1.1.J.10 Job capacity assessment (JCA)

Definition

A JCA is a comprehensive assessment of an individual's level of functional impairment and work capacity, usually conducted to determine qualification for DSP. The assessment identifies a person's:

• level of functional impairment resulting from any permanent medical conditions,
• current and future work capacity (in hour bandwidths), and
• barriers to finding and maintaining employment and any interventions/assistance that may be required to help improve their current work capacity.

A JCA can result in referral of a person to employment or support services that meet their individual needs, including JSA providers and DES providers.

JCAs are conducted by job capacity assessors (assessors) (1.1.J.20)

As part of the assessment process, assessors have access to relevant available information about the person, including current and past medical/disability details, and prior participation and employment history. Assessors can also liaise with treating doctors and other relevant health professionals as required.

The JCA report is used by Centrelink to inform decisions on income support and participation requirements if applicable. A copy of the JCA report (not including impairment information) is also made available to the person's employment services provider.

Target groups

Under FaHCSIA policy, people may be referred for a JCA if they:

• are applying for DSP,
• are having a medical review of DSP,
• need to satisfy the impairment and CITW criteria for DSP in order for Centrelink to apply the appropriate conditions to their SpB payment,
• need to satisfy the impairment criteria for DSP for entry into the SWS,
• require an assessment to inform DSP eligibility when residing overseas, or
• are required to have their level of impairment and work capacity assessed for the purposes of eligibility for principal beneficiary of a special disability trust (1.1.S.242).

Referral reviews & reassessments

Generally, a JCA will remain current and valid for 2 years unless there is a significant change to a person's circumstances that affects their level of functional impairment and work capacity.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.1 DSP - Qualification & Payability

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Last reviewed: 5 September 2011