You may choose to look for work independently, through a Job Network
employment agency or seek the assistance of a Disability Employment
Service. This will depend on the profession you wish to enter, your job
seeking skills and how confident you feel in managing and disclosing
your disability at work. If you are receiving assistance through an
agency, it is important that you still contribute to the job search
process and not rely solely on the consultant working with you. This
section provides information which may assist you with each option.
Centrelink
Centrelink is an excellent place to start, even if you are not
receiving benefits. Centrelink can point you in the direction of
specific services and organisations that can assist you with your job
search.
Disability Employment Services
Disability Employment Services provide specialised employment help
for people with disability, injury or illness. A person does not always
have to be receiving, or be eligible to receive, a payment from
Centrelink to use Disability Employment Services. In most cases a
person must be assessed by a Job Capacity Assessment Provider before
they can access these services.
Jobs in Jeopardy
Disability Employment Services can assist people who are employed
but whose jobs are in jeopardy because of work problems related to
their illness, injury or disability. These services are intended to
assist workers to maintain their employment.
Wage subsidy
Money is paid by a Disability Employment Network Provider to subsidise wages for people with disability entering the workplace.
Vocational rehabilitation services
Assistance is provided to job seekers to manage the effects of their
disability so they can get or keep a job in the open labour market.
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies are contracted by businesses and organisations
to fill positions on their behalf. They are very different from
Disability Employment Services or Job Network Providers in that they
are not government funded and operate as businesses. On successful
placement of a job seeker, they will take a fee from the employer;
their services for job seekers are usually free. Some recruitment
agencies specialise in particular industries and roles, while some may
focus on temporary or ‘blue colour’ jobs.
Your university Careers Service
All Australian and New Zealand universities provide free support and
assistance for students and graduates. They can assist you through
personal career counselling, job search strategies, resources, videos
and workshops. Most job applications require a covering letter and
résumé, however some will also ask you to address selection criteria.
There is a range of excellent resources for preparing your job
applications to be found online, but don’t forget to check out how your
university Careers Service can assist you through appointments,
workshops or handouts. You should be able to find information about
their services through your university website, student services
departments and disability units.