Disability Employment Services
Disability Employment Services (DES) provides access to a range of individually tailored employment services for job seekers with a disability, injury or health condition.
Services are flexible and responsive to both the needs of job seekers and employers.
Support to find a job
We will work with you to agree on an Employment Pathway Plan (EPP) that will include any assistance that will help you find and keep a job.
We will work with you to support you deal with any issues that might be making it hard for you to look for work. The support we give you may include:
- Looking at what work you have done before, and what work is available in your area
- Looking at what skills and education you have and what skills and education might help you get work
- Providing you with help which may include training, work experience or other services that will help you overcome any work barriers and to find and keep a job
- Supporting you to build your capacity to work
- Assisting you to access other support services you may need
- Assistance in preparing a resume
- Advice on the best ways to look for work
- Information about access to Jobsearch and computer facilities and about how to use them to look for work
- Access to an interpreter if you need one
Support to maintain employment
Once you find a job, we will continue to support you and will develop a plan with you to help you keep your job. The on and off job support available includes:
- To assess the suitability of this work in regard to your condition and injury
- Support to help you settle into your job
- On the job training
- Information, support and training for your employer and/or co-workers
- Help to resolve any problems you may have at work
- Provide ongoing support appropriate to your needs, which may include meeting with you regularly, or short bursts of intensive support
Depending on your circumstances, we can help you and your employer access a range of other support services which may include:
- Modification of your work area
- Purchase of specialised technology
- Other services under the Employment Assistance Fund
- Access to additional assistance if your job is in jeopardy
Eligibility
The service is aimed at people who:
- Have a mental illness*
- Require assistance to obtain employment
- Would benefit from ongoing support
- May be in jeopardy of becoming unemployed due to disability
* Whilst New Horizons specialises in supporting people with mental illness, people with other disabilities may be considered for the service.