Chameleon ServicesThe following list is not exhaustive of all of the professional services that we can provide, but represents the most common requests that we receive. If you require assistance in a different human services field, or wish to know more about a particular type of service, for example Occupational Biomechanics, then please Email gpo@chamcon.com.au. We will do our best to provide information you require and will certainly explain the exact nature of each service. Chameleon Rehabilitation Services
Chameleon Physical Programs
Chameleon Counselling Services
Chameleon Natural AlternativesChameleon Business Services
Chameleon Aboriginal Programs
Chameleon Service Descriptors Chameleon Rehabilitation ServicesProfessional Case Management & Rehabilitation Co-ordination ServicesServices in this area involve the development of rehabilitation plans, followed by the monitoring and coordination of resources, to effect the goals that have been established. This may at times involve managing the progress of a number of other professional services such as physiotherapy, psychology and vocational testing, to ensure the best result for each injured worker, insurer and employer. Return to Work PlanningThis service involves working with the employer to develop a specific return to work plan that can be managed by the main people involved, usually without requiring the full case management service by one of our case managers. Occupational BiomechanicsOccupational Biomechanics is a relatively new area of service which concentrates on the human movement required in different occupational settings. Specific services include:
Occupational Therapy Assessments (including work place assessments)Occupational Therapists are trained to be able to assess the way in which the human body interacts with the environment of the workplace and in relation to everyday tasks of living. This is particularly relevant to someone who may be injured, where the Occupational Therapy Assessment can provide the detail of the education and changes to work and daily living that may be required for effective functioning and rehabilitation. Functional Capacity EvaluationsFunctional capacity evaluations involve extensive physical testing, to gain information that can then be analysed to provide:
These assessments can then lead to the settling of disputes or disagreement regarding the potential performance of an individual, help to plan return to work programs and for adjusting the work and home environments to match the disability. Work Station Re-design (ergonomic assessment)This is usually a familiar area, as most people are aware of the importance of getting ergonomics correct, and of the types of repetitive strain or overuse injuries that occur when good ergonomic practice is not followed. We have highly trained staff who can assess your needs and then solve any problem. The solutions usually includes matching the right equipment with the correct body movements and most workers can quickly understand what is required through one of our basic education sessions. Vocational and Aptitude Assessments.Some times at a point in rehabilitation planning, it becomes essential to find new career paths for the worker concerned or sometimes, due to redundancy, a workplace may offer redeployment counselling as part of a separation package. We are able to provide an assessment that takes into account the person's previous work and educational background, as well as aspects of their personality and elements of occupational preferences. This process we call a Vocational Assessment and is summarised in a report that can then be used for further discussion and decision making, before action occurs on a new career path. As a supplementary service in this area, we can perform Aptitude Assessments for particular skill and knowledge areas. This can be part of the above process or just be stand alone tests to determine if someone is likely to have the basic aptitudes to meet the future role or training that is being considered. Career Counselling and Retraining Plan DesignAt any stage of a worker's life, it may be necessary to consider career counselling and retraining. This service utilises the many years of experience held within the staff group at Chameleon, to work through options and then research and develop a training plan if required. Sometimes this plan leads directly on from a Vocational Assessment and / or aptitude testing or can be a complete process in its own right. Redeployment Services (including training in enterprise skills)At Chameleon, we have developed large networks of contacts over the last ten years in many different industries, as well as having recognised expertise in finding placements for clients in new work. This can be on the basis of providing new work experience via work placement, through to facilitating the gaining of new job. Chameleon is also a leader in providing training and consultancy advice on the development of Enterprise Skills within whole work place teams or just for individual clients. Most workplaces and individuals welcome ways to increase their resourcefulness, problem solving ability, planning / team skills and flexibility in real situations. Enterprise training can achieve these changes and more information is available from gpo@chamcon.net.au on this topic. Labour Market ServicesLabour Market services can provide our clients with a current picture of market segments on both a local and national level. We have staff who are very experienced in the collation, interpretation and presentation of this data. This service can be used by the legal profession when considering issues of compensation for personal injury, for determining the real possibility of finding new work, or through to being part of a company's human resource planning. (see our Business Services Section for more complementary services). Chameleon Physical ProgramsAt Chameleon