Work Assist - For Employers & Employees
Support to keep employees who have difficulty fulfilling their job role due to their injury, disability or health condition in work.
What is Work Assist?
Work Assist is a program offered by the Australian Government that provides support to job seekers with disabilities, illness, injury or other barriers to employment. The program is designed to help job seekers maintain employment by providing a range of support services and assistance.
Some of the types of support available to employees through Work Assist include:
- Advice about redesigning your job so you can keep working
- Workplace assessments to identify any necessary modifications or adjustments to the job or workplace
- Mental health support to help you with issues such as depression, anxiety or stress-related conditions.
- Access to allied health Interventions such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pain management or psychological counseling.
- Ongoing support and mentoring to help employees succeed in their roles.
This support is provided at no cost to you or your employer.
Who is eligible for Work Assist?
To be eligible for Work Assist, you must be:
- Having difficulty at work or at risk of losing your job due to a diagnosed disability, injury or health condition
- Be currently employed, working at least 8 hours a week for the last 13 consecutive weeks, or there is an expectation that your employment will last for at least 13 weeks with an average of eight hours per week being worked over the 13-week period.
- You are not already receiving assistance from a Disability Employment Services provider
- You are an Australian resident or temporary protection visa holder
- You are not studying full-time
- You are at least 14 years of age but have not attained the pension-qualifying age.
If you are eligible for Work Assist, you can access the program through a Disability Employment Services provider or a Workforce Australia provider such as CoAct and our Service Partners. Our providers can help you access the support and assistance you need to find and maintain employment.
To access Work Assist, you will need to:
- Provide evidence of your disability or barrier to employment
- Participate in a workplace assessment to identify any necessary modifications or adjustments to the job or workplace
- Work with your provider to develop an Employment Pathway Plan outlining your goals and the support you need to achieve them.
Once you are enrolled in Work Assist, you will have access to a range of support services and assistance to help you find and maintain employment.
Who can benefit from the Work Assist program?
Employees with physical injuries:
Suffering from physical injuries like back, shoulder, or neck issues should not lead to abandoning your job or career. Our services are designed to assist you in connecting with health professionals, redesigning your job role, and acquiring specialised equipment to accomplish your duties, where necessary.
Employees with illness:
We understand that returning to work after battling an illness can be a daunting experience, and we’re here to help you navigate this phase. Our team of experts will provide you with personalised support to ensure that you are comfortable with your work environment and your colleagues.
Employees with chronic illness:
As someone with a lifelong degenerative illness like MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and other neurological conditions or a chronic condition like arthritis or diabetes, you may experience changing or worsening symptoms that make it difficult to continue in work. The Work Assist program can help you manage these periods and stay in work.
Employees with mental illness:
Our Work Assist service offers mental health support to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions. We provide job redesign strategies and connect you with counsellors or other allied health professionals to help you manage your mental health concerns.
Employees with disability, including visual or hearing impairments:
Our expert consultants conduct thorough assessments of the workplace environment to identify barriers and recommend suitable accommodations. For individuals with visual impairments, this may involve implementing accessible technologies like screen readers, braille displays, or magnification tools. For those with hearing impairments, recommendations may include hearing assistive devices, visual alert systems, or communication strategies such as sign language interpreters. How to access the Work Assist program.
What types of supports are available through Work Assist?
Work Assist is aimed at providing comprehensive support for individuals with disabilities, regardless of the specific type of disability they may have. At CoAct, we understand the diverse challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the workplace and offer tailored solutions to promote their success and create inclusive work environments. Here’s how Work Assist can support individuals with disabilities:
- Workplace Assessments: Our experienced consultants conduct thorough assessments of the workplace to identify barriers and recommend appropriate accommodations. This may involve modifications to the physical environment, such as accessible ramps or adjustable workstations. We also assess and recommend assistive technologies, such as screen readers or voice recognition software, to facilitate access and job performance.
- Job Modifications: We collaborate closely with employers to modify job tasks, schedules, or workstations to optimize the performance of individuals with disabilities. This may include providing ergonomic equipment, flexible work arrangements, or redesigning tasks to accommodate specific needs. Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive work environment that allows individuals to fully utilize their skills and abilities.
- Training and Upskilling: Work Assist offers access to specialized training programs and courses designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals with disabilities. This may include disability awareness training for coworkers, job-specific skill development, or assistive technology training. By providing opportunities for growth and development, we empower individuals to reach their full potential in the workplace.
- Employer Support: We provide ongoing support and guidance to employers in creating inclusive practices and accommodating individuals with disabilities. This includes educating employers on disability-related topics, providing resources on reasonable accommodations, and promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce. We work collaboratively to ensure that employers have the tools and knowledge to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Employment-Related Aids and Equipment: Work Assist assists individuals with disabilities in accessing the aids and equipment they need for successful employment. This may include assistive devices, ergonomic tools, specialized software, or communication aids. We work closely with individuals to understand their specific requirements and help them acquire the necessary resources to thrive in their roles.
Accessing our Work Assist program – for workers and their employers
Access Work Assist as an Employer
Contact us via phone, email, or through our website to express your interest in accessing the program as an employer.
Our dedicated team will connect with you to discuss your organisation’s needs, challenges, and goals.
Access Work Assist as an Employee
Contact our Customer Service team on 1800 226 228 to receive more information about our services and to confirm eligibility.