Disability Employment Services in Australia

Employment Support for People with Disability in Australia

Finding and keeping a job can be challenging for anyone. For people with disability in Australia, the barriers are often practical rather than personal. The right workplace modification was never arranged. The interview process was not accessible. The employer did not understand what adjustments were needed. These are solvable problems, and disability employment services exist to solve them.

Employment support is a critical component of the NDIS framework, aimed at increasing economic participation for people with disability in Australia. These services help individuals find and maintain meaningful employment, develop workplace skills, and transition from education to employment.

Key Employment Support Programs in Australia

• Disability Employment Services (DES)
• School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
• NDIS-funded supports in employment
• Workplace modifications and accommodations

Disability Employment Services (DES) in Australia

Disability Employment Services (DES) is the Australian Government’s specialized employment service for people with disability, injury, or health conditions in Australia. DES is free for eligible participants and is separate from the NDIS. You do not need an NDIS plan to access DES.

DES Service Streams

Disability Management Service (DMS)

For individuals in Australia who need assistance to find work and occasional support in the workplace, but are not expected to need regular long-term support. DMS is suited to people who have a disability, injury, or health condition that is likely to be temporary or episodic.

Employment Support Service (ESS)

For people with permanent disability in Australia who need regular, ongoing support to maintain employment. ESS participants receive continued assistance from their provider even after they have started working, which helps with job retention and workplace relationships.

How DES Providers Support You in Australia

• Job matching and placement in Australia workplaces
• On-the-job training and support
• Workplace modifications and accommodations
• Post-placement support to ensure sustainable employment
• Assistance with accessing work-related equipment
• Resume writing and interview preparation
• Employer liaison and education about disability

Employer Incentives and Wage Subsidies

Employers in Australia who hire through DES may be eligible for financial incentives, including:

• Wage Subsidies: The government can contribute to wages for an initial period, reducing the financial risk for employers.
• Employment Assistance Fund: Covers the cost of workplace modifications, equipment, and Auslan interpreting services.
• Supported Wage System: Allows employers to pay a productivity-based wage for employees who cannot work at full capacity due to their disability.
• JobAccess: Free workplace advice and support for employers hiring people with disability.

These incentives make it easier for Australia businesses to offer opportunities while ensuring employees get the support they need to succeed.

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) in Australia

SLES is an NDIS-funded early intervention approach designed to help Year 12 school leavers in Australia prepare for and transition to employment. Unlike DES, SLES is funded through the NDIS and is specifically for young people finishing school.

SLES Supports Available in Australia

• Work experience placements with Australia employers
• Job-readiness training and skill development
• Travel training to navigate transport in Australia
• Money handling and budgeting skills
• Communication in the workplace
• Time management and organizational skills
• Workplace social skills and professional behaviour

Duration and Funding

SLES is typically funded for up to two years after completing Year 12, providing a supportive bridge between school and employment for young people in Australia. The goal is to build the skills and confidence needed for open employment, not just any job, but a job that matches the young person’s interests and strengths.

What Happens After SLES?

Once SLES funding ends, participants can transition to DES for ongoing employment support if needed. Many SLES graduates move into open employment with minimal ongoing support, while others may benefit from continued assistance through DES or NDIS-funded supports in employment.

NDIS-Funded Supports in Employment

Beyond DES and SLES, NDIS participants in Australia may have employment-related supports built into their plans. These can include:

• Support Workers in the Workplace: Assistance with specific tasks or workplace navigation.
• Assistive Technology for Work: Specialised equipment or software to perform job duties.
• Transport to Work: Funding for transport assistance to get to and from the workplace.
• Capacity Building: Funding for training and skill development related to employment goals.

Your NDIS plan can work alongside DES to provide a comprehensive employment support package.

Finding Employment Support Providers in Australia

MD Home Care connects you with providers who offer complementary supports alongside your employment journey. For dedicated DES and SLES providers serving Australia, you can also search through:

• The government’s JobAccess platform
• The Department of Social Services DES provider finder
• Your NDIS Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator
• APM, MAX Solutions, WISE Employment, Scope, and other registered DES providers operating in the Australia area

How Employment Support Complements Other Services

Employment support works alongside other NDIS and community supports to create a holistic approach to independence and participation in Australia:

• Can be coordinated with other NDIS supports through your Support Coordinator
• Complements personal care and community access
• May work alongside therapy services for workplace strategies
• Creates pathways to economic independence

“My son finished Year 12 and we had no idea what was next. We found an SLES provider online who set him up with work experience at a local warehouse. He learned travel training and money skills. Eighteen months later, he got offered a paid position. Watching him head off to work each morning is something I never thought I would see.” - Karen M., Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DES and SLES?

DES (Disability Employment Services) is a government-funded program open to people of working age with disability, regardless of whether they have an NDIS plan. SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) is NDIS-funded and specifically designed for young people in their last year of school or up to two years after finishing Year 12. DES focuses on finding and keeping a job, while SLES focuses on building the foundational skills needed before entering the workforce.

Do I need an NDIS plan to access disability employment services?

Not for DES. DES is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services and is available to eligible people with disability, injury, or health conditions. You can be referred to DES through Centrelink. However, SLES does require an NDIS plan with specific funding allocated for employment supports.

What employer incentives are available for hiring people with disability?

Several incentives exist, including wage subsidies that help cover initial employment costs, the Employment Assistance Fund for workplace modifications, the Supported Wage System for productivity-based pay arrangements, and free advice through JobAccess. These incentives are designed to reduce barriers for employers and make it easier for people with disability to find opportunities.

Can DES and NDIS funding be used together?

Yes. Many people in Australia use DES for job search and placement support while also using NDIS funding for related supports like transport, assistive technology, or capacity building. Your Support Coordinator can help you understand how these funding sources work together to support your employment goals.

How long does DES support last?

DES support can continue for as long as you need it. There is no fixed end date. Your DES provider will work with you to find employment, and once you are in a job, they continue to provide support for at least 52 weeks to help you stay employed. If you need ongoing assistance beyond that, ESS participants can receive continued support.

Through MD Home Care, you can find providers who offer complementary supports that work alongside your employment journey to support your overall independence and participation in Australia.