What is Disability Employment Services & How it Works?

Work is important for everyone. It helps people earn money, learn skills, and be part of the community. But some people with disabilities may find it hard to get a job. They might need extra help to find the right job and keep it.

Disability Employment Services (DES) support people with disabilities in their job search. They also help employers understand how to support workers with disabilities. This makes workplaces more inclusive and gives everyone a fair chance to succeed.

In Australia, the government funds DES to make sure people with disabilities get the support they need. DES providers offer job training, help with applications, and ongoing support to make sure people can do well in their jobs.

What is Disability Employment Services (DES)?

Disability Employment Services (DES) help people with disabilities find and keep a job. These services give extra support to job seekers so they can work and be part of the community. DES also helps employers understand how to support workers with disabilities.

The Australian Government pays for DES to make sure people with disabilities get the help they need. This includes job training, resume help, and support at work.

People who have a disability, injury, or health condition may be able to get help from DES. To be eligible, a person must be old enough to work and need extra support to find or keep a job.

How do Disability Employment Services Work?

Assessment Process

Before a person can get help from Disability Employment Services (DES), they need to go through an assessment. This helps to understand their abilities, skills, and the type of support they may need. The assessment looks at things like work experience, education, health conditions, and any challenges the person may face in getting a job. The goal is to provide the right level of support to help the person succeed in employment.

Job Matching

Once the assessment is complete, the next step is finding the right job. DES helps people by matching them with jobs that suit their skills, interests, and abilities. They also consider what support the person may need to do the job well. For example, someone who enjoys working with their hands may be matched with a job in packaging or assembly, while someone with good computer skills may be placed in an office role. Job matching is important because finding the right fit increases the chances of long-term employment.

Skills Development & Training

Not everyone is ready to start work right away. Some people may need extra training to learn new skills or improve existing ones. DES provides support with resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace skills training. This may include learning how to work as part of a team, using workplace technology, or understanding job responsibilities. Training helps individuals feel more confident and prepared for their new job.

Workplace Support

After a person starts working, DES continues to provide support. This may include helping them adjust to their new role, providing workplace modifications, or working with the employer to make sure the person has everything they need to succeed. For example, if someone has difficulty with communication, DES can provide assistive technology or arrange for a support worker. The goal is to create a supportive work environment where both the employee and employer feel comfortable.

Ongoing Assistance

DES support does not stop once a person gets a job. They offer ongoing help to ensure job stability and career growth. If a person faces challenges at work, DES can step in to provide advice and solutions. They can also help with further training or career progression opportunities. This ensures that people with disabilities can not only find a job but also build a long-term career.

Types of Disability Employment Services

Disability Management Service (DMS)

Disability Management Service (DMS) helps people with disabilities who need short-term support to find and keep a job. This service is for individuals who have a disability, injury, or health condition but do not need long-term assistance at work. DMS provides help with job searching, training, and workplace adjustments. Once the person is comfortable and independent in their job, support may no longer be needed.

Employment Support Service (ESS)

Employment Support Service (ESS) is for people who need ongoing support to stay in work. This service is designed for individuals with permanent disabilities that affect their ability to work without long-term assistance. ESS provides regular workplace support, training, and job coaching to help individuals succeed in their roles. The goal of ESS is to ensure that people with disabilities can maintain stable employment with the right level of support.

Benefits of Disability Employment Services

For Job Seekers

Disability Employment Services (DES) offer personalised support to help people with disabilities find and keep a job. This includes career advice, skills training, and job matching based on individual strengths and interests. Job seekers also receive help with writing resumes, preparing for interviews, and building confidence. Once employed, DES continues to provide support, ensuring a smooth transition into the workplace. This might include mentoring, on-the-job training, or adjustments to help individuals succeed in their roles.

For Employers

DES also benefits businesses by helping them hire skilled and dedicated workers. Employers receive assistance in finding the right candidates and may be eligible for financial incentives, such as wage subsidies, to support hiring employees with disabilities. Additionally, DES provides workplace modifications to ensure accessibility and offers disability awareness training to help businesses create an inclusive and supportive work environment.

How to Access Disability Employment Services?

If you need help finding a job, Disability Employment Services (DES) can support you. You can start by visiting or contacting Scope Australia for guidance. Scope has disability support professionals who can help you understand your options and connect you with the right services.

To find the best DES provider for your needs, you can search online or visit a local employment service provider. It’s important to choose a provider that understands your needs and offers personalised support to help you succeed in the workplace.