Case Study:

Background to the injury:

Employer: Department of Education

Date of injury (DOI): 22/03/2021 - physical 16/08/2021 - psychological

Selina is a 32-year-old, single mother, Special Education Teacher employed in a rural town.

Selina sustained a physical workplace injury 22/03/2021 when she was allegedly attacked by a grade 6 special needs student. It was reported that the student appeared agitated and lashed out at Selina hitting and punching her against a wall. Selina slid down the wall and hid her face in her hands to try and protect herself from the physical assault. It was alleged that the student continued attacking her and progressed to pulling Selina's hair out.

The duress alarm was triggered by the aide in the room and additional staff members came into the room to remove the student and support Selina.

Selina ceased work 22/03/2021 and attended her family doctor for review. A WorkCover injury claim form was submitted following the workplace injury.

Selina subsequently registered a psychological injury (16/08/2021), due to trauma experienced from the assault. Selina has not returned to work since the initial incident 22/03/2021.

Selina has worked as a Special Education Teacher for seven years. Selina reported over many years working with challenging behaviours that she has received numerous concussions and other physical injuries, including the most recent injury 22/03/2021.

Certificate of capacity key details:

Diagnoses:	Soft tissue neck injury. PTSD - depression with anxiety.
Restrictions:	Cannot: Reach above shoulder Lift Attention/ concentration, memory and judgment marked as affected.
Treatment plan:	Analgesia, myotherapy and exercise physiotherapy
Capacity:	No capacity for employment - no estimated timeframe provided

At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers were directed to work from home where possible. The Special Education school Selina is employed at directed employees to work from home for a fortnight. Within the fortnight, the Department of Education changed their strategy and advised Special Educators to work onsite immediately. Many employees became highly anxious about the constant change in direction having to prepare work/ learnings from home and then pivoting back to onsite teaching with little notice, in addition to fear of catching COVID-19 and lack of environmental support/ appropriate hygiene set up in the workplace. The constant change in proposed work requirements further impacted Selina's confidence and capacity to return to work and resulted in heightened stress and anxiety for Selina.

You have been referred to provide Occupational Rehabilitation services by the insurance agent managing Selina's workplace injury claim.

1. Identify and discuss a depth understanding of three (3)barriers from the case study that may impact Selina's recovery and return to work.
2. As a Rehabilitation Consultant/ Counsellor, critically analyze how you might address these barriers. Include specific strategies/ activities that you might adopt/implement.