COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Assisting NDIS Participants to Access & Maintain Employment course. This program is designed to build your knowledge and capability in supporting people with disability to prepare for, obtain, and sustain meaningful employment.

Employment not only enhances economic independence, but also strengthens social inclusion, purpose, and long-term wellbeing. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), employment supports are available to assist participants across diverse pathways—including open employment, supported roles, and self-employment. Your role is to help participants identify and achieve employment goals that reflect their aspirations, strengths, and rights.

NDIS employment supports are structured to address the unique needs of each participant and span a range of options and objectives. This course begins with introducing the key categories of employment-related supports funded under the NDIS, and explains the distinctions between open, supported, and self-employment pathways. It highlights the central role of providers in supporting participants through assessment, planning, training, and workplace integration, ensuring that employment becomes an achievable and empowering outcome for all.

Employment readiness is a critical first step in developing a personalised support strategy. This section explores how to conduct vocational assessments to determine a participant’s skills, interests, and workplace preferences. It provides guidance on identifying employment-related barriers—such as anxiety, transport limitations, or lack of experience—and working collaboratively with participants to define realistic and motivating employment goals. A focus is placed on respecting participant choice, while also building the practical foundations needed to support employability.

Youth Employment Assistance (formerly known as School Leaver Employment Supports) provides tailored funding and services to young people transitioning from school to the workforce. This section details the eligibility criteria, funding pathways, and application procedures for YEA. It also outlines how to develop individualised support plans, coordinate with schools, and structure developmental opportunities to support successful transitions from education to employment during this critical life stage.

School-to-work transitions require coordinated and forward-thinking planning. This section discusses the importance of bridging educational and vocational pathways by offering targeted supports during the final years of school. It includes strategies for facilitating structured work experience placements, building real-world skills, and involving families and carers in planning to ensure continuity of support from school-based services into the broader employment environment.

Employment preparation is a key area of focus when equipping participants with foundational work skills. This section introduces a variety of training approaches such as resume development, mock interviews, workplace expectations, time management, and communication. It provides strategies for delivering group and individualised job readiness training, while also supporting participants to build confidence and understanding of workplace culture.

Vocational training can expand employment options and support lifelong learning. This section explains how to identify suitable vocational programs aligned with the participant’s employment goals, assist with enrolment, and provide ongoing support throughout the training period. It also highlights how to monitor progress, adjust plans, and celebrate achievements to maintain engagement and momentum.

Supported employment plays a critical role for many participants who require structured environments with ongoing assistance. This section outlines how to explore opportunities within Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs), match participants with appropriate roles, and provide workplace coaching and support to ensure safety, satisfaction, and development. It also covers strategies for fostering autonomy and recognising individual contributions within supported workplaces.

Open employment offers a pathway to fully integrated participation in the workforce. This section details how to identify employment opportunities in the open labour market, establish relationships with inclusive employers, and support participants through recruitment, interviews, and onboarding. It explores how to maintain support throughout the initial employment period and build capacity for long-term success in mainstream roles.

Self-employment and micro-enterprise development offer flexible and meaningful alternatives to traditional employment. This section discusses how to assess whether self-employment is suitable for a participant, assist with business planning, and guide the development of small-scale enterprises. It also includes strategies for linking participants to small business mentors, funding bodies, and relevant networks to help establish sustainable ventures.

Workplace modifications and assistive technologies can be essential for enabling equal access and productivity. This section provides guidance on assessing the need for reasonable adjustments in the workplace, coordinating the provision and funding of assistive devices, and training both participants and employers in their effective use. It also addresses workplace accessibility obligations and strategies for embedding inclusive practices.

Ongoing support is often necessary to maintain employment and build career progression. This section examines how to establish consistent check-ins, monitor workplace relationships, and troubleshoot issues as they arise. It also includes guidance on setting career development goals, providing encouragement, and exploring further training opportunities to support upward mobility within chosen employment paths.

Positive collaboration with employers is fundamental to creating inclusive workplaces. This section outlines how to engage employers by promoting the benefits of inclusive hiring, providing training on disability awareness, and offering support in developing reasonable workplace accommodations. It also addresses how to mediate misunderstandings or workplace issues in a constructive, solution-focused manner.

Navigating the broader employment service system is essential to coordinating effective supports. This section explains the roles and responsibilities of services such as Disability Employment Services (DES), Workforce Australia, and Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers. It offers strategies for integrating supports across systems and ensuring that participants are aware of all available services, entitlements, and pathways.

Employment support must always be provided within a strong ethical and legal framework. This section details relevant Australian legislation including anti-discrimination laws, workplace rights, and equal opportunity obligations. It reinforces the provider’s responsibility to maintain confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and advocate for fair, respectful treatment throughout the employment journey.

