Finding a job can be tough for everyone, but for people with disabilities, there is an additional set of challenges. You might also need some guidance for specific parts of the job search, like navigating support services, looking for different arrangements such as part-time hours, or implementing workplace modifications.
That’s where this list comes in. We’ve rounded up some of the best resources for job seekers with disabilities in Australia, covering a wide range of topics. Whether you’re experiencing a temporary or permanent physical disability, intellectual disability, mental health issues, or health condition, there are plenty of helpful sites out there.
Table of Contents
Official government information and support
Government sites are reliable and comprehensive sources of information, so they are usually the first stop on your hunt.
JobAccess
Created by the Australian Government, JobAccess is the national hub for workplace and employment information for people with disability, employers and service providers. This is probably the first stop on your search – they have accurate and extensive information on everything from writing cover letters and doing job interviews, to talking to people in your company about disabilities, and getting financial assistance.
Employment Assistance Fund
The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) gives financial help to eligible people with disability and mental health conditions and employers to buy work-related modifications, equipment, Auslan services and workplace assistance and support services. The EAF is available to eligible people with disability who are about to start a job, are self-employed or who are currently working. It is also available to people with disability who need Auslan assistance or special work equipment to look for and prepare for a job.
jobactive
On the jobactive website, you can find personalised support for your job search with a range of service providers, including (but not limited to) Disability Employment Services providers. Start with the quiz to find out which services are right for you, and then locate providers nearby.
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
The NDIS website provides helpful guides to finding, keeping and changing jobs as a person with disability. Their information is specifically targeted at people using the NDIS, and explains how they can help you along the way. They have a new program called the School Leaver Employment Support which helps high school students move into employment.
Protection from discrimination at work
It isn’t all rosy out there, so equip yourself with the facts. This is official information and advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman on discrimination at work. Their guide goes into how to tell what is and isn’t discrimination, how to get help if you or someone you know faces discrimination, and how to deal with it in a way that protects your wellbeing.
Find a DES provider
There are hundreds of DES providers in Australia who can help you find, keep, or change jobs. Use these directories to help you find one near you, then look at how people like you have rated them.
Clickability
A directory of disability services in Australia, rated and reviewed.
Specialty employment services
These providers help people with specific needs or concerns in combination with disabilities.
Settlement Service International - Disability Employment Services
SSI support newcomers to Australia and they have a specific service for those who experience disabilities. Their staff speak over 98 languages.
Sign for Work
Sign for Work specialise in support for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Tools and guides
Downloads, resources and helpful guides that you can use in your job search.
What is the role of the NDIS in supporting employment goals?
Confused about how all the Australian government agencies, initiatives, and services work? This brief article explains how the NDIS and DES fit into the government’s support strategy. And if you find this helpful, they also have a regularly updated blog with NDIS resources.
Jobseeker Toolkit from Australian Network on Disability
A range of Word docs you can download with advice for the job search, including cover letters and interview tips, explicitly targeted at people with disabilities.
How to link jobactive with myGov
Step by step guide to using myGov with jobactive, plus support if you have trouble navigating the systems.
Programs
Programs specifically designed to help people with disabilities find and keep a job they enjoy.
Stepping Into
The Australian Network on Disability runs an internship program for tertiary students moving into work. You’ll be placed into paid work experience either a private or public sector organisation. The internships run for 152+ hours or 4 weeks full-time work in summer and winter semester breaks.
PACE Mentoring
Also run by the AND, the Positive Action towards Career Engagement program matches you to an experienced professional for career mentoring. Over 16 weeks, you will meet with a mentor for at least 8 sessions.
RecruitAbility for the Australian Public Service
RecruitAbility is a government scheme which aims to change recruitment culture, enabling more people with disabilities to work in the Australian Public Service (APS). It applies to all job openings in the APS, including high level senior executive roles. All APS job postings can be found at APS jobs.
Job Search Websites
- Toozly – A job search site specifically for people with disabilities
- jobactive – Job search website from the Australian government
- FlexCareers – Find flexible work and remote work that allows you to work from home.
- Indeed
- Jora
- APSJobs – Federal Government Jobs
- State and Territory Government Jobs
Community Resources
There are many other things that can affect your ability to find a job, and community services can help.
Ask Izzy
Ask Izzy is a service that can connect you to service providers in your community across a wide array of areas, from housing to counselling, training, and legal help.
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