An occupational therapist is a rehabilitation professional who assists people who experience functional limitations as a result of an injury, illness or disability by learning skills and techniques needed to perform activities to optimise independence. Occupational therapists can be useful for a job seeker in the following capacities:
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conducting assessments of a job seeker's abilities and assessing the effect that their disability may have on their capacity to perform certain jobs
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conducting comprehensive job site evaluations
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providing recommendations for workplace modifications and adjustments
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helping to make changes to the work environment to ensure the workplace is safer for an employee with disability and for co-workers
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creating customised treatment programmes to improve a person's ability to perform activities
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providing information about adaptive equipment and usage training
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guidance to employers or co-workers if needed
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 Workplace Modifications Scheme.
The Workplace Modifications Scheme pays for the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special or adaptive equipment for eligible employees with disability. 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.
For more information about workplace assessments under the Workplace Modifications Scheme, call the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800.