Find disability employment services in Sydney, NSW

Disability employment services in Sydney are largely government-funded, meaning most participants pay little or nothing for access to core employment support. The main programs are free to job seekers. For NDIS-funded employment-related supports, costs are governed by the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

Disability Employment Services (DES) funded by the Australian Government are provided at no direct cost to job seekers. DES providers receive government funding based on employment outcomes. Participants can access job readiness support, resume and interview preparation, workplace modifications, and ongoing in-employment support through these programs.

For NDIS participants who need employment-related Capacity Building supports outside the DES program, such as work experience preparation, social skills development, or vocational assessment, these are funded through NDIS Capacity Building under Finding and Keeping a Job. Rates for these supports typically range from $100 to $190 per hour.

Specialist employment consultants engaged privately, or additional supports beyond what DES provides, may involve private fees. Confirm whether a service is government-funded or privately charged before engaging.

Most disability employment services in Sydney are funded through government programs, making them accessible at no direct cost to participants.

Disability Employment Services (DES): DES is an Australian Government program providing free employment support for people with disability, injury, or health conditions. To access DES, you register with Services Australia (Centrelink). DES providers offer services including job search assistance, resume and interview preparation, on-the-job training support, and post-placement follow-up. Providers receive outcome-based funding from the government.

NDIS Capacity Building (Finding and Keeping a Job): NDIS participants can use their Capacity Building budget to fund additional employment-related supports. This may include vocational assessment, work experience preparation, social and communication skills development, and support worker assistance during work experience placements. These supports complement, rather than replace, DES.

Employment Assistance Fund (EAF): Employees with disability and their employers can access the EAF for workplace modifications, equipment, Auslan interpreting, Deafness support, and other adjustments that enable a person to perform their job. The EAF is administered by JobAccess and is free for eligible applicants.

JobAccess Advisory Service: The free JobAccess service provides telephone and online advice to job seekers, employees, and employers about workplace adjustments, DES, and other employment support options. This can be a useful first step in identifying the right program for your situation.

Disability employment services help people with disability prepare for, find, and keep paid employment. The specific support you receive depends on your goals, your disability, and the program you are accessing.

For DES, the process begins with an intake assessment. Your DES provider will talk with you about your work history, skills, goals, and any barriers to employment. They will develop a Job Plan with you that outlines the steps and supports for your job search. From there, you will work with a consultant who assists with resume writing, job applications, interview preparation, and connecting with employers.

Once you start employment, your DES provider continues to support you and your employer. This post-placement support is a key feature of DES and helps address any issues that arise in the early weeks and months of a new job. Support continues for up to two years after you start work.

For NDIS-funded employment supports, the process is more tailored. Your support coordinator or NDIS planner can help you identify the specific supports you need and connect you with providers who offer vocational assessments, skills development, or supported work experience. These supports are designed to address specific barriers that DES alone may not fully address.

You should expect employment service providers to work at your pace and respect your employment goals, not push you into roles that do not suit you. If a provider is not meeting your needs or not listening to your preferences, you have the right to change providers.