Phaela Kirchner has over 30 years experience in
vocational case management and expert witness testimony serving the insurance industry. She has over 25 years supervisory and management experience.

MS Degree, State University of
New York/Buffalo
Rehabilitation Counseling

Certificate in Health Care Administration
University of Tampa

Specializing in:
Expert Witness Testimony
Disability Case Management

• Vocational Rehabilitation Assessments
  Interview with injured worker to determine vocational potential, i.e., is the person a suitable applicant for return-to-work. If vocational services are appropriate, what jobs could this injured worker perform.
   
• Vocational Evaluation
  Detailed review of current status (including medical and vocational) of injured worker with recommendations for formalizing a return-to-work plan.
   
• Vocational and Medical Case Management
  Assist injured worker in the implementation of a vocational plan. May also include vocational skills training to prepare injured worker for return-to-work.
   
• Transferable Skills Analysis
  Computer based program, McCroskey's MVQS, used to determine what alternatives do the skills/abilities of the injured worker transfer into that could provide options for light duty return-to-work.
   
• Labor Market Survey
  What jobs are available and at what salary range in the local labor market for the injured worker.
   
• Occupational Research
  Research occupations, including modifications as options for return-to-work.
   
• Ergonomic Job Analysis
  Onsite review of job to determine physical capacities required to perform job. May also include a video of actual job duties if requested.
   
• Vocational Expert Witness
  Testimony regarding vocational potential (ability to work) including: wage/salary information before administrative law judges.
   
• Disability Case Management
  Consultation with employers regarding an individual return-to-work effort or a return-to-work program, analyzing job data from loss time trends.
   
• Job Placement Assistance
  Research appropriate job leads using a variety of resources in order to provide appropriate employer contacts to assist injured worker in finding employment.
   
• Vocational Testing
  Interest aptitude and achievement testing in order to assist injured worker in identifying alternative employment (used specifically if considering retraining).