Disability Employment Services
At IDEAL Placements we understand that looking for work can be challenging. Our team is here to support you every step of the way and listen to your needs.
Together we will support your work and life goals to create a plan navigating you toward success. If you are not ready for work just yet, we can focus on building skills through training and upskilling to become job ready.
Our friendly team will source job opportunities and provide on-the-job training, supporting you and your new employer, and creating long-term partnerships. Our goal is to find employment that best matches your needs and capabilities.
What is DES?
Disability Employment Services (DES) is the Australian Government’s employment service that helps people living with a disability find work and keep a job.
DES is free for eligible people who are:
- An Australian citizen or hold a permanent residency.
- Living with disability, mental health condition, treated illness or injury.
- Between 14 and 67 years old.
- Able to work at least 8 hours per week, but no more than 30 hours per week.
- Are receiving an income support payment.
Register by completing our Contact Form, calling us on 07 4957 8177 or through a Services Australia referral
Once your eligibility is confirmed, attend your first appointment to discuss your goals and identify the support you need
Work with your employment consultant to address and meet your individual needs while finding the right job for you
Receive ongoing support from our friendly team once you are placed in work
DES Success Stories
Emma secured permanent employment
Emma was feeling very let down and unsupported in her job while living with a hip and knee injury and hearing loss. When Emma joined IDEAL Placements, she finally felt like she was being heard and was excited about her future with finding suitable and sustainable employment.
Emma’s Employment Consultant helped her to find a new job that was understanding and supportive of her injuries and hearing loss. Her Employment Consultant guided her through ways to approach and deal with conflict in the workplace, working on communication and coming up with solutions allowing Emily to secure permanent employment in a safe and enjoyable work environment.
Diane's journey to find her happy place
Diane had difficulty leaving the house, low moods, insomnia and social avoidance. While in the DES program, Diane had her resume updated and learnt job search techniques. She was provided with financial assistance to complete training and purchase work related clothing and shoes.
After working with her Employment Consultant for a few months, Diane gained permanent employment of her choice. During the post placement support contacts made by her Employment Consultant, Diane expressed that ‘work is fantastic and she had forgotten what it feels like to be truly happy and how good it feels just to feel good’. Diane got her happy place back.
Shaun was grateful for the support he received
Shaun joined IDEAL Placements and expressed his desire to work in the lawn mowing and gardening industry. Shaun’s Employment Consultant created a plan for Shaun to obtain the required training to pursue a career in this industry.
After battling a chronic pain disability, homelessness and the loss of a parent, Shaun was able to secure long-term employment in an industry he had a real passion for with the help and support of his Employment Consultant. Shaun conveyed his gratitude and appreciation for IDEAL Placements and his Employment Consultant as he ‘had never received such great support to meet his goals before’.
How we work with you
A friendly IDEAL Placements Employment Consultant will be assigned to you, and work with you to understand what assistance you may need while sourcing suitable job opportunities. Your Employment Consultant will get to know your interests, qualifications, experience, and skills and will set achievable goals for you to work towards in your employment journey.
Help with the prep work
IDEAL Placements provides individualised services to support you in preparing for and finding a job. Everyone’s journey is different and if required, we provide access to the right services to help you overcome any challenges.
On-Site Support
IDEAL Placements can assist you with on-site support and training at your workplace. On-the-job training takes place in your normal working situation, using the actual tools, equipment, documents, or materials. Your Employment Consultant can attend the workplace prior to you commencing your job to learn the required roles and tasks to assist you with your on-the-job training.
Support for Employers
Check out our Employer Page for information on how IDEAL Placements can help you find, recruit and retain exceptional staff.
Further Support Available
Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)
The EAF gives financial help to eligible people with disability and mental health conditions and employers to buy work-related modifications and services including special equipment, modifications to work vehicles and mental health first aid and disability training.
A free workplace assessment through EAF is available for eligible job seekers to help work out what modifications will best meet your needs and help you do your job.
For more information and eligibility criteria, contact us on 4957 8177.
Observational Work Experience (OWE)
OWE provides short-term unpaid observational work experience placements to help job seekers build soft skills and gain a better understanding of the workplace and potential career opportunities.
OWE benefits both job seekers and employers by providing opportunity and insight for job seekers, while allowing employers to gauge whether a job seeker is a good fit for their business.
For more information and eligibility criteria, contact us on 4957 8177.
