Supported employment

NDIS Capacity Building support

Ongoing support in a workplace for people who need it to keep working, delivered by a provider that works alongside the employer and the person.

The short answer

Supported employment is ongoing support in a workplace for people who need it to keep working, delivered by a provider working alongside the employer and the person.

About Supported employment

Supported employment gives people who need ongoing help the chance to hold a paid job. Support is built into the job, and might include supervision, adapted tasks, extra training and regular check-ins. It can be provided in a workplace run by a disability enterprise, or alongside an employer in the open workforce.

Work arrangements vary. Wages and conditions depend on the workplace and the industrial arrangements that apply, and some people have their pay set with the help of a supported wage assessment. It is important to ask how wages are assessed and reviewed before you accept a role.

The right job is one you find meaningful and can do well with the support you need. Ask providers about the work on offer, how they match people to jobs and how support will change over time, including whether there are pathways to other kinds of work if you want them.

Who is this service for?

People who need ongoing support in the workplace to keep working, alongside their employer.

What a typical session looks like

Supported employment provides paid work in a setting designed to accommodate different levels of support. This might be a business that employs people with disability, or a role in a regular workplace with ongoing help. Workers do real jobs, such as packing, cleaning, gardening, hospitality or office work, and receive support to do them well.

A supervisor or coach is available throughout the working day to help with tasks, communication and problems that come up. Roles are matched to the person's skills and interests, and there is often room to build skills and move into other roles. Work is paid and comes with the rights and conditions of any employee.

Who delivers this support

Supported employment is provided by disability enterprises and specialised employment providers. Some are large organisations and others are small businesses with a social purpose. Ask about wages, conditions, the type of work and how people are supported to progress to other jobs if they wish.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Think about the work you would like to do.
  2. Speak to your planner or employment provider about supported employment.
  3. Visit workplaces and try tasks if you can.
  4. Ask questions about pay and conditions before you agree.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Supported employment works with training, job coaching and community participation. Some people work in supported employment as a long-term career, while others use it as a stepping stone to open employment. It is worth talking with the provider about your goals and how they help people move on if that is what you want.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Supported employment if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Capacity Building supports help you build skills and independence. If Supported employment is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Capacity Building budget. These budgets are usually set for particular types of support, so check which one your plan uses. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Supported employment that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Employment & education support providers on the NDIS register

5,959 NDIS providers list employment & education support supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing employment & education support

See all 5,959 employment & education support providers

Listings by state and territory

Suburbs with the most listings

Listings covering the most areas

Checking credentials

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Related services

Frequently asked questions

What is supported employment?

Ongoing support in a workplace for people who need it to keep working, delivered by a provider that works alongside the employer and the person.

Who does it suit?

People who need regular support at work, for example due to the nature of their disability or the tasks in their job.

Is it a paid job?

Yes, employment includes pay, and workplace rules apply. Ask providers how wages are set and how the arrangement works.

Is supported employment paid work?

Yes. Ask about how wages are set.

Can I move to open employment later?

Some people do. Ask providers about pathways.

Where can I get advice on workplace rights?

Government services and advocacy organisations provide information.

Is supported employment real paid work?

Yes. Employees receive wages and have workplace rights, though pay arrangements vary. Ask the provider to explain how wages are set.

Can I move from supported employment to open employment?

Many people do, and providers may help with the transition. Tell the provider if this is your goal.

What kinds of jobs are available?

They vary by provider and can include manufacturing, packing, gardening, cleaning, hospitality and office work.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Supported employment?

If Supported employment is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Supported employment provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

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Helpful reading

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