DES or Disability Employment Agencies are not-for-profit organizations created significantly to help people who live with injuries, health conditions, or disabilities. They are there to reach out and help these people prepare for and find sustainable employment. It is important to note that they consist of two areas:
DMS or Disability Management Services help those with short-term injuries or illnesses look for jobs where they will need support in the work environment on an interim basis. ESS or Employment Service Support to help those looking for jobs who have permanent injuries or disabilities and need continued and consistent support in the work environment.
Eligibility
Specific provisions must be met to make someone eligible for a job through DES.
The job seekers have an injury, disability, or health condition that keeps them from seeking regular employment. They must be Australian citizens or have an eligible visa. They must be 14 years of age or older and at or above the minimum working age in their territory or state. Job seekers must not be studying full time and have a capacity of eight or more working hours per week.
They should have a valid ESAt or Employment Services Assessment or JCA or Job Capacity Assessment that recommends DES with a Future Work. If all eligibility requirements are met those looking for a job can access DES through the Department of Human Services or contact a DES provider directly.
Funds required
Funding might be available depending on the service the person looking for a job requires. It is important to note that the financing level for the eligible person changes all through their time in the program. Funding falls into three different categories:
- Advance payments are paid every 13 weeks to assist with acquiring employment and service fees.
- Payments are made once the participant has gotten employment or education for a certain length of time and are known as outcome fees.
- Finally, payments for further help in maintaining employment are available and known as ongoing support fees.
It is crucial for those who live with a disability to know that they can be eligible for the EAF or Employment Assistance Fund. This fund helps cover the expenses of required adjustments that have to be made to the workplace to provide jobs for people living with disability.
Services available
Job seekers who meet all the eligibility requirements can find programs and services that assist in the lead up to and all through the employment time. Employers who engage participants can be assisted through wage subsidies.
Work-based personal assistance is available that funds Support Services for workers needing extra help in the workplace. If help is needed for the cost of transport to and from work, studying, or training for the job, there is Mobility Allowance for all those unable to use public transportation.
If relocating is required to get employment, the Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job Programme is available. People living with serious mental illness can be helped through Personal Helpers and Mentors Employment Services.
Those who find themselves in a position where their job is put at a risk due to disability, injury, or illness can be helped through Jobs In Jeopardy. And there are many other kinds of programmes and assistance available, so it is essential for the person seeking employment to ask their DES provider which services can benefit them.