The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.J.20 Job capacity assessor

Definition

Job capacity assessors are medical, health and allied health professionals who are employed by Services Australia, including:

  • accredited exercise physiologists
  • doctors
  • registered physiotherapists
  • registered nurses
  • registered occupational therapists
  • registered psychologists
  • rehabilitation counsellors
  • social workers
  • speech pathologists.

In order to become a job capacity assessor, the person must:

  • be registered or eligible for full registration with their relevant professional body and have mandatory accreditation or competency-based standards, allowing them to practise without any supervisory requirements, and
  • meet all relevant state or territory registration requirements.

In states or territories where a registering body does not operate, job capacity assessors hold qualifications that would make them eligible for registration in another state or territory.

A job capacity assessor's qualifications generally align with the Impairment Table/s relevant to an individual's primary medical condition. In situations where they do not align, a secondary contributing assessor holding a professional qualification that aligns with the relevant Impairment Table/s reviews the medical evidence and assessment recommendations.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.2 Assessment for DSP

Last reviewed: