Finding the right employment option can make a big difference for people with disabilities. In Melbourne, particpants can explore different pathways depending on their skills, goals and the level of support they need at work.
Two options that often come up are supported employment and open employment. Both provide opportunities to work and build skills, but they offer different types of workplace support.
Understanding how each option works can help NDIS participants, families and carers make informed decisions about their employment goals.
What is supported employment?
Supported employment provides work opportunities for people with disability who need extra ongoing support while they work. Supported employment services can help people who may find it difficult to secure or maintain a job without additional assistance.
These workplaces can offer different types of jobs. Examples include gardening, recycling, cleaning, food services and screen-printing. Many supported employment services operate as not-for-profit organisations and provide opportunities for people to work and participate in their communities.
The level of support can vary depending on the person’s needs. Someone may need help with work tasks, communication, routines or other aspects of their working day.
For some people in Melbourne, supported employment can provide a structured environment where they can develop confidence, learn workplace skills and gain experience.
What is open employment?
Open employment refers to jobs in the mainstream job market. These positions are open to people with and without disability, so employees work alongside a wider workforce.
Open employment can include roles across offices, retail stores, hospitality businesses, trades, government organisations, community services and many other workplaces.
The NDIS can provide employment supports when a participant needs more assistance than their employer or other employment programs can reasonably provide. These supports can include on-the-job coaching, mentoring, job customisation and help with setting up a workspace or equipment.
This means a person does not necessarily need to work in a specialised setting to receive disability-related employment support.
Supported employment vs open employment
The main difference comes down to the workplace setting and the type of support available.
Supported employment usually provides a higher level of ongoing support within a dedicated supported employment service. The workplace may have systems and staff designed specifically to support people with disability.
Open employment takes place in the mainstream workforce. A person works for an employer in a regular workplace while receiving adjustments or additional support when required.
The choice can depend on several factors, including a person’s employment goals, skills, confidence, work experience and support needs.
The NDIS encourages participants to set employment goals based on their individual circumstances and the stage they are at in their employment journey. These goals can include finding a first job, changing jobs, maintaining existing work or progressing a career.
What employment support can look like in Melbourne
Employment support does not always mean someone needs a support worker beside them throughout the entire working day.
The NDIS may fund supports that help a participant build workplace skills and become more independent. These can include learning how to use public transport, communicate with colleagues, work in a team, complete tasks and understand workplace expectations.
Once someone starts working, support may include on-the-job coaching, training and mentoring. It can also help with personal care at work or workplace adjustments when required. Support can happen one-to-one or in a group, depending on the workplace and the person’s needs.
For Melbourne participants, this could mean receiving support while working in a local business, government workplace, social enterprise or supported employment service. NDIS employment supports can apply across these different settings.
Can someone move from supported employment to open employment?
Yes. Supported employment does not have to be the end point of someone’s employment journey.
A person may decide that they want to explore a mainstream job after developing their skills and confidence. JobAccess explains that people working in supported employment can seek help from an Inclusive Employment Australia provider when they want to move into open employment. They do not have to leave their supported employment job before receiving this assistance.
The NDIS also recognises employment as an ongoing journey. Participants may need different types of support as their goals and circumstances change.
How to choose the right employment pathway
There is no single employment pathway that suits every person. Start by looking at what the participant wants to achieve rather than focusing only on the type of workplace.
Consider questions such as
- What type of work interests the participant?
- What skills do they already have?
- What tasks do they find difficult?
- How much support do they need during work?
- Would they prefer a structured supported environment or a mainstream workplace?
- Do they want to build towards open employment in the future?
- What workplace adjustments could help them succeed?
An employment support provider can also help identify strengths, barriers and suitable work options. The NDIS recommends creating a tailored support plan that outlines employment goals, barriers, the support required, where and how often it will be provided, and when the plan will be reviewed.
Finding employment support in Melbourne
Melbourne has a wide range of employment opportunities and community services that can support people with disability. Participants can use the NDIS provider finder to look for employment support providers in their area. A my NDIS contact or support coordinator can also help connect participants with suitable providers.
It is also worth looking at other employment programs. Inclusive Employment Australia supports people with disability who need limited ongoing help to find and maintain employment. Other options include the Employment Assistance Fund, community programs and volunteering opportunities.
Final thoughts
Supported employment and open employment can both play an important role in helping people with disability reach their work goals. Supported employment can provide a structured environment with ongoing assistance, while open employment can offer opportunities within the mainstream workforce.
At DMA Caring Hand, we understand that every person has different employment goals and support needs. We work with participants to understand their preferences, build their confidence and connect them with the right support for their employment journey. Our team aims to provide practical, person-centred support that helps participants develop skills and work towards greater independence.
The right pathway depends on the person’s goals, abilities, preferences and support needs. With the right guidance, workplace adjustments and employment support, people with disability can build skills, gain experience and work towards meaningful employment in Melbourne.
