There are a number of different pathways you can take to achieve your employment goals, and the good news is… the NDIS can help! Having a job or even a small business can help you to expand your social network, increase your financial independence and build you capacity and confidence. Find out how you can get started on your employment goals today.
NDIS Capacity Building Supports: Finding and Keeping a Job
If you’ve been thinking about entering the workforce or need assistance to maintain your current employment, the NDIS can help through your capacity building supports.
The main support category for employment is called ‘Finding and Keeping a Job’ which supports people with disability to get into the workforce, build independence and maintain their employment. There are other categories that can help you with your employment goals, like ‘Increased Social and Community Participation’ which can assist you in developing the skills needed to enter the workforce.
To access funding for ‘Finding & Keeping a Job’, you should discuss your employment plans with your NDIA planner or LAC during your planning meeting or plan reassessment. They may ask you the following types of questions:
What are your employment goals?
Do you have any specific skills, qualification, or work experience?
What level of education do you have, or have you completed any courses in the field you would like to work?
Do you manage your own finances?
Do you need assistance in a workplace environment*?
*If you need a support worker to be with you in the workplace due to the impact of your disability, it’s important to discuss this with your NDIA planner, LAC or Support Coordinator as funding may be available to help you engage a support worker.
Top tip: the NDIA have a booklet you can use called ‘Let’s talk about work’ that can help you prepare the necessary information to present to your NDIA planner or LAC during your planning meeting or plan reassessment.
School Leaver Employment Services (SLES)
If you’re a school leaver you may be eligible to access School Leaver Employment Services (SLES). This support is available to students in their final year of secondary school for up to two years. SLES is designed to help you develop your skills and confidence to transition smoothly from school into the workplace.
SLES can support you to:
Build your motivation and confidence joining the workforce
Develop key capacity building skills for the workforce and within the community
Help you to determine your career aspirations and goals
Gain a nationally recognised qualification
If this is a path you’d like to take as a school leaver, you’ll need to engage an SLES provider. There are plenty or providers to choose from who can get you work ready. Try to find a SLES provider that suits your individual employment goals so you can make the most of their services.
Starting your own small business
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? There are currently two types of NDIS funding that may be relevant to you – Employment Supports & Supports in Employment (Specialised Supported Employment).
Employment Support can help you to build your capacity by providing you with short-term assistance. It can help you to better understand the types of work that you are interested in, develop your skills, manage complex barriers, or develop a career plan.
Supports in Employment (Specialised Supported Employment) provides tailored support for NDIS participants who are less independent, need help to manage behaviour, or need ongoing support in the workplace. This means there is ongoing core budget funding that can be used in any place of work including self-employment, a micro-business, or a family run business.
It may include:
On the job training
Intermittent support with daily work tasks
Personal care
Assistance with managing behaviour or complex needs
If you’re not ready to make the leap into starting your own business, you can explore platforms like Enabled.vip that encourage disability entrepreneurships. It can be a great option to help you better understand how to start your small business.
How we can help
First2Care is growing, which means our team is growing too. As new roles become available, we encourage people from within our community who have a passion for helping others, understanding the ins and outs of the NDIS and want to join a great team to apply through our Enable HR portal. If you have any questions or want to know if there are any roles available, reach out to our support team on 1300 322 273 or email hr@first2care.com.au for more information.
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.