Jake's helping hand leads workers above and beyond
Only 23 years old, occupational therapist Jake Turvey was selected as the Young Professional of the Year icare Industry Champion.
Jake Turvey, Young Professional of the Year
Jake was selected because of the enormous contribution he is making as a rehabilitation consultant to his clients, his employer IPAR and the 15 large organisations he supports.
According to Sarah Bonar, IPAR Regional Manager – Northern NSW, Jake's strength lies in his exceptional work ethic, excellent communication skills and his strategic thinking.
"He has received outstanding feedback from employers because of his dedication and enquiring mind," says Sarah.
"He researches illnesses and injuries so he can have a better understanding of his clients' circumstances. He takes the time to learn about the organisations he supports and visits their worksites and has built a strong referral network with sporting teams and gyms.
"Jake has expanded his knowledge of emergency hand therapy, musculoskeletal injuries and arthritic-related conditions so he can provide more targeted treatment and recommend appropriate services that support injured workers' return-to-work outcomes.
"His return-to-work rate is 97 per cent and has 10 preferred provider nominations. As a result, he already plays a significant role within IPAR and manages some of our most complex cases."
Floaty and flippers
Jake was thrilled to be selected as a Young Professional Champion and offers this advice to new recruits to the rehabilitation sector.
"To be comfortable, you have to be uncomfortable first. As a new graduate in the rehab sector, this pretty much means saying 'yes' to everything asked of you," he says.
"You soon realise that you are being asked to take on these opportunities to help people, and that your employer has complete faith in you. It's a little like being thrown in the deep end, but in rehab they give you an adult-sized floaty and a good set of flippers—that is, your team, management and the many resources you can tap into."
Feedback from his partners
Hunter Valley Buses:
Jake completed a bus ergonomic training course so that he could better understand and assist his clients from Hunter Valley Buses. His efforts have led to demonstrable industry improvements, as noted in an endorsement from the bus company:
"I have noticed evident changes in the culture of the depot, particularly relating to the promotion of early intervention and the associated benefit and importance of early return to work … having this culture now ingrained into our workplace through the support of Jake cannot be undersold."
University of Newcastle:
"Jake goes above and beyond for our injured workers, attending medical appointments and helping them to understand their injury, treatment options and workplace opportunities. When faced with a challenge Jake is creative in his approach and looks to find resolutions. He is extremely responsive and always delivers what he promises."
The judges commented on the alternate learning methods Jake used, as well as his professionalism. John Sheeba, icare's Interim Chief of Claims Operations, was impressed by his strong commitment and focus on understanding the immediate priorities of his clients.
"Jake takes a very active approach in helping to resolve barriers to returning to work and has built an extensive and effective network to not only improve his knowledge and skills but also to ensure effective outcomes are achieved for injured workers and employers," says John.
Industry Champion 2020
icare's Industry Champion 2020 replaced the well-respected recognition program the Care and Service Excellence (CASE) Awards due to COVID-19.
Jake Turvey is one of 10 Industry Champions announced in March, recognised by icare as a steward of excellence in the delivery of insurance and care services for the people, businesses and communities of NSW.
