Assessments are undertaken in a wide variety of settings and are primarily used to identify limitations or restrictions as well as determine and/or recommend the most appropriate interventions, treatment, equipment or tools for an individual or group. In the workplace, these assessments are generally conducted by an individual with an allied health or occupational health and safety background. General assessments can cover a range of areas including physical, cognitive (for example, memory) and sensory (vision, speech and hearing) assessments. These assessments usually entail both subjective and objective measures.
Services provided
An individual with a disability can be disadvantaged in the workplace if the position or work tasks are unsuitable or appropriate support/equipment is not provided to enable that individual to complete their job role or position effectively. Assessments are completed to assist those who may be disadvantaged in this way, so as to determine their individual needs, and allow them the opportunity to contribute to the workforce meaningfully and productively.
More specifically, using an assessor to determine the most suitable employment position, work hours and equipment required for an employee with a disability is useful for the employer when offering a position, delegating tasks and understanding the employees’ productive capacity.
Assessment results can provide the employer and co-workers with a greater understanding about the individual’s strengths, limitations and barriers to their employment, as well as the most effective strategies to overcome these in the workplace. An example may be modifying a workstation to meet the needs of an employee such as someone in a wheelchair or an amputee who would need a workbench height adjusted.
Panel of workplace assessors
The workplace assessors listed in the Workplace Adjustment Tool are part of a panel of assessors formed by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations as part of the Employment Assistance Fund.
The Employment Assistance Fund helps people with disability and mental health condition by providing financial assistance to purchase a range of work related modifications and services for people who are about to start a job or who are currently working, as well as those who require assistance to find and prepare for work.
Under the Scheme, the JobAccess Advisers will assess the need for a workplace assessment and organise the assessment, at no cost to the employer or employee, with one of the professionals listed in the panel. Alternatively, an employer can approach a panel member independently for a paid assessment.
More information on the Employment Assistance Fund is available by contacting the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800, or by using the link below:
Links to workplace assessors for general (non-specific) assessments
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