Job Match Assessment

Our Job Match Assessment (JMA) is an onsite workplace assessment used to support return-to-work planning and workplace accommodation. It compares an employee’s documented functional abilities or medical restrictions with the physical and/or cognitive demands of a specific job or task.

The assessment is completed at the jobsite and may involve the worker, worker representative where applicable, supervisor, Health & Safety Specialist, Return-to-Work Coordinator and/or Claims Specialist.

The purpose of a JMA is to compare the worker’s documented functional abilities, as outlined in a WSIB Functional Abilities Form (FAF), Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE) or other current medical restrictions information, with the requirements of the job.

Job demands may be identified through a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA), Job Demands Analysis (JDA), WSIB Physical Demands Information Form (PDIF) or through onsite observation and measurement.

The JMA may focus on the employee’s pre-injury job or explore alternate work options within the organization when the original position is not currently suitable.

The assessment is completed by a qualified healthcare professional, a Registered Occupational Therapist (OT).

The Occupational Therapist attends the workplace and may:

• Review the employee’s FAF, FAE or other current medical restrictions or functional abilities information 
• Review job-specific information provided by the employer, including the job description, safe work procedures and existing PDA or JDA 
• Interview the worker and supervisor 
• Observe the job and relevant work tasks in action 
• Collect objective measurements of job demands, particularly when current PDA or JDA information is unavailable 
• Compare the employee’s documented functional abilities or restrictions with the actual job requirements 
• Provide a detailed report outlining the assessment findings, job demands and observations, with photographs where appropriate 

A JMA provides objective information to help determine whether the employee’s current functional abilities are compatible with the demands of the job.

Based on the review of job demands, observed work tasks and documented medical restrictions, the Occupational Therapist may:

• Determine whether the pre-injury job is a suitable match 
• Identify specific job demands that may present a mismatch 
• Explore whether an alternate position or modified work may be more suitable 
• Recommend workplace accommodations or job modifications, where possible and practical 
• Support informed return-to-work and disability management planning 

When a Job Match Assessment involves an individual worker, informed consent is required before participation and before assessment information is shared with the employer.