National Panel of Assessors

 Once you are referred to us, one of our assessors will reach out to discuss the assessment details and process. They may contact you directly, or via your Service Provider or Employer, depending on the assessment type.

The assessor will explain the purpose and process of the assessment. They will schedule the assessment for a suitable date and time and answer any questions you may have.

They will also ensure you understand your rights, provide consent for the assessment and arrange any necessary support ahead of the assessment. 

During these conversations, we encourage you to let us know:

• How you like to receive information and if you require support to understand 
• If you require an interpreter
• If you would like us to communicate with a guardian, carer or other support person

 An Ongoing Support Assessment, or OSA, assesses the level of 'Ongoing Support' a participant needs to sustain their employment.  

It is completed where an Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) Participant has achieved 26 weeks (or more) of employment and are likely to need ongoing support to keep their job. 

The OSA involves interviews with the participant, IEA Provider (and Employer, with participant consent) to assess the participant's needs and recommends the appropriate level of Ongoing Support.

The assessor writes a report summarising the interviews and outlines their recommended level of support.  A renewal assessment is completed every 1, 2 or 5 years. 

 A Supported Wage System Assessment, or SWS, provides a reliable wage assessment based on productivity for people living with a disability.

An assessor visits the workplace to take timings of a participant and a co-worker to determine the applicable percentage (%) of the award rate of pay.  This percentage is applied to the award wage for their job role.

These wage details and assessment outcomes are written and signed on a Wage Assessment Agreement, which is sent to all parties and Fairwork Australia.

 Sometimes people with a disability require adjustments or extra equipment in the workplace to complete their job. 

During a Workplace Modification Service Assessment, or WMS, an assessor assesses the workplace alongside disability-specific barriers to employment, to recommend modifications to help people with disabilities do their work. Modifications could include equipment or assistive technology and may be funded through the Employment Assistance Fund. 

It is important to note that modifications recommended during the assessment are not guaranteed for approval.  Approval is managed and communicated by a team called JobAccess following the assessment.

 We receive our referrals from the Department of Social Services and JobAccess.

We are unable to accept referrals directly from providers, employers or participants. That said, we are always happy to point you in the right direction if you are unsure who to contact.

We collect and use the minimum information required to complete the assessment as part of the NPA program. 

Information is not retained for longer than needed and is not shared beyond authorised assessors and program administrators in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.

For more details, view our privacy and confidentiality statements.