Disability employment resources: update your starting points

Jobseeker & Employment Resources for People with Disabilities

By Adele Cochrane · Originally published 5 March 2020

A desk with a laptop, lamp and stacked documents

Original article and dated context

Adele Cochrane is a writer and designer covering education and careers. She creates informative and helpful guides to help people create better futures.

While finding a job can be tough in any situation, people experiencing disabilities can face some extra hurdles. That’s where the list can help. This month, Clickability was included in a list of resources for Australian job seekers with disabilities in 2020 – here are our top picks.

Official government information and support

Check these out first, as they are the sources of authoritative information in Australia and can directly connect you with other services.

JobAccess. An Australian Government-created hub, this is a great first stop for comprehensive information, services and financial assistance for finding and keeping work.
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme). On the NDIS website, you’ll find a range of guides and resources specifically targeted at people using the NDIS.
Protection from discrimination at work. The Fair Work Ombudsman has the official information you need, so you can learn to recognise and deal with discrimination in the workplace.

[Clickability update, October 2026: DES was replaced by Inclusive Employment Australia on 1 November 2025. Check current program information. Workforce Australia replaced jobactive on 4 July 2022. See the government’s jobactive update.]

Find a DES provider

It can get overwhelming trying to find the right provider amonsgt all the available ones. Use a directory to help you find one that will suit your needs in your local area.

jobactive. This site was created by the Australian Government and features a helpful quiz to help you choose the service right for you. From there, you can find a service provider nearby.
Clickability. A directory of disability services in Australia, peer-rated and reviewed so that you can get accurate and transparent information from people like you.

Specialty employment services

These providers specifically provide for people with particular requirements or wdisabilities.

Settlement Service International – Disability Employment Services. With staff who speak over 98 languages, SSI helps newcomes to Australia find employment (and other important parts of setting up a new life). They have a specific service for people with disabilities.
Sign for Work. Sign for Work specialises in support for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Tools and guides

Downloads, resources and helpful guides that you can use in your job search.

What is the role of the NDIS in supporting employment goals? This article gives a quick overview of how the NDIS and DES work with the broader government support strategy. They also have a great blog on the NDIS.
Jobseeker Toolkit from Australian Network on Disability. Resources and downloads specifically for job seekers with disabilities, including cover letters and resumes.
How to link jobactive with myGov.A clear guide to setting up these two essential government services, so they link together.

[Clickability update, October 2026: The named internships, mentoring offers and application conditions are from 2020. Confirm current availability and requirements with each program before planning around them.]

Programs

These programs are specifically designed for different groups to assist in moving into work and supporting you to flourish in your new job.

School Leaver Employment Support. This program, run by the NDIS, helps high school students move into employment.
Stepping Into. Run by the Australian Network on Disability (AND), this internship program is for tertiary students. If eligible, they’ll set you up with 152+ hours or four weeks full-time paid work in the summer or winter semester break in a prestigious private or public sector organisation.
PACE Mentoring. Positive Action towards Career Engagement program (also run by AND) pairs you to a career mentor with extensive experience in your field. Meet with a mentor at least eight times over 16 weeks.
RecruitAbility for the Australian Public Service. RecruitAbility aims to enable more disabled people to access jobs in the Australian Public Service (APS). You can apply it to any job posting in the APS, including the senior executive jobs. Find open positions at APS jobs.

Job Search Websites

Toozly – Australia’s biggest job search website built for people with disabilities
jobactive – Australian Government’s job search website
FlexCareers – A job search website for flexible jobs, some of which allow you to work from home.
Indeed – one of the biggest job search websites in Australia.
Jora Local – Great for part-time and casual work in your local area. Jora Local makes it very easy to apply for jobs without submitting endless forms and cover letters.
APSJobs – Federal Government Jobs
State and Territory Government Jobs

Community Resources

When other parts of your life are affecting your ability to find a job, community services can be a big help.

Get connected to local service providers who can help you with anything from food, legal help, shelter, and training and more.

Clickability editorial update: October 2026

Where jobseekers can start now

Start with JobAccess for disability-employment information and Inclusive Employment Australia for current program details. Explain your work goal and ask which service suits the assistance you need. Do not assume a historical provider listing means a program is available in your area.

If you also have an NDIS plan, separate the disability-related assistance you need from ordinary job-search services and workplace responsibilities. Keep a short list of questions about eligibility, cost, access and follow-up before choosing a service.

Support the person’s work choices without becoming the decision-maker

Ask what kind of help the jobseeker wants from you: finding information, preparing questions or attending a meeting. Confirm the person’s preferences before sharing records. Compare the support offered with their actual goals, rather than accepting a placement because it is the first option.

Questions readers ask

Is DES the current program name?

No. Inclusive Employment Australia replaced it on 1 November 2025. Official guidance

Are all the 2020 links and program details verified today?

No. The historical list is retained with current starting points and clear confirmation requirements.

Compare providers for the work support you need

Describe your employment-support needs through Clickability. Read profiles, ratings and reviews, then confirm eligibility and how the service would work with your job goals.

Find employment support · Browse employment services providers