The opportunity to find fulfilling work should be universal; however, job seekers with disability still encounter disproportionate obstacles in today’s workforce. The path to employment often requires a bit of extra help and understanding along the way. That’s where NDIS-supported employment comes in – a service aimed at bridging the gap between what you’re capable of and the opportunities out there.
Supported employment or Inclusive employment can transform the quality of life for people with disability by giving them greater independence, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to get involved in their community.
Understanding NDIS Supported Employment
NDIS-supported employment is a specialist service that helps people with disability find and hold onto jobs by providing extra support and tailored training on the job. Unlike regular job placement services, supported employment recognises that you’re often going to need more than just a bit of help getting started. You need ongoing support that’s tailored to your needs, to ensure you stick with a job for the long haul.
The idea is simple – with the right support, people with disability can really thrive in a meaningful job. This might involve job coaching, making workplace adjustments, developing new skills or having someone who understands your needs and the needs of your employer. Supported employment services will also help with record keeping, finding job opportunities and developing skills through training and job placement.
How Does Supported Employment Work?
The supported employment model is all about putting you at the centre of things, which means the support you get is tailored to your goals, strengths and needs. There are lots of different types of employment support services and jobs out there, so you can choose a work situation and support model that suits you. Generally, the process follows a few key stages.
First, there’s the assessment phase where you work with an employment consultant to get a better understanding of your skills, interests and career aspirations. This isn’t about trying to shoehorn you into the first job that comes up – it’s about finding the right fit between you and the job.
Next is the job preparation phase, which involves tasks such as creating a CV, practising interviews, on-the-job training, and assistance with transport and logistics. For some people, this phase is also about getting some basic work habits and confidence under your belt.
Once you’re in the job, that’s where the real work of supported employment kicks in. On-the-job support might include training alongside you, liaising with your manager, helping you navigate workplace politics, and troubleshooting any issues that arise. This support gradually winds down as you become more confident and capable.
What Does Supported Employment Mean for NDIS Participants?
For people who get NDIS funding, supported employment represents a real chance to get involved in the workforce and have a bit of independence. The NDIS funds supported employment services as part of its commitment to helping people with disability live an ordinary life – and for most adults, that means having a job.
Supported employment services funded through the NDIS can include finding a job, support during the transition into a new role, ongoing workplace support as needed and skill development both before and during the job. Social services play a key role by working with government and sector experts to develop guiding principles and comprehensive supported employment plans that ensure consistent, quality outcomes for participants. NDIS support is fundamental to all this, providing flexible, funded employment services that can be tailored to individual needs in different workplaces. Peak bodies, government reps and other stakeholders have all been instrumental in developing and endorsing the supported employment plan, advocating for people with disability and shaping policy frameworks to boost employment opportunities.
The Benefits of Supported Employment Programs
Research shows that work is about more than just a salary. For people with disability, the benefits can be particularly significant. Having some financial independence gives you the freedom to make your own choices about how you live. The social connections you form at work help combat isolation and be a part of the community. The structure and purpose of work support your mental health and wellbeing. And the skills you develop through work – technical skills and interpersonal skills alike – open doors to future opportunities.
For employers, supported employment or inclusive employment programs offer access to a dedicated talent pool, ongoing support to ensure successful placements and the chance to build genuinely inclusive workplaces. Plenty of different businesses – from large, supported employment services to family-run businesses – are also stepping forward to offer supported employment opportunities, giving participants some real choice and flexibility. Maintaining a safe workplace, such as through training on things like food safety and safe work practices, is essential to make sure you’ve got a supportive and secure environment for all employees.
Pricing and Funding for Supported Employment
Understanding how supported employment services are funded is important for NDIS participants and their families/carers when they’re planning for meaningful employment. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to ensure people with disability have access to the support and services they need to achieve their employment goals, and the Australian Government is committed to providing genuine opportunities for participation in the workforce.
Supported employment funding is tailored to each participant’s needs, and it’s outlined in their individual NDIS plan. This funding covers a range of supports, from on-the-job assistance to skill development, all aimed at helping participants succeed in the workplace. NDIS providers can claim funding for the delivery of these supports, making sure that services are flexible and responsive to the unique needs of each person.
A key part of the funding framework is the Supported Wage System – the SWS helps make sure supported employees receive fair pay that reflects their productivity. The SWS looks at how an employee compares to someone without a disability and sets a wage level that reflects their contribution to the workplace while keeping fairness and dignity intact.
Beyond the direct funding from the NDIS, the Australian Government has also brought in a few extra initiatives to support people with high employment needs. For example, the Structural Adjustment Fund and the Disability Employment Advocacy and Information program provide extra help, support and information to get participants and their families building up their confidence and understanding their rights and options in the workplace.
For those who aren’t eligible for the NDIS, the Disability Employment Continuity of Support (DECoS) program ensures supported employees can still get the help and services they need to keep working and stay in a job. This means that even if you’re not eligible for the NDIS, you can still benefit from supported employment because the Government is committed to making it inclusive for everyone.
The way the NDIS funds supported employment services is reviewed regularly to make sure things keep running smoothly. The NDIS Code and regular reviews help make sure funding is being used effectively, efficiently and on things needed by participants. You can always find the latest information on funding and pricing on the NDIS website – that way, participants and their families can stay in the know and feel empowered.
In short, the Australian Government’s approach to funding supported employment is all about delivering flexible, fair and real results. By providing funding, fair wages through the SWS, and constantly working to improve things, the NDIS and related programs are helping people with disability, their families and carers get more confident, independent and successful in their work.
Finding the Right Supported Employment Provider
Not all supported employment services are the same – some providers are far better suited to your needs than others. When hunting for a provider, try to find organisations with extensive experience in your industry, a track record of keeping people in work long-term, good relationships with local employers and a genuine interest in helping you achieve your goals rather than just churning out placements.
Supported employment providers come in all sorts of forms – from Australian Disability Enterprises to social enterprises and even support for participants to start their own business, so there are plenty of job settings to choose from.
Access Industries is a registered NDIS service provider for supported employment, offering comprehensive support for people with disability who are looking for real work opportunities. With decades of experience across a wide range of industries like commercial sewing, packaging and timber services, Access Industries provides a real workplace environment where you can learn and build confidence.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re an NDIS participant and you’re keen to explore supported employment, the first step is usually a chat with your support coordinator or LAC about including employment in your plan. From there, you can get in touch with a provider like Access Industries and chat about your goals and how supported employment can help you achieve them. As you get more skills and confidence under your belt, you can start looking at open employment opportunities – these are jobs in the community that are a bit more independent and inclusive.
Working isn’t just about earning a living – it’s about feeling like you’re contributing to the world, being part of a team and building your skills and abilities. Supported employment makes this possible for people who might otherwise get left out of the workforce. Supported employment programs can provide extensive support to people who really need it, making sure they get the tailored assistance they need.
Ready to explore supported employment opportunities? Contact Access Industries to find out more about our NDIS-supported employment services and how we can help you achieve your employment goals.