Overview
Starting a job is only the beginning of an employment journey. While some people with disability may only need minor adjustments to settle into work and can navigate these independently, others will benefit from more structured support to build skills, confidence and long-term success.2 The approach should be tailored to each person’s needs and the impact of their disability in the workplace.
On-the-job support provides tailored assistance to help employees with disability settle into their roles, alongside targeted training and coaching to learn new skills and tasks. For employers, ongoing support offers the tools and confidence to support staff with disability effectively. This goes beyond initial workplace adjustments, ensuring both employees and employers succeed across the entire employment lifecycle.
Employment services staff play a key role by strengthening skills, addressing barriers, and supporting workplace inclusion. A focus on career progression ensures employees with disability have opportunities to progress, grow and develop in their roles or into new opportunities.
Effective ongoing support means working with both the employee and employer to ensure the job placement is successful and that it ultimately leads to long-term career growth.3
A defining feature of ongoing post-placement support is that it is needs-based, not time-limited. This means that support is provided for as long as required, and adapts in type, frequency, and intensity. 4
Employees with disability consistently value support that:
- Listens and responds to their needs
- Allows them to help shape their support and career trajectory
- Focuses on strengths and capabilities
- Builds a positive, trusted relationship with their provider.5
Key strategies for success
Key elements of job support and career development include: