Having a job can mean more than earning money. It can help you build confidence, learn new skills, meet new people, and become more independent.
If employment is one of your goals, it is important to include it in your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan. This can help you access the right supports and services, such as NDIS Support Coordination, to meet your job goals.
While a NDIS Support Coordinator does not find jobs for participants, they can help connect you with the right services and opportunities to work towards your goals. They can also help you access the supports you may need to settle into a role and maintain employment over time.
Starting with your goals
Everyone’s idea of a good job is different. You may be looking for your first job, returning to work after a break, or wanting to learn new skills before entering the workforce. Whatever your goal is, a Support Coordinator can help you identify the steps needed to get there.
This might include:
- Exploring your interests and strengths
- Identifying skills that you would like to develop
- Setting realistic employment goals
- Creating a plan to work towards those goals
- Looking at supports that may help along the way
By starting with your goals, a Support Coordinator can help you focus on what is important to you and create a pathway that fits your needs.
Understanding your NDIS plan and employment goals
A Support Coordinator can help you understand your NDIS plan and identify whether you have funding and supports that may help you work towards your employment goals.
They can help you understand what supports are available, how they relate to your goals, and whether there may be opportunities to build skills, confidence, independence, or work readiness through your existing funding.
Understanding your available supports can help you make informed decisions and take practical steps towards achieving your employment goals.
Connecting you with the right employment supports
Finding the right employment support can be challenging, particularly when there are different services available both within and outside the NDIS.
Where appropriate, a Support Coordinator can connect you with mainstream employment services, such as Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) providers, formerly known as Disability Employment Services (DES). These services are often the first step for people seeking support to find and maintain employment.
A Support Coordinator can also help you:
- Understand the different employment support options available
- Connect with training and education opportunities
- Access community programs that build confidence and workplace skills
- Explore volunteering opportunities to gain experience
- Navigate services that support communication, social skills, and independence
A Support Coordinator can also help you access supports that build confidence, independence, and workplace skills, which can assist you not only in finding employment but also in maintaining it over time.
By helping you access the right supports at the right time, a Support Coordinator can make it easier to take meaningful steps towards employment.
When your current supports are not enough
Sometimes employment goals may not be adequately supported through your current NDIS plan, or mainstream employment services may not fully meet your needs.
In these situations, a Support Coordinator can help gather information about your circumstances, goals, and support requirements. They can help you prepare for plan reviews or reassessments and ensure your employment aspirations are clearly communicated.
Depending on your individual situation, they may also help you explore other employment pathways and discuss supports that could assist you in achieving your goals, including supported employment options where appropriate.
Having the right information and evidence can help ensure future planning discussions are focused on the supports you need to pursue meaningful employment opportunities.
Taking the next step
Whether your goal is to find your first job, return to work, or maintain employment and grow your career, you do not have to do it on your own.
At Mosaic, we’ve seen firsthand how the right support can help participants achieve their employment goals.
Participants like Marc have built skills, confidence, and independence through tailored support and opportunities. Read Marc’s story here.
If employment is one of your goals, our team is here to help you take the next step. Contact Mosaic today on 08 9314 8900 to learn more about our Support Coordination services.