If disability-related barriers make it harder to prepare for work, find the right role or stay employed, the NDIS may fund extra support. NDIS finding and keeping a job support can help with workplace skills, work experience, suitable employment and disability-related assistance once you start working.
According to the NDIS employment guide, the support you receive depends on your employment goals, disability-related needs and where you are in your work journey.
What Is NDIS Finding and Keeping a Job Support?
NDIS finding and keeping a job support helps eligible participants build employment skills, move towards suitable work and maintain employment when disability-related support is needed.
It may include:
- exploring suitable types of work
- building communication and teamwork skills
- gaining work experience
- learning workplace routines
- travelling to and from work
- understanding workplace expectations
- receiving extra support once employed
For some people, the first step is not applying for jobs. It may be gaining practical experience, improving workplace communication or working out which type of role suits them.
Can the NDIS Help Me Find a Job?
Yes. If you are an NDIS participant and disability-related barriers affect your ability to prepare for or find work, employment support may be included in your plan.
If you are wondering can the NDIS help me find a job, it is important to know that the NDIS does not act as a recruitment agency or guarantee employment.
It may instead fund support such as:
- exploring your strengths and interests
- understanding workplace expectations
- practising communication and teamwork
- gaining work experience
- building workplace routines
- getting extra support when starting a job
The NDIS employment guidance also explains how employment goals can be included in your NDIS plan.
How Does the NDIS Support Job Seekers?
The clearest way to understand how NDIS supports job seekers is to look at what stage you are at.
| Your situation | Support you may need |
| Unsure what work suits you | Exploring interests, strengths and employment goals |
| Preparing for work | Communication, teamwork, transport and workplace skills |
| Looking for employment | Work experience and help exploring suitable roles |
| Starting a job | Learning tasks, routines and expectations |
| Already employed | Disability-related coaching or mentoring |
| Wanting a new role | Career planning and support to explore another pathway |
The support should relate to a real next step, whether that is gaining work experience, getting your first job, changing roles or becoming more independent at work.
What Can NDIS Finding and Keeping a Job Support Cover?
The NDIS generally funds disability-related employment support rather than every cost connected with having a job.
Depending on your plan and circumstances, support may include:
Building Workplace Skills
You may work on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, following instructions, completing tasks and understanding workplace behaviour.
Gaining Work Experience
Practical experience can help you test different types of work and understand which environment suits you.
Preparing for Employment
Support may help you identify employment goals, understand your strengths and build the skills needed before moving into work.
Support After Starting Work
A new job can bring unfamiliar tasks, routines and expectations. Some participants may need additional coaching or mentoring while they settle in.
The NDIS provider guide explains how employment supports can continue as participants move through different stages of work.
What Doesn’t the NDIS Pay for When You Get a Job?
The NDIS generally does not pay for costs that an employer or another employment program is responsible for.
This can include:
- wages or salary
- ordinary supervision
- standard workplace induction
- normal staff training
- usual recruitment costs
- equipment normally supplied by the employer
The key distinction is whether the participant needs additional disability-related support.
For example, an employer may train every new employee on a workplace task. If a participant needs extra disability-related coaching to learn that same task, the additional support may be considered separately under their NDIS plan.
Can the NDIS Help You Keep a Job?
Yes. NDIS finding and keeping a job support may continue after employment begins if disability-related assistance is still needed.
This may include:
- learning new workplace tasks
- adjusting to routines
- communicating with colleagues
- receiving on-the-job coaching
- managing disability-related barriers
- becoming more independent at work
The aim is to support employment that is sustainable for the participant, not simply help them get hired.
What Is the Difference Between DES and NDIS Employment?
If you are searching what is the difference between DES and NDIS employment?, there has been an important update.
Disability Employment Services, or DES, has been replaced by Inclusive Employment Australia.
Inclusive Employment Australia is an Australian Government employment program that helps eligible people with disability prepare for, find and stay in work.
