The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare revealed that over four million Australians have a disability, which is about 18% of the country’s total population. But approximately 48% of them under the age of 15 to 64 are employed. While there are more people with disabilities that are still capable of working, they are having a hard time finding work because of their condition. It is the reason why the Australian government offers disability employment services (DES) to help them find and keep a job.
The government’s initiative is established to provide assistance to people with disabilities to find a job, prepare for an interview, and help them keep their jobs. To help the government, these people can work with DES providers to help the job seekers and employers ensure that both parties are protected and secure their welfare in the workplace.
Finding reliable disability employment services can be challenging, especially if you have no idea what to look for in the first place. Here are several key questions that you must ask the DES agencies in your neighbourhood to know if they can offer and implement the best services based on your needs.
Question #1: Am I Eligible For DES?
Before getting a DES provider, you need to know if you fit the requirements set by the government. Some of the primary requirements include:
- A citizen of Australia or holder of an eligible visa
- Having any disability, injury, or health condition
- Above the age of 14
- Meets the minimum working age requirement set by your state or territory
- Not a full-time student
- Obtains a valid Employment Services Assessment (ESA) or a Job Capacity Assessment (JCA) that has a DES recommendation for a potential work
- Can work for eight hours or more
- Not working more than their recommended work capacity
You can also connect and get in touch with the Department of Human Services to know your eligibility.
Question #2: What Is The Available Funding?
DES providers get payments to help job seekers find jobs. But the levels of funding depends on the service that you require. The different types of services include Disability Management or Employment Service Support.
The funding may fall under three major categories:
- Service fees – it requires advance payments every 13 weeks to help in finding an employer
- Outcome fees – made after each participant successfully find a job
- Ongoing Support Fees – sent to those who need further assistance in retaining a job
Question #3: What Are Your Requirements
DES participants must meet specific requirements known as Mutual Obligation Requirement in exchange for payments. The agency will come up with a Job Plan, which may cover various tasks like attending appointments, helping to look into a specific number of jobs for a particular period, or finishing a training course.
If you are not able to meet the requirements, you may either get reduced funding. It may also prompt the government to stop the program entirely.
Disability Employment Services providers are beneficial to help you receive assistance if you have a disability, injury, or illness. So make sure you will find the right DES provider to help you find the perfect job. It will let you enjoy the proper assistance that you need to have the most comfortable and profitable job that will keep you for years to come.
Bio: Ellen Hollington is a freelance writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.