we have a number of Exercise Physiologists working on our team. An Exercise Physiologist is particularly suited to providing health services in the area of rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries, disease prevention and to improve functional skills required for day to day activity. An Exercise Physiologist is university trained in the area of Sports Science/Human Movement. Exercise Physiology AssessmentsExercise Physiology Assessments can be specific to a particular injury or broad ranging physical/health assessments that are a particularly useful starting point for future rehabilitation/intervention efforts. The Exercise Physiologist is trained to gather a range of physical data and then be able to synthesize this into a complete report or plan. These assessments can also be used for indicating where further investigation may be required. They may contain the following assessment elements:
Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Following a thorough assessment of the client's injury corrective intervention is then implemented. This could include soft tissue therapy, flexibility training, mobilisation exercises and strength training to name a few. The intervention may involve the clinic, home, gym and/or water setting depending on what is most appropriate. The client is regularly reassessed and their treatment protocol reviewed to ensure that the client's rehabilitation is continually moving forward. The client's social, home and work environments are considered to ensure that the treatment plan always has a functional bias. Hydrotherapy ProgramsWater or "hydro" therapies have been used for many centuries because of their success in restoring good health. Over the last 30 years or so, the theory and practice of hydrotherapy has been refined and scientifically developed. It usually involves the development of a specific program of exercise to be performed in a warmer than usual pool setting and is often one of the beginning "keys" to recovering mobility, particularly from back injuries. Hydrotherapy can also be beneficial for weight loss and general fitness, and is often performed in tandem with other physical fitness or rehabilitative programs. Hydrotherapy is usually introduced in the early stages of rehabilitation because the bouyancy effects of the water often allows a client to perform exercises in a pain-free manner that would otherwise cause them discomfort if performed on land. The early movement of the injured part encourages a quicker recovery. Home Programs The home environment is often used as an extension to the rehabilitation program whereby flexibility, strength and aerobic conditioning programs are implemented. The type of equipment used is varied but may include, dumbbells, theraband, swiss balls, stationery bikes and weight benches to name a few. Gym Programs Usually in the later stages of rehabilitation the client will be referred on to a gym program. The aim of the gym program is to include activities that mirror the demands of the client's daily life. For example a client who has a knee injury and has an occupation as a removalist would have exercises included in their program that require bending and lifting items. The program is always progressed gradually and pain-free exercises are naturally preferred. Some of the equipment used at the gym includes:
Soft Tissue TherapySoft Tissue Therapy refers to a wide range of physical therapies, of which for those who have visited a masseur or physiotherapist may be familiar with. A number of Chameleon Staff are trained to deliver a variety of soft tissue techniques from the following illustrative list:
Home visits are available in special circumstances. Therapy Program ReviewsChameleon has a number of staff who regularly provide therapy program reviews for employers, insurers and private patients. These staff are highly qualified in their respective areas and are able to independently assess the patient or worker and review the appropriateness or progress made on a particular course of therapy. This is particularly useful in longer term cases as new suggestions and approaches are often generated that can lead to improvement and cost savings for all parties. General Fitness Planning and Supervised training Individualised Exercise Programs can be designed and supervised by our Exercise Physiologists. Such programs are designed taking into account individual characteristics such as:
The appropriate setting for the exercise program is determined and may include, any of the following:
If you are a young aspiring athlete or one returning to more active competition, more information is available from gpo@chamcon.net.au on this topic. Diet and Nutritional CounsellingThis intervention is directed towards promoting positive health and lifestyle changes. It initially involves a comprehensive 6-day dietary analysis and discussion about present dietary and lifestyle habits. Results from this initial assessment are analysed and guidance is provided dependent on the results and expectations of the client. This intervention can be included in a comprehensive package that may involve exercise programming, body composition analysis, specific dietary planning and counselling on health issues to name a few. This is an individualised package and its content depends on the needs and requirements of the client. Occasionally dietary and nutritional counselling may be used as an adjunct to assist a client's physical rehabilitation program. For example if a client has a knee injury and they are carrying excess weight, it may slow their recovery and/or increase their risk of re-injury, therefore a weight loss program may be appropriate. Corporate Health and Fitness ProgramsThe importance of maintaining the fitness of your work force is becoming increasingly important in injury prevention, for productivity on the job and for general wellbeing. Our Corporate Health and Fitness Programs provide for this via:
