{{{{SS, Sky, Dexter}}}}
Thank you all SO very much for your compassionate and wise responses. It really does help getting my thoughts organized by writing them down and I appreciate you all for taking the time to read and respond.
Sky: </font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
don't go looking for another job... stay on leave while you are getting help...and let them make the first move... doctors or job ok?
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For sure. I've felt all along it's not right to actively look for another job while on leave. My mother is encouraging me to just check out what jobs are available via newspapers, etc. That would probably be a good idea but haven't had the energy to do that. Thank you for the input to let the job and/or doctor make the first move. I have a tendency to try to think through "If he does this, I'll do that, then such-and-such will happen, then this will happen..." Whew! (Wonder if I'd make a good chess player!)
Dexter:
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Sky you've been one jump ahead of me on every post I visit lately... I was going to say exactly the same thing.
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Hehe, great minds think alike! Thank you so much for your support. (I'm following your post on returning to work and hope things are continuing to go well for you!)
SS: </font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Seems like HR does not have *you* as their priority - only the paperwork that is completed properly and in on time.
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Good point! My job is with an insurance company in the Workers Comp division. I never had any prior insurance experience and would not have sought this job if it hadn't been that I hadn't worked awhile (after quitting a job in my profession due to my illness) and needed the income. The company itself is great to work for, but little did I know that within insurance, Workers Comp is considered one of the more stressful areas. My department's job is a combination call center (for 10 states and 175 adjusters in our regional office PLUS 2 satellite offices), completing all the paperwork for the 10 states/each adjuster, triaging the new claims that come in (which involves a lot of steps), "special projects" that are just plopped on our desks, writing the mileage reimbursement checks for our injured workers and completing the wage statements sent in form their employers AND - doing it ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!! This job is considered the training to be "promoted" to an adjuster, but from what I've seen, that's like going from the frying pan into the fire!
I said all that to say that we (my department) are basically the "buffers" between any callers and the adjusters. The adjusters are so overworked that it does seem like they are just pushing paperwork around without the "excellent customer service" our company touts. As my boss says "Just get 'er done!"
I'm not sure if the Short Term Disability department of our company (which is located at our home office) is just as hectic, but if so, yes...getting the paperwork done is basically the priority.
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Does HR take the initiative to call your pdoc or you to let you/him know that paperwork hasn't arrived?
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No, it is clearly stated in the paperwork I received from HR that it is totally my responsibility to make sure the medical information is received. In speaking with the personnel myself, this was confirmed. If the medical paperwork is not received in their timeframe, then they close the file and send a letter of same to me and my supervisor.
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When I was off, my pdoc told me I have to go back, I objected, and made a fuss. In the end, after talking to my lawyer, he changed his mind and recommended that I NOT go back to work, at least not back to that company.
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I would be interested to hear more about this, please, if you are comfortable sharing. If not here, by PM.
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Would it work if you work in a different department?
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Absolutely!! I do like the company and I have almost 2 years in with them so I would much prefer to stay there, at least for the time being.
When I interviewed for this job it was during a transition in the company and my job was a newly-created position. Approximately 25 of us were hired at the same time. I didn't even know what an adjuster DID at the time.
I made it clear what my strengths and goals were and my interviewers said they were interested in me due to my mental health background. At some point they anticipated having "mental health specialists" on staff the same as they have RN's on staff now. Well, two years later that idea basically came and went and didn't materialize. I have made it clear to my supervisors that I like the company but have no desire to be an adjuster. I also bring 12 years of being an adult ed. adjunct professor with me. The ~one~ trainer we have for the whole department continually asks that I be transferred to her dept.
However, it seems to be almost impossible once one is in Workers Comp to be transferred outside of it. I was even part of a focus group with local HR and that was one of the most commonly-voiced complaints. Those that have worked for other insurance companies say it is the same.
Getting long-winded again. As I write this, the thought that comes to me, given my last paragraph, is that, although I wouldn't wish mental illness on anyone and this last bout has been very hard on me - things seem to happen for a reason and ~perhaps~ due to health concerns, moving to another area in the company "would" be possible.
Thank you all again for your support and listening! It means so very much to me!
Wishing you all most well!