Disability Employment Service providers

What is a DES provider?

Disability Employment Service (DES) providers are funded by the Australian Government to provide a free employment service to help eligible people with a disability, injury, or health condition.

DES providers are experienced in supporting people with a disability throughout all stages of finding, applying for, getting and keeping a job. This includes help with resume writing, submitting applications, practicing for interviews, training and much more.

They are trained to help people with disability express their accessibility needs to their new or potential employers. DES providers also help employers with how they can best support their new employees in the workplace.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for Disability Employment Services you need to:

• receive benefits from the government such as the Jobseeker payment, the Disability Support Pension, or be a recipient of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
• have a diagnosed injury, illness, or disability
• be aged between 14 and pension age
• be able to work at least eight hours per week (with support when required)
• be an Australian resident or eligible VISA holder
• not be studying full time (unless you’re an eligible school leaver)

Usually, job seekers with a disability, injury or health condition are directly referred to a DES provider by Services Australia.

Services Australia will assess a job seeker to see if they might benefit from a DES provider and then, if they are eligible, will refer them to a DES provider close to their home.

You can also contact a DES provider directly and they will take the appropriate steps to determine if you are eligible for the program.

How can they help?

It is completely up to you to decide how much help you would like from your DES provider. A DES provider can offer the following support:

Getting ready for work

One of a DES providers’ main jobs is to help you get ready for the workforce.

When you are first assigned a DES provider, they will work with you to create a job plan to suit your needs. From this plan, they will be able to help you search for jobs that meet your experience and capabilities.

When you are ready to apply for a job, a DES provider can help you write your resume and job application.

DES providers can also help you prepare for interviews by practicing potential interview questions and helping you plan the outfit you will wear if you get an interview.

If you do not have suitable clothing for an interview or the workplace, your DES provider can offer financial assistance to help you purchase appropriate clothing.

Support and Adjustments

Your DES provider can help you with any supports and adjustments you may need to enter the workforce and maintain a job.

When you develop a job plan with your DES provider, you will discuss any supports and adjustments you may need in searching for and keeping a job. DES providers have a vast knowledge of the different supports and adjustments available and may be able to help you determine what you will need to enter the workforce.

DES providers can join you at an interview to help you have a conversation about your disability and the support and adjustments you may need. They can also speak to your employer once you are in a job if needs arise that you did not anticipate.

DES providers can educate employers on how to best support employees with diverse needs. They can help you decide the best approach to discussing your particular needs with your employer.

DES providers can also continue to assist you when you are in employment.

Financial help

As mentioned above, DES providers can provide some financial support in addition to the other services they offer.

Financial support will be outlined in the job plan you create with your DES provider and includes help buying work appropriate clothes for the interview process and for the workplace if you are successful.

DES providers are also able to offer some financial assistance for adjustments you may require in the workplace or to work from home. For example, this could be in the form of aiding someone to buy appropriate office supplies so they can safely work from home when required.

The financial assistance a DES provider can offer differs from case to case and depends on the needs of each individual.

Local DES providers

Tasmania has many DES providers around the state. If you are referred to one by Services Australia, it will usually be the DES provider closest to you.

However, if you would like to express your interest in a DES provider or gain more information about their services you can search for local DES providers on the JobAccess website or contact one of the below providers.

Need more help?

If you have any questions, feedback or experience issues with this website, please contact us by emailing jobs@dpac.tas.gov.au.