What we do

New York Life Group Benefit Solutions Healthy Working Life® vocational coaches are employees whose focus is to help individuals with disabilities meet their goals to be productive at work. Our coaches hold master’s degrees and certifications in rehabilitation counseling (CRC) and as ergonomic assessment specialists (CEAS).

Coaches conduct individualized telephonic assessments

When someone is referred to the program, the coach will conduct a personalized assessment. The coach will assess the employee's needs, abilities, and medical restrictions, and how they impact the employee's ability to perform his/her job tasks. The goal of the assessment will be to identify barriers that may prevent the employee from working healthily, safely, and comfortably.

Coaches recommend personalized interventions

Based on their findings, coaches will create a custom-fit plan for your employee—what we call a Healthy Working Life Plan—and provide one-on-one coaching to help employees overcome barriers. In addition, the coach may collaborate with the employee's health-care professionals to understand how we can support the employee in their treatment plan.

The Healthy Working Life Plan includes personalized recommendations to help the employee feel more comfortable, stay healthier, and continue working safely. The particular services recommended depend on the employee's serious health condition, the type of job tasks the employee performs, and other factors as determined by the coach.

Recommendations may include the following:

• Workstation ergonomic assessments and adjustments, including behavioral modifications.
• Modified work schedules.
• Transitional work assignments.
• Alternative work opportunities.
• Assistive devices or equipment—including how to use them.
• Referrals to health management programs offered by the employer:
  • Health clinics/coaching.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Lifestyle management programs (e.g., weight loss, smoking cessation, etc.).
  • Disease management programs (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, back pain, etc.).

The employer will determine whether or not to implement any recommendations made by a coach and will be responsible for communicating that decision to the employee.