Ramadan initially struggled with the change. The familiarity of school was no longer available, and he had to adapt to being more actively involved in his daily activities. Now in his job, he is even more confident about his options in the future, and he knows that he’s capable of …
Disability Employment Services.
Uniting offers tailored disability employment services for people living with neurodiversity, injury, illness, or disability.
Fulfil your career goals with Uniting
Employment for all abilities.
If you’re living with a disability and seeking employment, we’re here to help.
Your journey starts with personalised care. We’ll support you to find employment that suits your abilities and goals.
Uniting offers disability employment services with job opportunities in hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and more.
We want you to succeed and believe your contribution to the community is powerful.
We'll support you to:
- Explore your career goals tailored to your unique interests and skills
- Access training and skill development to expand job opportunities
- Understand the types of roles available
- Assist with resume and cover letters
- Find employment that is meaningful and appropriate for your goals
- Interview training and preparation
- Navigate workplace communication
- Assistance in settling into a new work environment
- Make changes to the work environment to ensure you're comfortable.
Are you a young person aged 15 -25 years? Pathways 2 Employment supports young people living with a disability to build confidence, explore their goals, and plan for a bright future. Learn more.
Otherwise, if you’re a business owner looking to hire a diverse workforce including people living with a disability, see our Employers page for more information.
How do I find employment support?
Find a Uniting employment service location near you
Pick from our list of various locations of local disability employment support around Victoria.
Contact our team
Give us a call or send our team a message. We'll book a chat with you to understand your needs and career goals.
Chat with our team
We'll identify roles, training, or transitions tailored to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At your first Centrelink appointment, you will have the opportunity to look at a range of providers.
You should choose the provider that you feel best meets your needs. You may also prefer to choose a provider that is located near where you live. This will be useful for when you attend appointments.
You can change your DES provider at any time, and as many times as you like – no questions asked. If you are unhappy with the service you are receiving, call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.
To be eligible for Disability Employment Services, some eligibility criteria that will need to be met include:
● Be diagnosed with a disability, illness or injury – including health conditions
● Over the age of 14 years old
● Australian resident or eligible Visa holder.
See the full Eligibility Requirements at JobAccess.
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is for young people who have recently left school and are looking for support to gain work experience. Disability Employment Services (DES) is designed for those who are living with a disability, injury or illness and who are seeking employment.
If you are currently working and decide to change DES providers, there is no disruption to your employment. Your new provider will be in contact with you after you change and your employment will continue without interruption. Your payments also won’t be impacted by changing.
We will arrange a meeting within 5 days of your confirmation of DES eligibility with Centrelink. We will then work with you on your career goals to understand what you would like do, and explore where you see yourself going in the future.
We can get in touch with one of our current employer contacts, or get in touch with new employers in the field that you would like to work in. Each person is different, and we will make sure that the work you are doing is meeting your needs.
Talk to your Uniting contact. We’re here to make sure you are fulfilled in your career. Alternatively, we can work with your employer to make changes, educate them on needs you may have, and arrange necessary adjustments to your work environment. We can also support you if you would like to understand things like workplace communication or how to navigate friendships with colleagues.
We will not share any information with your employer without your consent. We can work with your employer to help them understand your needs and provide information about your circumstances and abilities to ensure your needs are met.
Success stories
A green thumbs-up: Lachlan finds his calling outdoors.
When Lachlan joined Uniting’s Pathways 2 Employment group in Melton in 2022, setting off on a pathway to a career – let alone finding something he enjoyed – seemed beyond his reach.
“The big shift for him was starting hands on activities in work placement where he really shone and had the opportunity to show what he could do."
Success stories
Rising above: Athas proves his disability is not a barrier.
At the heart of Gotham Doughnuts, amidst the aroma of cinnamon and caramel and the symphony of clinking utensils, there’s a young man named Athas who is taking his first step to getting a job.
"Witnessing Athas happily participate in his work placement each week means the world to us. He loves working at Gotham Doughnuts...and has already gained so many valuable workplace skills”
Success stories
Uniting program helps young people living with disabilities ace their 2024 Australian Open jobs.
Aiden, Leila, Nathan and Ramadan from Uniting Vic.Tas’ School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program have had a fun fortnight working retail and hospitality jobs at 2024 Australian Open in Melbourne.
I feel so good about working in the retail space. It's really busy and my shift goes quickly, but I’m enjoying learning to use Point of Sale.
Success stories
Young Victorians are getting help to reach their career goals.
Ask any school leaver today how they feel about finishing school and taking the next big step into the world, and many will say ‘excited’, ‘nervous’, or ‘uncertain’. Leaving school and thinking about university or work can be daunting.
Now imagine how a school leaver living with a disability might feel.
“I’ve learned a lot about work safety and my rights in the workplace. I’ve really enjoyed Pathways 2 Employment."
Success stories
Navigating Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Overcoming Bias for a More Inclusive Environment.
Neurodiversity refers to the diverse range of neurological differences that exist among individuals, including conditions such as ADHD, or dyspraxia.
Individuals who are neurodiverse often face unique challenges in the workplace.
Success stories
Uniting Op Shops – where young people thrive.
Uniting Op Shops across Melbourne are celebrating community collaboration and inclusivity, encouraging everyone to discover their unique style, personality and self-expression.
Working with the Employment Services team, Uniting Op Shops are helping young people living with a disability make their way in the world.
“It’s amazing to see [the SLES participants] develop a belief in themselves."
For employers
Looking for employees?
Call us now to discover how we can help you find the right people for your workforce.
Call us on
1300 090 989
