Workplace RehabilitationIn-clinic
Face-to-face assessment at one of KINNECT’s clinics across Australia — ideal when standardised testing is part of the brief.
- Quiet, controlled environment
- Full standardised testing where required
- In-person rapport with the consultant
Workplace Rehabilitation
Vocational Assessments
An evidence-based evaluation of an injured worker’s transferable skills, qualifications and interests — used to identify realistic, suitable employment goals when a return to the pre-injury role isn’t possible.
Quick answer
The short version
A KINNECT Vocational Assessment is an evidence-based evaluation of an injured worker’s transferable skills, qualifications, work history, interests and labour-market options. It’s used by employers and insurers to identify realistic, suitable employment goals when a return to the pre-injury role isn’t viable. Delivered face-to-face or via telehealth across Australia by experienced rehabilitation counsellors and consultants.
What it is
A structured way to answer one question: what work is realistically suitable?
A vocational assessment is a comprehensive review of an individual’s transferable skills, qualifications, work history, interests and aptitudes — combined with current local labour-market information — to identify viable, sustainable employment options.
It’s the foundation for any vocational rehabilitation plan when returning to the pre-injury role isn’t medically feasible, isn’t available, or no longer suits the worker’s capacity.
Who it’s for
Useful at any stage of a claim — earlier is better.
Commissioned by employers, insurers and treating teams whenever there’s uncertainty about a worker’s vocational direction.
Injured workers
Workers who can’t return to their pre-injury role and need a clear, evidence-based plan for sustainable alternative employment.
Employers
Businesses managing a return-to-work program who need defensible advice on suitable duties, alternate roles or redeployment options.
Insurers & schemes
Case and claims managers requiring an independent, transparent assessment of vocational options to inform liability and RTW decisions.
Treating teams
GPs, occupational physicians and allied health professionals who need a vocational lens on a worker’s capacity and direction.
What’s included
A repeatable, evidence-based process — not a hunch.
Each assessment follows the same core structure so reports are consistent, comparable and defensible. We tailor the depth of testing and labour-market analysis to the complexity of the claim.
Reports are written in plain English, reference the evidence behind each recommendation, and finish with a clear set of suggested next steps for the worker, employer and insurer.
Initial interview
A structured conversation covering medical history, work history, education, qualifications, training, licences and personal goals.
Transferable skills analysis
A systematic review of the skills, knowledge and experience the worker can carry into alternative roles.
Vocational testing (where indicated)
Standardised aptitude, interest and literacy/numeracy assessments to clarify direction and inform realistic options.
Labour-market analysis
Current local labour-market data on demand, wages and entry requirements for the identified vocational options.
Medical & capacity review
A check that each proposed option is consistent with the worker’s medical certificate, restrictions and functional capacity.
Written report & recommendations
A clear, defensible report listing suitable employment options, retraining pathways and next-step recommendations.
Delivery options
Delivered the way it works best for your worker.
Choose the format that fits the worker’s circumstances, the complexity of the brief and the urgency of the decision.
Onsite / community
Assessment delivered at the workplace, the worker’s home or a community location when access, mobility or context calls for it.
- Workplace-aware vocational planning
- Suits regional and remote workers
- Reduces time off and travel barriers
Telehealth
Secure video assessment for workers who can’t easily attend in person — same structured interview, same written report.
- National reach, including remote sites
- Faster scheduling, lower travel cost
- Same defensible report format
KINNECT clinic network
Find a KINNECT clinic near you.
Explore our current clinic locations. Service availability varies by clinic, so contact us to confirm the right location for this service.
Queensland
New South Wales
Victoria
Western Australia
South Australia
Northern Territory
Compliance & standards
Defensible reports your scheme will accept.
Built for the realities of Australian workers compensation schemes and self-insured programs.
Approved Workplace Rehabilitation Provider
KINNECT is an approved Workplace Rehabilitation Provider with the major Australian state regulators.
Evidence-based methodology
Assessments draw on transferable-skills analysis, standardised vocational testing and current labour-market data.
Scheme-aligned reporting
Reports are formatted for use by WorkSafe Victoria, SIRA NSW, WorkCover WA, WorkCover Queensland, ReturnToWorkSA, Comcare and self-insurers.
Qualified consultants
Delivered by experienced rehabilitation counsellors, occupational therapists and vocational consultants with industry-specific expertise.
Frequently asked
Vocational Assessment FAQ.
The questions employers, insurers and treating teams ask most before referring.
What is a Vocational Assessment?
A Vocational Assessment is an evidence-based evaluation of an injured worker’s transferable skills, qualifications, work history, interests and aptitudes, combined with local labour-market information, to identify realistic and sustainable alternative employment options.
When is a Vocational Assessment used?
When a return to the pre-injury role isn’t medically feasible, isn’t available, or no longer suits the worker’s capacity — it forms the foundation for a vocational rehabilitation plan.
Who conducts the assessment?
Experienced rehabilitation counsellors and consultants with backgrounds in vocational rehabilitation.
What does the report include?
A transferable-skills analysis, labour-market findings, realistic and suitable employment options, and clear recommended next steps — written for the worker, employer, treating team and insurer.
How is the assessment delivered?
Face-to-face or via telehealth across Australia, depending on what suits the worker and the claim.
How is it different from a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
An FCE measures physical work capacity; a Vocational Assessment focuses on skills, qualifications, interests and labour-market options to identify what work is realistically suitable. The two are often used together.
What does the worker need to provide?
Details of their work history, qualifications and training, plus any relevant medical or capacity information. We guide them through what’s needed when booking.
Related services
Often paired with a vocational assessment.
Part of KINNECT’s full suite of Workplace Rehabilitation services.
Functional Capacity Evaluations
Standardised FCEs to determine a worker’s safe, sustainable work capacity — often paired with a vocational assessment.
Learn moreJob Dictionary
Objective, photo-supported job demand profiles used to compare a worker’s capacity against the inherent role.
Learn moreJob Preparation Assistance
Resume, interview and job-search coaching that turns vocational recommendations into a real return to work.
Learn moreReturn to Work Plans
Graduated, evidence-based RTW plans agreed between the worker, employer and treating team.
Learn moreHost Employment
Suitable-duties placements with host employers when own-employer RTW isn’t possible.
Learn more
Ready to refer?
Get a vocational direction your scheme will accept.
Tell us about the worker and the question you need answered — we’ll come back with a tailored quote, turnaround time and the right consultant for the job.