Testimonials & success stories

MWCM received a referral for an individual who, as a result of a motor vehicle accident, could no longer perform his regular work duties at the only job he had ever had.  Once maximum medical improvement was achieved, Midwest Case Management, Inc. provided him with the tools, support, and encouragement necessary to reenter the workforce through the Placement Lab.  At first he was reluctant and wary of the unfamiliar tasks, but quickly he improved and was able to secure full-time employment with benefits.  He was very happy with the experience and said that the supportive environment helped him a great deal. 

MWCM received a referral for job placement services where the claimant had been receiving medical management services from another rehab company after being injured at work.  This claimant had a severe knee injury and a partial knee replacement.  A total knee replacement is expected futuristically.  His work history consisted only of entry-level, physical labor.  He had a 20-year substance abuse history and 3 felonies.  He had a long list of previous employers with no employment lasting over 2-years. 

 At the time of referral, the claimant had secured an attorney and was attending college full-time, pursuing an associates degree.  His overall goal was to achieve a masters degree, after which he would pursue employment as a substance abuse counselor.  Due to the necessity of remedial classes, this would be a 7-year venture. 

 Direct job placement was instituted.   The claimant was largely non-compliant.  Employment was initiated twice, unsuccessfully.  First, he was employed as a hi-lo driver.  Unfortunately this aggravated his knee and was ruled out by the doctor.  Next, he secured employment as an inventory taker but failed to call for the work schedule and was terminated. 

 After initially refusing, the claimant eventually agreed to apply for a volunteer position for a social service agency; this is an area of interest to him.  Prior to being called for a volunteer position, an entry-level position became available with the same employer.  The voc counselor notified the claimant to apply.  Unfortunately the claimant was not considered because of his lack of experience and there would be no supervision on the available shift.  Another opening became available and again, the voc counselor notified the claimant.  He applied, interviewed twice, and was hired.  He is now working full-time and very happy while continuing to pursue a full-time school schedule in the fall. 

 In the meantime, the voc counselor had scheduled the claimant for a return-to-work program as he lacked recent employment.  His attorney filed a petition for new rehab.  The claimant participated in the workshop for one week before being hired.  SUCCESS!

MWCM received a referral from a rehabilitation team with the request for job placement assistance.  The young man was brain injured and recently returned to Grand Rapids from a inpatient treatment facility to live with family members.  The brain injury created some problems with interacting with people, problem solving, advocating for himself, and work tolerance.  Additionally, he had some medical problems that did not relate to his brain injury but created some challenges in looking for work. 

His work history consisted of one month of part-time retail work.  Additionally, he did not have a high school diploma or GED. 

 A plan was developed with the team that included employer contacts and a position was identified with a local restaurant which was not far from his home and did not require customer contact.  The rehab specialist accompanied him on the interview and after a job offer was secured, additional services were arranged by the team to assist in him maintaining employment.  These services included a job coach, public transportation training, taxi training, drivers education and occupational therapy assistance for budgeting.  A public conservator also provided help with asset management, prescription coverage, and medical reimbursement for services. 

 Combining services using a team approach can help a patient overcome multiple barriers and improve independence and therefore the young man’s QUALITY OF LIFE.