Leaving a job you enjoy can feel daunting and challenging. Even more so if it is a forced change due to an injury that was out of your control. But there is much that can be done to improve your experience as you leave NSWPF and move on to seek something new. Understanding the process, knowing where to go for assistance, taking the time to prepare yourself and understanding the skills you have acquired throughout your career can all help minimise the stress to you and your family.
What does the process involve?
There are multiple steps to the transition process, but it can pass by rather quickly. If you are unsure of where things are up to, the best person to check in with is your Injury Management Advisor (IMA). They should be able to advise or make enquiries on your behalf.
Regardless of where you are up to with your transition, knowing how the process works can help make things go smoothly and seem easier. For starters check out our downloads and useful links page for our More Than A Cop Guidebook and Medical Retirement FAQ.
I have been told my last day of service is soon. What next?
Your last day of service will coincide with the end of a pay period. This means that you should receive payment for all your leave entitlements and anything else owing with your last pay from NSWPF. A breakdown of this payment will be posted to you by NSWPF.
The NSWPF Personnel Unit in HR Transaction Services will pay your final entitlements into your nominated bank account up to two weeks after your last day of service.
If you haven’t already, you will be transferred to a new case manager at EML who specialises in assisting former police officers. Whether you require ongoing support with your treatment and recovery, want to know more about your options moving forward or are ready to consider a new career, there are some great programs your case manager can discuss with you and your treatment providers. For more information, please visit the Support Services page.
EML will take over paying you directly so it is important that you speak with your case manager about what is required. They will send you some forms to complete along with your preferred bank details, tax file number, etc. For more information, please visit the Finances page.
If you have a claim for income protection with TAL, it is important that you also speak to your case manager there to make sure everything is in order. Income protection payments from TAL are made monthly in arrears. For specific questions around TAL payments, speak with your TAL case manager. For more information, please visit the Finances page.
Who can help with what?
Your Support Team
Command
Leading up to your last day of service, your Command contacts are best to assist you with things such as:
- Obtaining your certificate of service
- Returning your work belongings and returning your personal items from your locker
- Collecting your personal belongings
- Dealing with payroll
- Extending your last day of service
Injury Management Advisor
Your IMA is the key contact leading up to your last day of service with NSWPF. They can help you with:
- Understanding the process and what is required
- Providing updates on where things are up to
- Recommending support services to help with transition and beyond
NSWPF Shared Services
The NSWPF Personnel Unit in HR Transaction Services will pay your final entitlements into your nominated bank account up to two weeks after your final last day of duty.
EML Case Manager
Your current Case Manager will arrange a time to introduce you to a new Case Manager at EML who specialises in transition support services and can assist you in the next stages of your recovery.
Your new Case Manger will ensure your payments continue directly from EML. These payments will be set up from your last date of service, will be based on your capacity and your weekly benefits will be paid directly into your nominated bank account.
EML can provide you with career transition services and recruitment support to assist you in returning to new employment.
Family
Family members and close friends can be great support for you but sometimes they need a bit of help too. Did you know that family members can access help in several ways? Including:
- NSWPF Family Support Coordinator (ask your IMA for further information or call the Family Support Coordinator on Tel: (02) 9285 3848 during normal business hours)
- NSWPF Employee Assistance Program (up to 6 sessions with a counsellor free of charge for family members of current/recently transitioned employees)
- Referral to a private psychologist as part of your workers compensation claim (speak with your EML Case Manager)
- Kookaburra Kids provides age-appropriate mental health education and early intervention for children whose parents have a mental illness. The program is available for families of NSW Police Officers who have a current workers compensation claim involving psychological injury and have children aged between 8 and 18.
What options do I have for the future?
All I know is the cops, what job could I possibly do now?
Regardless of your length of service with NSW Police, you have acquired some very effective and desirable capabilities. The skillset that a Police Officer develops is desirable for both public and private employers.
The following outlines some capabilities and what this looks like in the workplace aligned to different ranks. You may find this useful in considering how to apply your skillset to a new role outside of the Police Force.
Transferable Skills and Recognising Your Education and Experience
Regardless of your length of service with NSWPF, you have undoubtedly gained an impressive array of knowledge, skills and experience that employers find valuable.
Did you know that many of your skills and education gained with NSWPF can easily transfer to qualifications that can assist you in finding a new job? Speak to your Case Manager today to learn more or visit:
You can learn more about your transferrable skills here.