Supported employment providers play a crucial role in empowering individuals with disabilities, offering them meaningful work opportunities while providing essential support to help them thrive in the workplace. In Australia, numerous organizations are committed to helping people with disabilities find and retain jobs, ensuring that they can achieve independence, financial stability, and a sense of purpose.
Here, we explore the top 10 supported employment providers in Australia, highlighting their unique services, years of experience, and the ways they contribute to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
1. WISE Employment
Experience: Over 30 years
Services: Employment support, training, mentoring, and workplace modifications.
WISE Employment is one of Australia’s largest disability employment services, operating for over three decades. The organization’s primary focus is to provide tailored support to individuals with disabilities, helping them find and sustain meaningful employment. Their services range from job search assistance and career planning to workplace modifications, which ensures that the environment is accessible and suitable for their clients. WISE also offers training and mentoring to build the skills and confidence of job seekers, making them well-prepared for the job market.
Unique Points:
- Offers long-term support to both job seekers and employers.
- Provides mental health support services.
- Strong partnerships with businesses across various industries.
2. Workpower
Experience: Over 25 years
Services: Supported employment, vocational training, and community programs.
Workpower is dedicated to creating a more inclusive society by providing supported employment opportunities for people with disabilities. With more than 25 years of experience, Workpower runs social enterprises that allow individuals with disabilities to gain real-world work experience in industries such as hospitality, horticulture, and manufacturing. Their vocational training programs are designed to enhance the skills of job seekers, giving them the tools to succeed in the workforce.
Unique Points:
- Operates multiple social enterprises, providing diverse job opportunities.
- Offers on-the-job support and continuous skills development.
- Strong focus on sustainability and environmental practices in their enterprises.
3. Ostara Australia
Experience: 20 years
Services: Job placement, training, mental health support, and employer engagement.
Ostara Australia has been helping individuals with mental health conditions and disabilities find and maintain employment for the past 20 years. Their holistic approach includes job placement, vocational training, and ongoing support to ensure that employees can thrive in their roles. Ostara works closely with employers to create inclusive workplaces, providing training on disability awareness and assisting with workplace adjustments where needed.
Unique Points:
- Specializes in supporting individuals with mental health challenges.
- Provides pre-employment training to boost employability.
- Offers continuous support to both employees and employers.
4. MAX Solutions
Experience: Over 20 years
Services: Disability employment services, skills development, and job matching.
MAX Solutions is a leading provider of Disability Employment Services (DES) in Australia, with over two decades of experience. They specialize in matching job seekers with disabilities to roles that suit their skills and interests. MAX Solutions offers personalized support through every stage of the employment process, from job search assistance to skills development and ongoing mentoring. Their services also include mental health support, which is vital for individuals facing additional challenges in the workplace.
Unique Points:
- The extensive network of employers and partners.
- Focus on long-term employment outcomes and job retention.
- Provides access to training and education programs for job seekers.
5. EPIC Assist
Experience: 30 years
Services: Employment services, employer support, and disability awareness training.
For over 30 years, EPIC Assist has been committed to empowering people with disabilities by helping them find meaningful employment. Their services include job matching, resume writing, interview preparation, and continuous support once the person has started working. EPIC Assist also provides disability awareness training to employers, helping them create more inclusive workplaces. Their personalized approach ensures that each individual receives the support they need to succeed in their chosen career.
Unique Points:
- Offers comprehensive support to both job seekers and employers.
- Provides workplace training and accessibility advice to businesses.
- Strong advocacy for disability inclusion and employment rights.
6. AimBig Employment
Experience: 10 years
Services: Job search assistance, career coaching, and employer support.
AimBig Employment is known for its innovative approach to disability employment services. With a focus on “thinking big” for their clients, AimBig tailors their services to meet the individual needs and aspirations of each job seeker. From career coaching and job placement to ongoing workplace support, AimBig is committed to helping people with disabilities achieve their career goals. They also work closely with employers to foster inclusive practices and create job opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities.
Unique Points:
- Focus on personalized career planning and coaching.
- Offers training and job-matching services.
- Engages with employers to create sustainable job placements.
7. Kirinari Community Services
Experience: Over 40 years
Services: Supported employment, NDIS services, and skills training.
Kirinari Community Services has a long history of supporting individuals with disabilities, offering a wide range of services, including supported employment through social enterprises. They provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work in various industries, such as retail, cleaning, and maintenance, with a strong focus on developing vocational skills. Kirinari’s experience in disability support services is complemented by their ability to tailor employment opportunities to the unique needs of their clients.
Unique Points:
- Offers employment within their own social enterprises.
- Provides holistic support under the NDIS framework.
- Focus on long-term employment and skill development.
8. Civic Disability Services
Experience: Over 60 years
Services: Supported employment, vocational programs, and independent living support.
With over 60 years of experience, Civic Disability Services is one of Australia’s most well-established disability employment providers. They offer supported employment opportunities in industries such as food services, packaging, and cleaning. Civic’s focus on developing life and employment skills helps individuals with disabilities not only find jobs but also gain the confidence and independence needed to thrive in all aspects of life. Their vocational programs and supported employment are part of a broader service offering that includes housing and social support.
Unique Points:
- Extensive experience in disability support and employment services.
- Operates multiple supported employment facilities.
- Strong focus on personal development and independence.
9. NOVA Employment
Experience: 30 years
Services: Employment services, vocational training, and post-placement support.
NOVA Employment has been helping individuals with disabilities find employment for 30 years. They focus on matching job seekers with the right job opportunities, ensuring a perfect fit for both the employee and the employer. NOVA offers tailored training programs to build employability skills and provides continuous post-placement support to ensure long-term success. Their strong partnerships with employers help create more inclusive workplaces across various industries.
Unique Points:
- Extensive experience in disability employment services.
- Offers targeted training programs to boost employability.
- Works closely with employers to facilitate job placements.
10. Employment
Experience: 5 years
Services: Disability employment services, career counseling, and job search support.
Although relatively new in the field, Joblife Employment has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and person-centered approach to disability employment services. Their team of employment consultants works closely with job seekers to identify their strengths and match them with suitable employment opportunities. Joblife offers career counseling, job search support, and post-placement services to ensure long-term success. They also collaborate with employers to create accessible and inclusive workplaces.
Unique Points:
- Focus on person-centered and individualized services.
- Provides comprehensive post-placement support.
- Works closely with businesses to create inclusive employment environments.
