5 January 2020 posted by John Zaharis

When might a Vocational Assessment be required?

  • When a worker is unable to return to their employer or role due to a physical or psychological injury or illness and requires assistance to identify suitable employment options with a new employer
  • When a worker is unable to return to their employer due to other reasons (e.g., redundancy, restructure, role no longer available) and will require assistance to locate alternate employment
  • When information is required about a person’s vocational or work capacity (e.g., Employability Assessment) in line with various policy or legislative definitions

Who conducts a Vocational Assessment?

  • Vocational Assessments are typically completed by tertiary qualified Rehabilitation Counsellors and/Psychologists or those with other appropriately recognised qualifications/experience.

Where can a Vocational Assessment be conducted?

  • In one of our many offices across Australia, however, if travel is restricted due to injury and/or access, we have the flexibility to travel to a location that is easily accessible for the worker. In some instances, Vocational Assessments can be completed over the phone or via video conferencing platforms such as Skype or Zoom.

Why is recovery at work so important?

Research shows:

  • Work is generally good for mental and physical health and well being
  • Work can help in recovery from injury or illness
  • An early, supported return to work can reduce the risk of longer-term disability.

As a signatory to the Royal College of Physicians Consensus Statement ‘Realising the Health Benefits of Work,’ Recovery Partners recognises that work is generally good for health and wellbeing and that long-term absence, disability and unemployment generally have a negative impact on health and wellbeing.

How does a workplace rehabilitation provider assist with vocational rehabilitation to help individuals return to work with a new employer?

Workplace rehabilitation providers can help a worker obtain work with a new employer. This may involve:

  • Assessing the worker’s vocational capacity and potential through vocational assessment and counselling
  • Providing job-seeking skills training assist a worker in obtaining a new job
  • Assessing potential worksites to ensure the suitability of a new job or work trial placement
  • Organising the supply of assistive equipment and ensuring the worker can safely utilise the equipment
  • Arranging on the job or formal retraining
  • Negotiating with employers regarding the use of any available wage subsidy schemes
  • Rehabilitation counselling and support to maintain a worker’s motivation to return to work.

Find out more on our Job Portal

Our services are available nationwide. For more information about our services contact us.

Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.a

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Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/