Michael’s Profile
I have lived in Hamilton all my life and have worked at a variety of roles with local employers. I worked for 12 years at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS), in the Vocational Services department. I worked with Occupational Therapist Case Managers to assess employability for individuals with various disabilities and including musculoskeletal or acquired brain injuries, chronic pain and psychiatric illnesses. Initially as a Vocational Evaluator I was responsible for conducting assessments in the controlled work environment and for developing standardized work activities. My main role at HHS was as the Work Trial Coordinator to arrange work placement programs for assessment and work hardening. I mainly arranged placements in Hamilton and Burlington as well as Brantford, Paris, Grimsby and St. Catharines. I developed a network of more than 300 hospital and community based placement work-sites during that time.
I opened Work Placement Services in 1999 and have since been providing vocational rehabilitation programs in Hamilton and surrounding areas. Altogether I have more than 24 years of experience in conducting medical/legal vocational assessments and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury and mental health problems.
The following is a summary of my formal education and credentials:
- Graduate 2004, Clinical Behavioural Sciences Diploma Program at the McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences. A post-baccalaureate diploma program designed to enhance clinical assessment and management skills. My area of interest has been the study of chronic pain and the various interventions to increase function.
- Graduate 1993, Counselling Techniques Certificate, Mohawk College, Hamilton. A program of eight credit courses designed to develop clinical counselling skills and interviewing techniques.
- Qualified as an Expert Witness by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.
- Listed as a Designated Assessor by the Accident Benefits Analysis Unit to conduct Post 104 Week assessments for a Designated Assessment Centre in Hamilton.
- Accredited with the Registered Rehabilitation Professional designation by the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada..
As a lifetime Hamilton resident, I have extensive knowledge of local employers and the economic history and developments of this city and surrounding areas.