The NDIS has a different role.
| NDIS employment support | Inclusive Employment Australia |
| Supports disability-related employment needs | Provides specialist employment assistance |
| Linked to NDIS goals and funding | Based on program eligibility |
| May build work capacity | Helps prepare for and find work |
| May provide extra support at work | Connects job seekers with employers |
| Can work alongside employment programs | Can coordinate with NDIS supports |
The two services may work together when each is providing a different type of support.
This is an important change in Australia’s disability employment system, especially for anyone reading older information that still refers to DES as the current program.
Can NDIS Support Help You Move Into Open Employment?
Yes. NDIS support may help participants build the skills needed to move towards open employment when disability-related barriers make that harder.
For some people, finding open employment with disability may involve:
- practising workplace communication
- learning to work to a schedule
- developing teamwork skills
- learning to travel to work
- trying different workplace environments
Open employment means working in the general labour market alongside people with and without disability.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that in 2022, 56% of people aged 15–64 with disability were employed, compared with 82% of people without disability.
That gap is one reason practical employment pathways and inclusive workplaces remain important.
How Do You Get Employment Support Through Your NDIS Plan?
Start with your employment goal.
You may want to:
- get your first paid job
- gain work experience
- return to work
- change careers
- become more independent at work
Talk about that goal during your NDIS planning conversations.
The NDIS employment guide recommends discussing both your employment goals and the disability-related barriers affecting your ability to work.
When comparing providers, ask:
- What will we actually work on?
- Can I gain practical experience?
- How does this support relate to the type of job I want?
- Can you help after I start working?
- How will progress be measured?
These questions can help you understand whether the support is practical and relevant to your goals.
What Can an Employment Pathway Look Like in Real Life?
Sometimes practical experience is the missing step between wanting a job and feeling ready for one.
Someone interested in hospitality, for example, may need opportunities to practise:
- taking customer orders
- using café equipment
- communicating with customers
- working as part of a team
- following a shift routine
- completing tasks when things get busy
That is the thinking behind our Barista Skillz Program at Soaring Together.
Participants build practical café skills alongside customer service, teamwork and workplace communication.
Our Brew Crew pathway also gives participants opportunities to use those skills in real community settings.
It is a practical way to experience workplace routines rather than only talking about becoming “job ready.”
How Can Soaring Together Support Your Employment Goals?
At Soaring Together, we support participants at different stages of their employment journey across Adelaide.
You may be thinking about work for the first time, know the type of role you want but need more experience, or need support building workplace skills before taking the next step.
Our Employment Services support workplace readiness, skill development and practical pathways towards employment.
Through Barista Skillz and Brew Crew, participants can also practise communication, teamwork, customer service and workplace routines in real settings.
For us, employment support starts with what you want to work towards.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If employment is one of your NDIS goals and you are looking for practical support in Adelaide, we would love to hear what you are working towards.
Make a referral or call us on 1300 119 302 to get started.
FAQs
Does the NDIS Find Jobs for Participants?
No. The NDIS is not a recruitment service and does not guarantee employment. It may fund disability-related supports that help eligible participants prepare for work, build skills and maintain employment.
Can NDIS Funding Pay for Work Experience?
It may. Work experience can form part of employment support when it relates to the participant’s employment goals and meets NDIS funding requirements.
Can I Get NDIS Support If I Already Have a Job?
Yes. Some participants may receive disability-related coaching, mentoring or workplace support to help them maintain employment.
Can the NDIS Help Me Change Jobs?
Potentially. Employment support may also help participants explore a new role when their goals, circumstances or disability-related needs change.
Is Inclusive Employment Australia Part of the NDIS?
No. Inclusive Employment Australia is a separate Australian Government employment program. It can work alongside NDIS-funded support where each service has a different role.
How Do I Choose an NDIS Employment Provider?
Look for a provider that understands your goals and can clearly explain what you will actually work on together. Ask about practical experience, workplace support, how progress is measured and what happens once you are ready to move towards employment.
