Our Specialised Supported Employment service helps NDIS participants build workplace skills, explore suitable employment and work towards their goals.
We provide individualised support with workplace tasks, routines and on-the-job guidance, helping you build confidence and independence.
For some people with disability, getting a job is only one part of the challenge. Staying comfortable, confident and productive at work may require ongoing support.
You may experience difficulties with:
These challenges do not mean that employment is out of reach.
The right support can help break employment goals into manageable steps while allowing you to develop skills at a pace that works for you.
Our approach begins with you.
We take the time to understand your employment goals, existing abilities, interests and the areas where additional support may be useful. We can then develop a practical approach around your individual circumstances.
We learn about your strengths, interests, experience and employment goals to understand what type of work may suit you.
Develop practical skills such as following instructions, completing tasks, communicating with others and managing workplace routines.
Explore employment opportunities that match your abilities, interests and support needs, from packing and cleaning to gardening, hospitality and other suitable roles.
Receive practical on-the-job support with learning tasks, understanding responsibilities, managing routines and adjusting to your workplace.
Ongoing support and progress reviews can help identify challenges, build confidence and develop greater independence in your employment.
We help you communicate with employers and colleagues, understand workplace expectations and develop positive relationships at work.
Specialised Supported Employment may be suitable for NDIS participants who have an employment goal but require substantial or ongoing support to obtain or maintain paid employment.
It may be particularly relevant if you:
Your eligibility and available funding will depend on your individual NDIS plan and circumstances.
The NDIS identifies Specialised Supported Employment as a specific registration group, and current guidance distinguishes employment-related capacity building from supports provided directly in employment.
Every participant’s pathway will look different, but our support can generally follow these stages.
We begin by talking with you about what you want from employment and what meaningful work looks like for you.
We consider your existing skills, strengths, challenges and the type of assistance you may need in a workplace.
Together, we establish practical goals and identify the support that may help you prepare for and participate in employment.
We can help you explore suitable job opportunities that align with your skills, interests, goals and support needs.
We can help you develop relevant workplace skills, routines and confidence before or as you begin employment.
Where required, our team can provide practical assistance while you learn your role and become familiar with your workplace.
We monitor your progress and discuss what is working well and where further support may be needed.
As your confidence and skills develop, support can be adjusted around your changing needs and employment goals.
Not every participant needs the same type of employment support.
Some people may need help developing work skills, preparing for employment or finding a suitable job. Others may require more substantial ongoing assistance once they are working.
The NDIS also recognises other employment supports, including assistance to access and maintain employment or education and employment-related assessment and counselling.
If you are unsure which type of employment support is appropriate for you, our team can discuss your circumstances and help you understand the options available to you.
If you are an NDIS participant who wants to work but needs additional support to prepare for, obtain or maintain employment, Deep Connections Community Services is here to help.
Talk to our team about your employment goals, current abilities and support needs.
Specialised Supported Employment is an NDIS support category for participants who need additional assistance to prepare for, obtain or maintain employment. Support can include practical assistance in the workplace, helping participants develop work skills, adjust to their work environment and maintain employment.
It may be suitable for NDIS participants who have an employment goal and require substantial or ongoing support because of their disability. Your individual NDIS plan and circumstances determine what supports may be available.
Employment options depend on your skills, interests, abilities, support needs and available opportunities. Depending on the participant, work activities may include cleaning, gardening, packing, sorting, hospitality, administration, community-based work and other suitable roles.
We can support you through relevant parts of your employment journey, including understanding your goals, preparing for work, developing workplace skills and identifying suitable employment pathways. The exact support provided depends on your individual needs and NDIS funding.
Where your approved supports allow for it, Specialised Supported Employment can include practical support while you are working. This may include on-the-job coaching, assistance with tasks, workplace routines, communication and developing greater independence.
Yes. Employment support can continue beyond the initial placement when ongoing assistance is required. We can help you manage workplace routines, develop skills, address challenges and work towards greater confidence and independence.
You can still discuss your employment goals with us. We can start by understanding your interests, strengths and support needs and then identify practical steps towards developing workplace skills and exploring suitable employment.