Design and Delivery of Pre / Post employment Screening TestsOur services in this area are aimed at being able to give you as an employer a very accurate indication of the fitness of both new and existing employees for the job that you are asking them to do. This incorporates some elements of the standard employment medical but it is more like a set of physical tests and examinations designed with accurate knowledge of the job in mind. In the first instance, a complete task analysis is completed by an assessment team looking at all aspects of a job, from tools used and the context within which they are used, to the human movement required and the parts of the body that are frequently loaded. This then results in a series of tests being designed, that workers will perform, to obtain a suitability rating. Once a worker or applicant has completed these tests, the employer receives detailed recommendations from which employment decisions, and frequently remedial action, can be taken. Overall when implemented our system results in:
Manual Handling TrainingA large percentage of injuries in the Australian workplace can be attributed to poor manual handling skills. For us at Chameleon, this encompasses not just lifting techniques, but also general body positioning and bracing for any action requiring a force to be applied. Our training is conducted mostly by Exercise Physiologists and Occupational Therapists. This intervention has a practical emphasis. Biomechanical AssessmentsAssessing the way someone actually moves is becoming increasingly important in avoiding both long term health problems and injury, as well as being an integral part of rehabilitation from injury. A biomechanical assessment can include for example, some of the following services:
See also Occupational Biomechanics for more information Chameleon Counselling ServicesGeneral Employee Assistance Programs (EAP Programs)Over the last ten or so years, a number of workplace sponsored programs have been put in place to improve the productivity and focus of workers, as well as decrease absenteeism in the workplace. These programs usually involve the provision by the employer of access to "outside" and confidential counselling services, with the aim of resolving issues that may impact on the work place as described above. Employers receive reports on general workplace issues that may need to be dealt with and the current research indicates good savings to those employers who have effective programs in place. Employee MentoringEmployee mentoring is a relative new but very important service through which an experienced consultant can assist employees in positions of responsibility to develop their skills and performance within their role. This can range from:
The economic benefit to an organization of a stable, competent and dynamic leader/manager is enormous. The external mentor can provide the time and expertise for this to occur. Crisis and Critical Incident CounsellingThis type of counselling is a highly skilled specialty and aims at helping the person in this situation through the shock and any grieving process, so that they can regain their "normal" perspective and function as soon as possible. We have counsellors who have specialised in this area and are used to assisting after such events as workplace deaths, medical emergencies, serious car accidents etc. We have proven many times the benefits of this strategic and skilled intervention. It should also be noted that such counselling, whether one to one or in groups, is usually for only a few sessions. Dispute Resolution and Meditation ServicesMost people are very aware of the cost, in both personal and financial terms, of long unresolved disputes and disagreements. The mediator is expected to be impartial, an excellent listener and possess the skills to get both sides to articulate their concerns. You should also expect them to be "solution generators" and to be able to guide both sides to a common understanding of the problem and pathways for resolution. This person should not be expected to be able to solve all problems, as this is the final responsibility of the parties concerned. Personal CounsellingPersonal counselling on a wide range of issues is now becoming more popular with Australians in general. More recently a focus on using counselling, not for "crisis" type issues but for life planning, is evolving. This is in response to people wanting more satisfaction from increasingly "time poor" lifestyles. At Chameleon, we have a team of counsellors who can cover all crisis issues through to more reflective styles of service. Chameleon Natural AlternativesReikiThe word Rei-ki is from Japan, meaning "Universal Life Force". It is the simple "hands on" art of energy renewal. Reiki is based upon the principle of Universal Energy that balances and harmonises the body and the mind. Through Reiki, the body's natural energies can reach full potential for healing and support. Those who have received a Reiki session from one of our staff have frequently remarked on its effectiveness in relieving stress and depression. Feng ShuiFeng Shui focuses on creating harmony in the home, business and general environment by using the ancient Chinese science of balancing Ying and Yang energies. The simple placement of furniture, introduction of light, colour and foliage, correctly balanced, leads to increased harmony and productivity. Reduction in stress and negative influences in the home, office and business environment are the common comments made of Feng Shui. At Chameleon we have experience in providing this service to both private and corporate clients. Spiritual CounsellingThis service, as we define it, has no link to any particular set of religious beliefs or philosophies. By accessing the deeper levels of the sub-conscious mind, individuals can be relieved of the trauma of past experiences