Disability Employment Services (DES)
Disability Employment Services, or DES, help people with disability, health conditions or injury prepare for work, find work and keep work.
Disability Employment Services, or DES, help people with disability, health conditions or injury prepare for work, find work and keep work.
Organisations that provide DES, called DES providers, come in many forms. From small to large for-profit and not-for-profit organisations, they are all experienced in helping people with disability find work and assist employers to support their employees with disability in the workplace.
Did you know?
AimBig Employment is a DES provider with over 20 years’ experience working with people with disability to achieve their employment outcomes.
How does DES help job seekers?
Disability Employment Services helps job seekers get ready for work with:
- writing resumes
- interview skills training
- job skills training
DES helps employees with disability with ongoing support regarding:
- Auslan services
- modifying the workplace
- on the job training
- employer and co-worker communication
How does DES work?
A job seeker can contact a DES provider directly, or Centrelink can assess whether a job seeker is eligible for their services and refer them.
Once contact has been made, the DES provider meets with the job seeker to assess their needs and individual circumstances. A plan is then created incorporating various support programs for the job seeker. A plan can also be created for employers who are looking to recruit new staff and accommodate people with disability.
Am I eligible for DES?
You are generally eligible for DES if you:
- have a disability, injury or health condition
- are aged between 14 and 65
- are at or above the minimum legal working age in their state or territory
- are an Australian resident or eligible Visa holder
- are not studying full time
- have a valid Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) or Job Capacity Assessment (JCA) recommending DES with a Future Work Capacity of eight or more hours per week; and
- are not working at or above their assessed work capacity
How do I choose a DES provider?
DES gives participants choice in the services they receive and how they want to receive them.
If you are a DES participant, you can choose your preferred provider when you first enter the program. At your first Centrelink appointment, you’ll have an opportunity to review providers in your area and choose one you think best meets your needs.
Employing people with disability
Unfortunately, a lot more people with disability are unemployed than those without disability. The work of DES providers is crucial to helping people with disability participate fully in Australian workplaces.
There are significant benefits that your business stands to gain when employing people with disability.
Reliability & Related Cost Savings.
People with disability can often display a high degree of dedication and commitment to their role. Generally, they are known to take fewer days off, less sick leave and stay in jobs for longer than other workers.
Affordability.
It is said that the general employment costs for people with a disability can be as low as 13% of those for other employees.
Brand Reputation & Morale.
Studies have shown that both employees and customers are more loyal to organisations that demonstrate they value social diversity and inclusion, and that their workforce treats all members of the community equally.
Good Customer Retention.
Employees with disability can help your organisation to understand what your customers or clients with disability may need, giving you an edge over your competitors.
Broader Talent Pool.
When organisations keep their workplaces and recruitment processes open to people with disability, they ensure that all potential employees with the relevant skills, qualifications and experience hold the ability to be hired.
Being open to diversity attracts and retains the widest possible talent pool. Employees within inclusive workplaces are also likely to be more engaged, motivated and productive – and are even included to stay with your business for longer.
Did you know?
- Over 4 million people in Australia have some form of disability. That’s 1 in 5 people.
- There are 2.1 million Australians of working age with disability. Of these, just over 1 million are employed and another 114,900 are looking for work.
- Graduates with disability take 56.2 % longer to gain full time employment than other graduates.
Need help?
AimBig have a high performing team of allied health professionals, each with a strong focus on empowering job seekers and connecting them with the right employers.
Contact us on 1300 034 997 to find out how we can help you.