Finding work in Australia is not always an easy task and the challenges facing job seekers living with a disability can be unique. These days, though, there is a lot more focus on diversity in the workplace and employers are far more aware of the positives disabled employees can bring to the team. The task may be a little harder than for the average person, but with support for people with a disability that you can access, the road to employment has never looked brighter than it does today.
Let’s look at some tips for finding work and some of the support programs you can take advantage of to help you achieve your employment goals.
Believe You Have Something To Offer
All of your job-seeking efforts are going to depend on what you believe about yourself. If you harbour the belief that you don’t have anything to offer the workforce, this is what potential employers will also believe.
While it’s important to disclose the fact that you have a disability, that’s not what you should be focusing on. Every prospective employee has something to offer, no matter who they are or what their circumstances may be.
Focus On Your Abilities
Focus the attention on your strengths and abilities and any previous experience you may have. If you’ve completed training courses, then these credentials should also be highlighted to employers when you apply for jobs.
Craft a Good Resume
Have an up to date resume that highlights everything you believe you can offer a job role. If you need help compiling a resume, seek assistance from a friend or family member, or use a professional service. A variety of government assistance programs also offer help in this instance and you’ll discover more about these below.
Practice Your Interview Skills
Everyone needs to perform well at job interviews, so it’s important to brush up on your skills. Read some tips and ideas for successful job interviews online and also practice doing mock job interviews with a friend or relative so you become more adept at answering questions and maintaining positive body language.
Look For Jobs Online
The internet is the most logical and convenient way to search for job openings in Australia these days and you can access numerous online job portals anytime you please. Most of the job boards also allow you to filter your search results so they are more refined and you can even input data such as seeking jobs for people with disabilities.
Some employers focus on offering positions to minority groups and one of those groups is job seekers with a disability. It’s about giving everyone a fair go.
You will also want to take advantage of notifications, where you’ll receive a text message or email when a new job matching your criteria is posted online.
Employment Assistance Programs Available For People Living With a Disability
There are a number of programs out there specifically designed to assist people living with a disability to find a job. There are also incentive programs for employers, to encourage them to give someone with a disability a chance.
Disability Employment Services, also known simply as DES, is one such program implemented by the government to provide ongoing assistance to unemployed people who have a disability. The goal of the program is to help job seekers find a job and continued assistance to ensure that individuals assimilate smoothly into the workforce and keep their job.
DES is most commonly accessed through a local Jobactive provider and you can team up with a Jobactive provider through Centrelink.
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is another government initiative that provides comprehensive assistance for disabled job seekers. Facets of this program also provide assistance for carers and family members.
The Supported Wage System gives employers the incentive to hire an individual with a disability through wage subsidies. This program can be highlighted to prospective employers, so they give you an opportunity to prove yourself.
The Wrap
While disabled job seekers will face some extra challenges when searching for work, there is a lot of assistance available so you’re not on your own and in today’s world, Aussie employers are more and more willing to hire people from minority groups for workplace diversity.
