This page describes the range of employment services and programs that are available to support job seekers or employees with disability, including mental illness.

On this page:
Employment services
Job Capacity Assessments
Further information

From 1 July 2009, a new employment services system will be introduced in Australia.

Employment services

There are a number of free services to help you find a job, keep a job or manage a return to work after accident or injury. Many of these services offer ongoing support for people with disability.

Assistance includes help to update your skills, create a resume, prepare for job interviews, find a job, and get access to rehabilitation services.

The following employment services can help you find and keep a job:

• Disability Employment Network (DEN)
• Job Network
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS).

Disability Employment Network (DEN)

The Disability Employment Network (DEN) is a national network of community and private organisations dedicated to helping people with disability get ready to look for a job, find a job and keep a job in the open labour market.

DEN provide a range of supports to meet your individual needs, including:

• help to prepare for work including training in specific job skills
• job search support such as resume development, interview skills training and help to look for suitable jobs
• support when initially placed into a job, including on the job training and co-worker and employer supports
• ongoing support in a job if required
• purchase of vocational training and other employment related assistance, and
• access to help for your employer if required, such as workplace modifications.

To find a DEN provider, go to find a provider.
For more information, visit the DEN website or visit the JobAccess website.

Job Network

Job Network is a national network of private and community organisations dedicated to finding jobs for unemployed people, particularly the long term unemployed. Job Network services are provided by Job Network members (JNMs), and are dedicated to helping you find and keep a job.

JNMs provide advice, training and support to help people with disability find the right job. Job Network members can work with you to develop a job search plan tailored to your particular needs to assist you in gaining employment. 

Job Network provides assistance to job seekers who are job ready and does not provide ongoing support once job seekers, including those with disability, are employed. There are also specialist Job Network members who provide specialised assistance to job seekers with specific disability.

To find a Job Network provider or Job Network Services Specialist provider, go to find a provider.
For more information about Job Network services, visit the Job Network page of the Job Network website.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) provide assistance and support to people who have a disability, injury or health condition and need assistance to find or keep a job.

The type of help provided by VRS varies depending on your individual needs. Services are provided by a range of allied health professionals and can include assessments, disability management assistance, vocational counselling services, assistance with job search and employment placements including work experience.

To find a VRS provider, go to find a provider.
For more information about Vocational Rehabilitation Services, visit the VRS website.

JobAccess

JobAccess is an information and advice service. It includes a comprehensive, easy to use website and a free professional telephone information and advice service. JobAccess gives people with disability, employers, co-workers and employment service providers access to confidential expert advice and offers practical workplace solutions on all disability employment matters.

The JobAccess website includes information about:

• a range of government services
• looking for work
• training
• financial help
• the Workplace Modifications Scheme.

For more information, phone the JobAccess advisers on 1800 464 800 or visit the JobAccess website.

Job Capacity Assessments

If you have a medical condition or a problem that prevents you from finding or keeping a job, you may be referred by Centrelink for a Job Capacity Assessment. This assessment will help identify what service you need to find a job. Centrelink can provide further advice about job capacity assessments.

A number of organisations provide specialist assistance to people with disability who are seeking employment assistance:

• Job Network Specialist Services (JNSS)
• Disability Employment Network (DEN)
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)
• Personal Support Programme (PSP), and
• Job Placement, Employment and Training program (JPET).

For more information about Job Capacity Assessments, visit the Human Services website.

Further information

For further information about employment services for job seekers with disability please contact the Job Seeker Hotline 13 62 68 or email ajs@deewr.gov.au.