Translate Page Content

Close

Workplace Needs Assessment

The Workplace Needs Assessment support helps employers and self-employed people identify practical changes to remove workplace barriers for a disabled employee or for themselves. The assessment provides evidence-based recommendations to support workplace accessibility and determine which Work and Access supports may be appropriate. 

A suitably qualified external specialist must carry out the assessment. 

Grant Amount 

The Work and Access Scheme provides: 

  • Up to €2,500 towards the cost of a Workplace Needs Assessment.  
  • Funding for up to 10 hours of Communication Support or Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreting, where required to facilitate the assessment.  

Eligibility 

Employers and self-employed individuals may apply if they meet the general Work and Access eligibility criteria. 

This support is available where: 

  • A disabled employee requires workplace adjustments to carry out their role effectively.  
  • A self-employed person with a disability requires an assessment of their work environment.  
  • The assessment is completed by a suitably qualified specialist.  

What the Assessment Covers 

The assessor will examine: 

  • The employee's disability and individual support needs.  
  • The duties and responsibilities of the role.  
  • The physical and organisational workplace environment.  
  • Any barriers preventing the employee from fully participating in their work.  

The assessment identifies practical solutions that enable the employee to perform their role safely and effectively. 

What the Assessment Must Include 

A Workplace Needs Assessment report must: 

  • Identify and describe each workplace barrier experienced by the employee or self-employed person.  
  • Provide evidence-based recommendations to address those barriers.  
  • Recommend appropriate supports, equipment, workplace adaptations or training where required.  
  • Consider supports available under the Work and Access Scheme, including:  
    • Work Equipment  
    • Workplace Adaptation  
    • In-Work Support  
  • Be completed in consultation with:  
    • The employer  
    • The employee  
    • An advocate or representative where appropriate.  

After the Assessment 

Employers should review the recommendations carefully. 

While employers are not legally required to implement every recommendation, funding for additional Work and Access supports may be sought only where the Workplace Needs Assessment recommends those supports. 

Depending on the recommendations, applications may be made for: 

  • Work Equipment (applied for by the employee with employer support)
  • In-Work Support
  • Workplace Adaptation Support

Choosing an Assessor 

The employer or self-employed applicant is responsible for sourcing a suitably qualified assessor. 

The assessor should: 

  • Have relevant professional qualifications and experience.  
  • Understand disability and workplace accessibility.  
  • Be familiar with assistive technology and current workplace accommodation practices.  
  • Be registered with an appropriate professional body where applicable.  

Assessors who are employed directly by the organisation or by an associated company may carry out the assessment, but their assessment is not eligible for funding under the scheme. 

Suitable Assessors 

Examples of suitably qualified specialists include: 

  • Occupational Therapist  
  • Occupational Psychologist  
  • Occupational Physician  
  • Occupational Health Nurse  
  • Occupational Health Services Professional  
  • Rehabilitation Nurse  
  • Ergonomics Specialist  
  • Chartered Physiotherapist  

Professional registration with organisations such as the following is recommended: 

  • CORU – Ireland's Health and Social Care Professionals Register  
  • Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI)  

How to Apply 

Step 1: Complete the application form 

Complete the Work and Access Application Form (WA2). 

The form is available from your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office. 

Step 2: Submit your application 

Applications can be submitted by: 

  • Email: WorkandAccess@welfare.ie  
  • Your local Intreo Centre or Branch Office.  
  • Post to:  
    Employment Services Management Support Team 
    Department of Social Protection 
    PO Box 13736 
    Freepost FDN7696 
    Co. Louth 

Step 3: Assessment and Approval 

  • Your application will be assessed by the Department of Social Protection.  
  • Approval should be received before arranging and paying for the assessment.  
  • Once approved, you may engage a suitably qualified specialist to complete the Workplace Needs Assessment.  

Appeals 

There is no formal appeals process. However, if your application is refused, you may request a review by another Department of Social Protection officer within 21 days of the decision. Your request should explain why you believe the decision was incorrect and include any additional supporting evidence. 

Go to top