Employment outcomes should be carefully monitored and evaluated. This section introduces outcome measurement tools, discusses how to set achievable goals and track milestones, and outlines how to use collected data to inform future planning. Documenting employment progression supports transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement of service delivery in line with NDIS Practice Standards.

Cultural competency is essential in understanding how employment goals and workplace experiences are shaped by cultural values. This section discusses how to recognise and accommodate culturally specific employment preferences, communication styles, and barriers. It includes strategies for tailoring supports to meet diverse needs and building relationships with culturally appropriate organisations.

Challenges in employment are inevitable, and providers must be equipped to support participants through setbacks. This section outlines how to detect signs of disengagement or stress in the workplace, develop early intervention plans, and provide assistance in cases of job loss. It also offers guidance on supporting participants to regain confidence and re-enter the workforce where needed.

Provider staff must engage in continuous learning to remain effective in employment support delivery. This final section emphasises the importance of staying informed about NDIS employment supports, participating in professional development opportunities, and reflecting on practice to ensure quality service. It highlights the value of building networks, sharing knowledge, and upholding the values of the NDIS in all employment-related support activities.

By the end of this course, you will have the skills, knowledge, and frameworks required to support NDIS participants in achieving meaningful employment outcomes. Whether preparing for a first job, returning to work, or launching a micro-enterprise, your support will play a pivotal role in fostering independence, purpose, and contribution in the lives of people with disability across Australia.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to NDIS Employment Supports

• Overview of NDIS employment support categories and objectives
• Differentiating between open, supported, and self-employment options
• The role of service providers in facilitating employment outcomes

2. Assessing Participant Employment Readiness

• Conducting vocational assessments to identify skills and interests
• Evaluating barriers to employment and strategies to overcome them
• Collaborating with participants to set realistic employment goals

3. Youth Employment Assistance (Formerly SLES)

• Understanding eligibility criteria and application processes for YEA
• Designing individualised support plans
• Coordinating with educational institutions to ensure smooth transitions

4. Transitioning from School to Employment

• Developing programs that bridge the gap between education and work
• Providing work experience opportunities during the final years of school
• Engaging families and carers in transition planning

5. Employment Preparation Activities

• Implementing job readiness training, including resume writing and interview skills
• Offering workplace etiquette and communication workshops
• Facilitating job search strategies and application processes

6. Vocational Training and Skill Development

• Identifying suitable vocational training programs aligned with participant goals
• Assisting with enrolment and support during training
• Monitoring progress and adjusting plans as needed

7. Supported Employment Opportunities

• Exploring options within Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs)
• Matching participants with appropriate supported employment roles
• Providing on-the-job support and monitoring performance

8. Open Employment Pathways

• Identifying opportunities in the open labour market
• Building relationships with potential employers
• Supporting participants through the recruitment and onboarding process

9. Self-Employment and Micro-Enterprise Development

• Assessing the viability of self-employment for participants
• Assisting with business planning and development
• Connecting participants with relevant resources and networks

10. Workplace Modifications and Assistive Technology

• Evaluating the need for workplace adjustments to accommodate disabilities
• Coordinating the provision of assistive technologies
• Training participants and employers on the effective use of modifications

11. Ongoing Employment Support and Mentoring

• Establishing support mechanisms to sustain employment
• Providing regular check-ins and problem-solving assistance
• Encouraging career progression and skill advancement

12. Collaboration with Employers

• Educating employers about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities
• Offering guidance on inclusive workplace practices
• Mediating any issues that arise between employers and participants

13. Navigating Employment Services and Programs

• Understanding the roles of Disability Employment Services (DES) and other programs
• Coordinating with multiple services to provide comprehensive support
• Ensuring participants are aware of all available resources

14. Legal and Ethical Considerations in Employment

• Familiarising with anti-discrimination laws and workplace rights
• Ensuring confidentiality and informed consent in employment processes
• Advocating for fair treatment and equal opportunities

15. Monitoring and Evaluating Employment Outcomes

• Setting measurable employment objectives
• Tracking progress and documenting outcomes
• Using data to inform future support strategies

16. Cultural Competency in Employment Support

• Recognising and respecting cultural differences in employment contexts
• Tailoring support to meet the diverse needs of participants
• Engaging with culturally specific organisations and resources

17. Crisis Management and Employment Retention

• Identifying early signs of employment instability
• Developing intervention strategies to address challenges
• Supporting participants through job loss and re-employment processes

18. Continuous Professional Development for Providers

• Staying updated with NDIS policies and employment support best practices
• Participating in training and networking opportunities
• Reflecting on practice to enhance service delivery

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.