Meet Bethany Hobbs, Adjuster

Bethany is a graduate of Keene State with degree in Occupational Safety & Health. She began her career in Risk Management working with hospitals, restaurants, manufacturing, construction and transportation. Bethany collaborated with businesses by way of inspections and policy/loss reviews to identify trending, reduce the frequency and severity of injuries and to develop and implement training and return to work programs. She transitioned into claims and have handled mostly VT and NH Indemnity claims working to determine compensability of claims, mitigate loss and ensure successful return to work and resolution of claimants.

Questions we asked Bethany:

1) Do you make direct referrals at 90 days or use Screenings. When? Why?

When working my desk, I set a task for the 90 day mark to review for VR Referral. I almost always make the referral, because things can change at any time. An anticipated return to work date can get pushed out, there can be barriers with treatment or scheduling that cause delays, etc. VR can always be under extension or suspension and so there is really no detriment to a timely referral.  Maybe an employer cannot continue to accommodate a light duty opportunity. It is always better to have VR established and ready to move forward with an entitlement assessment, if needed, so as not to cause further delays. Timeliness can often mitigate loss is the claimant is found to be entitled.

2) What do you look for when referring to a Vermont vocational counselor? 

I look for a Counselor that communicates well with both me, as the Adjuster, on behalf of the insured, and the claimant. Being actively involved in the process is essential. This experience, having to be on Workers Compensation, due to an injury can be very overwhelming and stressful for a claimant. VR can make that even more intimidating and concerning if there is not good communication. The importance of being able to clearly communicate to the claimant that you, as the Counselor, is there as a means of support and advocacy is crucial. Understanding the VR hierarchy is of equal importance as Return to Work Plans have to be feasible, realistic and appropriate. Nobody wants to feel like they are being pushed into a new career or that they will not recover fully and be able to stay with their current employer. Keeping the claimant with their current employer is always best case scenario. The claimant wants to know that their injury will not be compound with the feeling that their employer is not interested in keeping them as an employee. The VR Counselor’s ability to work with the employer and employee to maintain that relationship goes a long way. When employees feel valued and the employer demonstrates concern, we have a better outcome.

3) Best advice for Adjusters new to the Vermont Voc process. 

Communicate the requirement of VR per VT DOL to the claimant prior to assigning a VR Counselor. VR can be intimidating and perceived as threatening if the goals and objectives are not made clear to the claimants. Explain the process to the claimant. Make sure the claimant understands the role of VR, the possibility of the need for VR and the open lines of communication they can expect.  Ensure they understand it is required and although a counselor is assigned, the claimant may very well return to their prior employment once they have fully recovered. Keeping the claimant at ease during this process will allow for a more productive and successful partnership. It is always important to  make it clear to the claimant that we are all working collaboratively in their best interest.