Finding steady employment can be a challenge in Australia at times, even for people who have the qualifications and experience in the field they’re seeking. People with disabilities can face even more challenges in the job market.
So, what help is available to job seekers with disabilities? Are there employment services for the disabled? Yep there are reputable services like Good Sammy disability service.
Let’s discover what help is available, like the help you get from HealSoul, to assist anyone who has a disability find gainful employment in the Australian workforce
JobSeeker Payment
This payment encompasses assistance for anyone looking for work, who is studying full time or even working part-time. Replacing the old ‘sickness benefits’, JobSeeker is also paid to people who are injured or ill until they are fit enough to work again.
Basically, it’s government assistance for all people who are out of work, sick or injured, or need an income whilst studying full time; and this includes people with a disability.
Mobility Allowance
This is a small supplemental income to assist those with disabilities or injuries travel to and from work on public transport. Sometimes travel can be more expensive if mobility aids and wheelchairs are involved, so this allowance is designed to help diminish the financial burden when travelling for work or study.
Supported Wage System and Wage Subsidies
Another government initiative is the ‘Disability Employment Services’ scheme and the ‘Supported Wage System’.
Disability Employment Services is where the federal government subsidised wages for people with disabilities so they have more chance of being employed and remaining employed. Employers are taking less of a financial risk on employing someone with a disability when the government subsidies a portion of the wages.
Any employers who are concerned about someone with a disability not being able to do the job effectively can pay a productivity-based wage through the Supported Wage System. While most Australians with a disability work for full time wages, for anyone struggling to find a job, they can often land a position based on the Supported Wage System, where the disabled person is paid for their productivity rather than a set wage.
Both of these schemes really lend a hand to the disabled job-seeking community and have led to gainful employment for many.
The Employment Assistance Fund
Once again this is a government program which actually helps employers pay for services and workplace modifications to cater for hiring a disabled employee.
This is just another effective idea to encourage employers to hire a person with a disability who has the knowledge and skills to get the job done but may need special requirements in the workplace.
Get Help From a Jobactive Provider
A Jobactive provider is an organisation that works in conjunction with Centrelink and helps people find work. They also have specialist disability employment services to assist those with added challenges to finding a job.
Disabled job seekers will receive assistance on a number of different levels. Jobactive providers help find jobs for the disabled as well as offering health support with managing your disability, along with employment support.
One of the key things a Jobactive organisation will do is empower anyone with a disability, filling the individual with confidence and the belief that they can find a job and keep a job. In part, this is achieved by creating a bridge of knowledge between the employer and the employee, so both have a better understanding of both the disability and what’s required in the place of employment.
These services are not only available to individuals with long-time disabilities. Even people who have recently suffered a physical or health challenge can avail of the services offered by Jobactive providers.
Search Online For Even More Assistance and Services
If you’re suffering from some form of disability and you really want to find a job, a search online will reveal there are many services available in Australia that help the sick and disabled find job opportunities and training to enter the workforce.
Some organisations are government-based, while others are private organisations specialising in disability services.
Networking
It can also be helpful to network with others in the community who have a disability, especially if they’ve managed to land a job. They’ll have pertinent advice to offer as they’ve already ‘been there and done it’.