and attachments. This is an excellent process to allow individuals to move on from the past and let go of negative patterns of behaviour. People who have experienced yoga and meditation classes will have some familiarity with the approach that is taken here. This service is sometimes presented in workshop form, more information is available from gpo@chamcon.net.au on this topic. Yoga Meditation and Tai-ChiThe combination and practice of these techniques can lead to a more balanced inner and outer life. Meditation aimed at clearing, stilling and focussing the mind, leads to the finding of inner peace, a reduction of stress and a finding of more focus in life. Yoga is an ancient system of exercises that increases the harmony of the body and the mind. This also leads to a reduction in physical and mental stress, and improves the flexibility and well-being of the body. Tai Chi is a Chinese system of body movements that has been described by regular practitioners as a moving meditation. Its presentation to soothing music looks like an elegant slow motion and choreographed form of a martial art. In practice, it synchronises body, mind and breathing for general well-being. Chameleon Business ServicesSmall Business ServicesSmall businesses, in many cases, are in the same position as medium or larger ones, in that the systems that are required to be set up are similar. At Chameleon, we are able to help you with the setting up of all of the systems that you require to run and manage your enterprise. We are also able to provide some of these services on a regular basis, if required. For example, we can run Human Resource activities if you don't have an HR Manager. Strategic PlanningThe failure rate of businesses and enterprises that do not have strategic directions developed has always been far in excess of those who have been through the processes of developing the required plan. Chameleon can provide experienced consultants to guide you through the whole process of defining goals and objectives, determining strategies and evaluation processes and finally, implementing the results. Office Administration SystemsIf you have ever worked in, or with, an office where activities are not well organised or co-ordinated, then you will remember how these inefficiencies impact on the whole work flow of the organization. We are able to offer experienced consultants who can review this area of your operation, recommend improvements and implement these if you wish. Staff Appraisal SystemsOur focus for developing and implementing staff appraisal systems is to improve performance in the short term and in the longer term, through identifying individual and group professional development / training priorities. Our focus is on the positive, where possible, with clear expectations for performance. Workers generally come to see this activity, not with apprehension, but with recognition of its usefulness. Information Systems Development and MaintenanceInformation systems for business have now, in our view, got to two critical points. Businesses must have information technology systems to be competitive and getting the correct advice (that you can trust) is very difficult to find. Our philosophy has been to find staff in this area that intimately understand both the technology and business, and are also excellent communicators in "jargon free" language. We can confirm that we have staff of this calibre (with international credibility/qualifications). We have also set up a demonstration system that shows what can be achieved, particularly in the small business setting. We can supply the required equipment and support through one of our associated businesses, Infochannel Australia. Chameleon Aboriginal ProgramsCommunity ConsultationCommunity liaison can happen through many different avenues. We have such services as research and seminar organisation, but equally important is our ability to consult with Elders and individual community members. Our previous experience shows we have the skill to accurately and impartially represent community views. We very much enjoy this facet of our work, whether for small organizations or government agencies. Training and Skill DevelopmentChameleon Consultants has been designing and delivering training programs for over ten years. This has included significant government work for Aboriginal Education. We currently have three consultants experienced in working with community groups and we can provide all of the services listed, in a culturally sensitive manner. General Research ServicesAs an organisation, we have a number of staff who have taught, or are still teaching at University level, and three currently enrolled in Doctoral studies in their fields. We therefore have access to international standard research skills in the human services field and are able to apply these easily to research tasks for government and community groups alike. Community HealthThe other services in this section can all be viewed from a community health perspective allowing for the development of new and innovative work in this area of expertise. Seminar OrganizationOrganising successful seminars and community meetings is not as simple as getting a venue and organising the refreshments. Through Chameleon, we are able to provide experienced facilitators who are able to help you develop appropriate agendas, coordinate the discussions and smooth running of the event. We can also provide the summary documents you require, post seminar. Strategic PlanningAs with our general strategic planning service, we have three staff that are very experienced in working with diverse community groups and delivering workable plans, to the required national standards. As current demands are increasing on organizations, we believe that this is a vital service for any group to consider and we can also assist in the implementation of the plan once it has been developed. |