Occupational Therapy

Register of Occupational Therapists

Helping our seriously injured workers regain independence through specialised assessments and tailored support.

ReturnToWorkSA has created a Register of Occupational Therapists to connect claims officers with professionals who have the skills and experience to deliver specialised assessment services for workers with severe, life-changing injuries.

Applications close: 27 February 2026

Why this matters

When someone experiences a serious injury, daily life can change dramatically. The person may need lifelong support, from home and vehicle modifications to custom equipment and ongoing care planning. Occupational therapists play a vital role in helping people live safely, comfortably, and independently.

By joining the Register, you will contribute your expertise where it has the greatest impact: supporting workers who need complex, personalised solutions.

What is the Register?

The Register is a dedicated list of Occupational Therapists who can provide specialised assessments for workers with severe or catastrophic injuries. It helps claims officers quickly find therapists with the right capabilities, experience, and availability.

Specialised assessment services include:

• Care needs assessments
• Home modification assessments
• Vehicle modification assessments
• Custom seating, wheelchair scripting and equipment recommendations.

This initiative ensures that workers receive timely, high-quality assessments from therapists equipped to address complex needs.

Benefits

More time for complex assessments
Our fee structure allows longer service durations for specialised assessments and includes straightforward pathways for additional time when the situation requires it.

Work that fits your skills
Nominate for the assessments you want to provide, the injury types you are experienced working with, and specify the locations you are willing to travel (yes, we will pay you to travel to see our seriously injured workers).

Structured assessments and clear expectations
Use report templates that request clinical reasoning to support your recommendations that the referrer will use to make an informed decision.

Greater visibility and opportunities
Being on the Register increases your visibility within the Scheme and may lead to additional referrals, including beyond the specialised assessment services.

How it works

We have developed a Service Framework with clearer expectations that better supports Occupational Therapists to provide specialised assessments and promoting better working relationships with referrers.

The framework covers:

• Assessment scope and standards for specialised services
• Report templates and guidance to streamline documentation
• Time allocation and extensions where appropriate
• Quality, consistency, and outcomes focus.

To request a copy of the Service Framework, email providers@rtwsa.com

Who should apply?

You may be a good fit if you:

• Are an Occupational Therapist with experience in complex or catastrophic injury
• Are experienced with conducting assessments of care needs, major home modifications, vehicle modifications, and custom seating and wheelchair prescription
• Can provide clear, evidence-based clinical reasoning for your recommendations
• Want to be part of change aimed at service improvement and better working relationships with stakeholders.

If you are ready to contribute specialist skills to support seriously injured workers, we encourage you to apply.

Application process

Step 1. Request the application form
Email providers@rtwsa.com to obtain the service framework and application form.

Step 2. Complete the application form
Provide your details, select the locations you are willing to travel to for assessments, nominate the injury types you want to assess, and choose the assessments you would like to undertake. Complete all questions for each specialised assessment service.

Step 3. Submit your application
Email us your completed application form and attach all your supporting documentation. Allow between four to six weeks for your application to be reviewed and a response provided. ReturnToWorkSA will contact you if any additional information is required.

Applications are open now and close on 27 February 2026.
If you have questions during the process, our Providers team is here to help.

To apply now, email providers@rtwsa.com

FAQs

What do you mean by 'seriously injured' or 'catastrophic injury'?
These terms refer to life-changing injuries that often require long-term support, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, major burns, loss of vision, or amputation. The exact needs vary by individual, and assessments are tailored accordingly.

Do I need prior experience with catastrophic injuries?
Yes, we expect that occupational therapists applying for the register will have five years’ experience working with catastrophic injury. In your application, we want to know about your occupational history and see that you know what needs to be assessed for those injury types.

How much time is allowed for assessments?
The fee structure provides longer service times for specialised assessments and includes pathways to obtain additional time when the situation changes. Please request a copy of the service framework for more information.

Can I choose the kinds of assessments I complete?
Yes. You will nominate the assessment types, injury categories, and travel locations that align with your skills and capacity.

Will ReturnToWorkSA pay for travel?
Yes. ReturnToWorkSA allow you to invoice for travel to and from the assessment and associated appointments using the gazetted rate for travel. For travel over 100km, it is expected that an agreement with the referrer will be reached before accepting the referral.

What resources or support will I receive?
In addition to the Service Framework, ReturnToWorkSA will provide report templates for the specialised assessments to help guide on the information we need.

How will I be notified about referrals?
Claims officers use the Register to identify suitable therapists. If your skills and availability align with a referral, you may be contacted directly to discuss requirements. Referrals will then be sent out via the provider portal.

Can I update my preferences later?
Yes. If your availability, skills, or travel areas change, you can contact the Providers team to update your details.

Who can I contact for help?
Email providers@rtwsa.com and our team will assist.

Apply now

Be part of this network dedicated to improving outcomes for seriously injured workers.
Applications close: 27 February 2026
Email: providers@rtwsa.com