The Australian Government’s new and improved $1.7 billion Disability Employment Services delivers more effective employment assistance for job seekers with a disability.
Disability Employment Services is increasing the employment participation of job seekers with disability.
Disability Employment Services are a significant improvement in services for people with disability, their families and carers, and employers. Job seekers with disability have immediate access to tailored services that are flexible and responsive to both their needs and those of employers.
The new Disability Employment Services provide eligible job seekers with disability, injury or health condition access to individually tailored employment services better suited to their needs, with stronger links to training and skills development, particularly in areas of local skills shortages.
There is a Disability Employment Service provider near you
Through your local Disability Employment Service you will have access to individually tailored and comprehensive services which meet your needs including capacity building, training, work experience and other interventions to help you obtain and maintain suitable employment.
Your Disability Employment Service will work with you every step of the way by getting to know you and your individual circumstances.
Your Disability Employment Service will work with local employers, Registered Training Organisations, state, territory and local governments, community and health services, and other organisations.
They will know where the jobs are and how to help you to get one. You will have greater access to training, skills development, work experience and other initiatives.
Once placed in a job, your Disability Employment Service will continue to support you for at least 26 weeks. If you need further support after this, your Disability Employment Service will be able to help you for as long as you need.
Having the right plan to find the right job
Your Disability Employment Service will work with you to develop an Employment Pathway Plan that meets your individual needs. This will set out the services and assistance you will receive to help you find and stay in a job.
At your first appointment you will meet with a consultant who will tailor an Employment Pathway Plan for you that may include:
- gaining new skills and qualifications
- accessing work experience opportunities
- help to manage your disability and other medical or health interventions
- overcoming and managing other barriers to employment.
Connecting you with Australian employers
Disability Employment Services work closely with employers to identify employment opportunities and areas where skills are in demand.
Disability Employment Services offer a range of free services to employers of people with disability, injury or health condition including:
- professional recruitment advice and job matching
- help with job design for employees with disability
- on-the-job or off-site support to ensure new employees with disability settle into their job
- ongoing support for as long as it is required, for employees and employers who require support to maintain their employment
- training information and awareness activities for employers and staff
Disability Employment Services can also help employers to access a range of other financial support and incentives, such as workplace modifications, assistive technology, mental health first aid training and disability and deafness awareness training, Auslan interpreting and wage subsidies.
The more help you need, the more help you get
Some Disability Employment Services provide specialist services. This means they specialise in working with participants with a specific disability. Information about which providers operate in which areas is available on the Australian Jobsearch under ‘Find a provider’.
How to access Disability Employment Services
Centrelink can assess your situation and work out which services you may be eligible for.
You may also directly register with a Disability Employment Service in your area without going to Centrelink.
Job search facilities
Remember at any time, you can also access a range of job sites including Australian JobSearch. JobSearch is Australia’s largest free job website with thousands of jobs displayed daily. It provides information about jobs, working conditions, careers and training.