The working process of professional counselors of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program of Ministry of Social Security: potentials and challenges

• Grant number: 13/12607-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2013
• End date: January 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Selma Lancman
• Grantee: Camila Brás Nieviadonski
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

For many years in the history of Brazil, the vocational rehabilitation of workers with disabilities coming from accidents or occupational diseases was not a Government responsibility. However, the State has taken ownership of this when it created the INPS (National Institute of Social Security) in the 60s decade. In this context, the vocational rehabilitation program was implemented and during the years passed has suffered some changes against the initial proposal especially related to the operating mode and functions of professionals, who are responsible for implementing the program actions. Actually is the responsibility of the Professionals Counselors. This function can be occupied by different occupational categories, like physiotherapy, social service, occupational therapy, sociology, etc. Objectives: The general objective of this research is to understand the work's organization of the Professional Counselors of Vocational Rehabilitation Program of the Ministry of Social Security and identify the challenges and potential of their work, as well as the strategies that these professionals use to make their work happens. Methodological Aspects: This is an exploratory study, that will combine some methodological procedures: bibliographic and documentary review; and semi-structured interviews with Professional Counselors that consent to participate. The data collected over the research will be analyzed according to the Content Analyses method. (AU)