writing and interview preparation

In New York State, the WCB provides these services through a network of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) and Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs). Together, these professionals help injured workers chart a course back to productive and meaningful employment.

Who Is Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation?

Eligibility is generally available to injured workers who:

• Have an open workers’ compensation claim

• Are medically stable or partially disabled

• Are unable to return to their previous job due to the injury

• Are interested in returning to work in some capacity

You don’t have to wait until your case is completely resolved. In fact, the earlier you begin exploring VR services, the smoother the transition is likely to be.

If you’re uncertain about whether you qualify, the WCB encourages workers to reach out directly to request an evaluation.

In many instances, the insurance carrier has raised labor market attachment and the injured worker must look for work within their physical limitations.  The Vocational Rehab through the WCB can assist you.

Services Available Through the WCB

The WCB offers a broad suite of services through its rehabilitation program. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Return-to-Work Planning

One of the first steps in vocational rehabilitation is understanding your medical restrictions and how they impact your ability to work. A VRC will work with your doctors and other professionals to evaluate your current limitations and develop a realistic plan to help you return to work—either in your previous field or a new one.

2. Career Counseling and Job Matching

Your counselor will assess your education, experience, skills, and interests to help you find a new career path if necessary. They may assist you in:

• Identifying job goals based on your abilities

• Finding job openings that match your skill set

• Applying for jobs

• Preparing for interviews

3. Training and Re-Skilling

If you need to pivot to a new industry or role, training and educational opportunities may be available. The WCB can help coordinate short-term certificate programs, online learning, or even more formal vocational training programs. Examples include:

• Office and administrative work

• IT support or data entry

• Light manufacturing

• Customer service

• Medical coding or billing

4. Collaboration With Other State Agencies

The WCB may connect you to additional resources offered by:

• ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation)

• Department of Labor One-Stop Career Centers

• NYS Education Department

These partnerships broaden the types of training, job search, and placement resources available to you.

Support Beyond Employment: The Role of Social Workers

Sometimes, the barriers to returning to work go beyond skills and training. That’s where Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) come in.

Social workers help with the practical and emotional challenges of recovery, including:

• Financial assistance: Helping navigate communication with landlords, utility companies, or creditors

• Access to community resources: Connecting you to transportation services, housing assistance, food programs, and more

• Benefit applications: Guiding you through the process of applying for Social Security Disability, Medicaid, or other aid

• Mental health support: Referrals for therapy, counseling, or stress management

Together, VRCs and LMSWs provide a holistic, team-based approach to getting you back on your feet.

 Scenarios Where VR Helps

Let’s look at a few examples of how vocational rehabilitation can make a difference:

• A 52-year-old warehouse worker, sustained a knee injury that made it impossible to return to a physically demanding role. Through vocational rehab, she completed an online bookkeeping course and now works part-time from home.

• A construction worker, lost his ability to operate heavy machinery after a hand injury. With the help of a VRC, he transitioned to a safety inspector role after completing OSHA training.

• A nurse, suffered burnout and PTSD after a traumatic incident at work. An LMSW helped her access mental health care, while her VRC helped her transition into a public health educator position.

How to Get Started

Accessing vocational rehabilitation services through the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board is straightforward:

1. Call the WCB: Dial 877-632-4996 and request vocational rehabilitation services.

2. Visit the WCB Website: Find forms, detailed guides, and contact information.  The WCB website is https://wcb.ny.gov.

3. Speak with Your Attorney: If you have legal representation, your attorney can help coordinate services or make the request on your behalf.

You can also request an in-person or virtual appointment with a VRC or LMSW to begin the planning process.

Final Thoughts

Injured workers deserve support—not just in healing from their injuries, but in reclaiming their careers and financial independence. Vocational rehabilitation is more than a government program; it’s a second chance.

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board has built a robust system to help injured workers navigate this transition with dignity, care, and confidence. Whether you need new training, a modified job, or emotional support along the way, help is available.

If you or someone you know is recovering from a work-related injury, don’t wait. Explore your options with vocational rehabilitation. It could be the first step toward your next opportunity.

And if you need a lawyer to help you navigate through the process and through your claim, LawyerLanding.com can help introduce you to a lawyer for direction on vocational rehab and all phases of your case.