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​Recovery Care Coordination

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USSOCOM's Department of Defense Recovery Care Coordinators (RCCs) provide oversight and assistance for Special Operations Forces (SOF) Wounded Ill & Injured Service Members, Veterans, and their families through a continuum of care and recovery using the Comprehensive Recovery Plan (CRP) and Comprehensive Transition Plan.  They provide direct, lifelong assistance to SOF personnel who are wounded, ill, & injured through effective follow up, contact, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, medical, and other military agencies.   They also provide coordination for medical and non-medical services and facilitate smooth rehabilitation and transition back to active duty or civilian life for SOF wounded, ill, & injured.  Additionally, they collect, maintain and analyze medical data for planning and tracking purposes.​

 



The CRP plan identifies the Service Member's and family's goals and the resources they need to achieve them, such as assistive technology, education, employment, or housing. The RCC uses the plan to guide SOF wounded, ill, & injured and their families along the road to recovery, rehabilitation and return to duty or transition into the civilian community.

All SOF Service Members who have serious or catastrophic wounds, illnesses or injuries are eligible to receive the support of an RCC. SOF wounded, ill, & injured Service Members may self-refer or be referred by medical or administrative personnel, peers or a family member. 

 

 

 

​Recovery Coordination Steps​ 
​Step 1:
Comprehensive Needs Assessment

The Recovery Care Coordinator (RCC) meets with a Service Member within three (3) business days to, at a minimum, explain the role of an RCC and ensure that the Service Member has the necessary contact information.  A comprehensive needs assessment will be conducted to ensure the Service Member and family have access to necessary recovery services.

 ​Step 2:
Comprehensive Recovery Plan (CRP)

The CRP is the primary tool used to coordinate the care for Service Members and their families. The CRP is owned by the Service Member and reflects his/her personally stated medical and non-medical goals and milestones for the recovery mission.  The CRP is updated frequently to reflect changes in health, financial situation, or transition goals. The CRP is designed to:

  • Address all immediate needs
  • Establish long-term, transition goals, or a desired end-state  
  • Define action steps that encourage continued mental, physical, and emotional growth
 ​Step 3:
Coordinating with the Recovery Team

The complexity of medical and non-medical care requires a team of support personnel. The RCC is an important member of this team, which also includes a Service Member's command, Section Leader, medical case manager, non-medical care manager, and other staff members as necessary.   The RCC will use comments, concerns, and instruction from the recovery team to develop, evaluate, and adjust the CRP throughout the recovery process.

 

​Comprehensive Recovery Plan
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​The CRP is developed by the Service Member and his/her recovery team.  The Service Member’s personal goals are contained in the plan and he/she owns the CRP.  At a minimum, CRPs should address:

 

  • Benefits available and the completion of the required paperwork
  • Desire to return to active duty or transition to civilian community
  • If returning to duty, whether training for a new military occupational specialty is required
  • If transitioning to civilian life, documentation about job interests or career paths
  • Need for additional education/training
  • Plans for housing and living expenses
  • Needs of family members
  • Other accommodations necessary for success (i.e. wheelchair ramps, car lifts, computer/electronics)
  • Maintenance of physical conditioning

 

RCC Responsibilities

RCCs serve as the Service Member and Veteran's primary point of contact and help them define and meet their individual goals to recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The RCC identifies services and resources needed to help Service Members and Veterans achieve these goals.

A RCC’s primary responsibilities include:
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  • Work with the Service member and their family to develop a CRP, which identifies needs and defines the goals for recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
  • Locate and educate Service Members and their families/caregivers on available services and resources.
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  • Minimize delays and gaps in treatment and services, to include when the Service Member is processing through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).
  • Provide information on benefits and compensation, legal resources, financial counseling, and support.
  • Coordinate with Section Leaders to ensure recovery and transition goals.
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  • Participate in recovery team meetings to improve team coordination and delivery of care.
  • Coordinate with the Federal Recovery Coordinator when appropriate.
  • When designated, will serve as the DoD/VA Lead Coordinator.

 

Your RCC acts as a filter between you, your family, unit and all outside organizations that you will encounter.
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