Spine Solutions Celebrates Albuquerque Public Schools’ Theo Award Win

At Spine Solutions, we take great pride in partnering with organizations that prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of their employees. That’s why we were honored to nominate Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) for the prestigious Theo Award, recognizing their outstanding efforts in workplace safety and injury prevention. APS’s proactive approach to improving job function descriptions and implementing Job Function Matching has set a new standard for how organizations can create safer, more efficient work environments. Their commitment to employee well-being earned them this well-deserved recognition, and we are thrilled to celebrate their success.

Addressing a Longstanding Challenge

As the largest school district in New Mexico, APS faced a significant challenge—its job descriptions were over 20 years old, lacking the detailed physical demand requirements necessary for workplace safety. Vague descriptions such as “lift 50 lbs” left both employees and new hires uncertain about the true demands of their roles. This lack of clarity had the potential to increase workplace injuries, delay return-to-work efforts, and hinder the hiring process.

Recognizing the need for change, APS sought to modernize its job descriptions and improve workplace safety. That’s when Spine Solutions stepped in to help implement the Job Function Matching® program, an innovative approach designed to ensure employees are physically capable of performing the essential functions of their jobs.

Transforming Workplace Safety with Job Function Matching®

Spine Solutions collaborated with APS to create 396 job function descriptions, tests, and matches, ensuring job demands were clearly outlined and validated by employees, supervisors, managers, and directors across multiple locations. This effort resulted in:

✔ Accurate job descriptions that reflect real-world physical requirements

✔ New hire testing to ensure employees are fit for their roles

✔ Injury prevention strategies that integrate job function data into rehabilitation goals

✔ A streamlined return-to-work process that supports injured employees with modified duty placements

The impact was immediate and measurable. APS saw a significant reduction in indemnity claims and a steep decrease in average indemnity paid per claim from 2018 to 2023. Additionally, 91% of candidates who initially did not pass the Job Function Matching pre-employment test successfully completed a Work Conditioning program in just 3.4 visits on average, enabling them to meet job requirements confidently.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

APS’s forward-thinking approach to workplace safety and injury prevention has transformed its workers’ compensation program, creating a safer and more supportive work environment for employees at all levels. This comprehensive approach extends beyond injury management, fostering a culture of safety and employee care from hiring to retiring.

“Spine Solutions is honored to nominate APS for the Theo Award in recognition of its dedication and priority in taking care of its employees,” said Dr. Gina Sandoval, founder of Spine Solutions. “Their workers’ compensation program is modern, with a comprehensive approach that encompasses pre-loss and post-loss solutions, leading to overall cost savings while prioritizing employee well-being.”

Looking Ahead

APS’s success with the Job Function Matching program serves as an inspiration for other organizations looking to modernize their workplace safety initiatives. Their commitment to employee well-being, proactive approach to injury prevention, and dedication to fostering a culture of safety exemplify the values recognized by the Theo Award.

At Spine Solutions, we remain committed to helping organizations optimize workplace safety, reduce injuries, and support employees in achieving long-term success. We congratulate APS on this incredible achievement and look forward to continuing our partnership in building safer workplaces for all.

Interested in learning how Job Function Matching can transform your organization? Contact Spine Solutions today and take the first step toward a safer, more efficient workplace.