I juggle. No, I don’t do party tricks. But I have a dual role and it often presents challenges in my working week. I’m not alone. Many RTW Coordinators balance their role with other responsibilities, sometimes complimentary, often at odds with their core responsibilities.

For me it’s OH&S, but I know people who combine RTW with HR, IR, Payroll or even public liability and other insurances. The smaller the organisation, the more you have to be an all-rounder, a jack of all trades.

Most of the time I balance it all well, but sometimes things go pear shaped. Like the other week, with a deadline on an important policy looming and countless interruptions, I finally grabbed some quiet time to read and make the necessary changes. It’s looking good, I’m finally on track. Then I hear a tentative knock at the door.  Inwardly I scream in exasperation. I turn around to see her, shifting nervously from foot to foot, anxiety on her face. ‘Have you got a minute? My Supervisor said I should come and see you.’

An hour and a half later, my deadline shot, and another Friday night staying late at the desk, I ponder this dilemma. Despite my best time management, including religious use of a diary, I can never anticipate what’s around the corner. I can plan, I can prioritise, I can feel confident it’s all under control, and then the phone rings or someone knocks on the door and yet again I’m going to my boss pleading for an extension.

While not unique to RTW practitioners, conflicting priorities can be taxing. Being able to juggle the strategic and the pragmatic with patience and empathy is not something that comes easily to everyone. A supportive boss who understands the demands of the job helps. However, you don’t always get one of those, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. A friendly workmate who’s a good listener is a great asset. Networking groups of like minded people are also a great source of support and advice, call your authority and ask what is available to you.

If I’ve learnt anything over the years in this job, much of it in a dual role, it’s to expect the unexpected, and prepare as best you can. If I have a policy to revise or a report due by a certain date, I allocate more time than I need to do the work. Sometimes this means I finish ahead of schedule, but more often than not I just scrape in.

Occasionally I have to tap on my boss’s door and ask ‘have you got a minute?’

In summary if you are a juggler:

• Patience and empathy are your stock in trade
• You can be time poor
• Conflicting priorities can be taxing
• Good diary management is essential
• Allow more time than you need for admin tasks and expect the unexpected
• Peer group support is vital, find a network, join rtwmatters.org
• Don't be afraid to ask the boss for help, or a time extension on a task if you need it.