In this Section Introduction What do Disability Employment Network Services provide? Who can Disability Employment Network (DEN) Services help?

Introduction

Disability Employment Network (DEN) Services assist you as a person with a disability to get and keep a job. There are over 220 services nationally, all of which are funded by the Federal Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).

What do Disability Employment Network Services Provide?

Disability Employment Network (DEN) Services provide help based on your individual needs and requirements such as:

• advice on what types of jobs to look for based on your interests
• assistance to get you ready to look for
• skills to help you apply for jobs: what to do in job interviews, how to find a job, writing applications, and create a summary of your skills and experience (resume), and useful training such as occupational health and safety
• training and supporting you at work for an agreed period of time, such as:
  • helping to negotiate disability related work place changes and flexible work arrangements such as adjusting your start and finish times and days of the week
  • helping you to understand what is expected of you in the workplace
  • introducing equipment and technology in the workplace to help you with your job (such as specific software programs, office equipment)
  • specific training to help you do the job
• information and support given to you away from your workplace which can be kept confidential from your employer if you wish
• ongoing training and support (this can include when you first start a job, when you have been in a job for some time, when you would like to advance in your career or if the nature of your job changes or you want to move to another job).

	Thomas is a bakery assistant at Woolworths. He has a learning disability. He gained the job with the support of Job Support (Disability Employment Network Service). Thomas began at Woolworths as a work experience student and did so well that he is now a permanent staff member. His boss, Sam, says he is a great worker, very productive, punctual, gets on well with other workers and is always reliable. Thomas is also studying Hospitality (cooking) at TAFE. If you would like to know more about Thomasí employment, refer to the Department of Education and Training website at: https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/communityed/ disabilityacces/beyondexpvideos/index.html

Who can Disability Employment Network (DEN) Services Help?

DEN services can help if you:

• are 15 to 65 years old
• have a disability or health condition that is impacting on your ability to get or keep a job; and
• are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

How do you access a Disability Employment Network (DEN) Services

Step 1: You must register with Centrelink as 'looking for work'.

Step 2: You will talk with a Centrelink Senior Customer Services Officer. Their job is to decide if a Disability Employment Network service is the right service for you. They will ask you to meet with them or an independent Job Capacity Assessor to assess the level of your disability and what type and level of support you may require. To determine this, you will need to complete a Job Capacity Assessment with them.

Step 3: The outcome of the Assessment will help decide what service you should access. The service may be a DEN Service, Vocational Rehabilitation Service (such as CRS Australia) or a Job Network.

NOTE: You can approach a DEN Service directly and they will assist you in making an appointment with a Centrelink Senior Customer Services Officer or a Job Capacity Assessor.

	Joanne has a Learning Disability. While Joanne was at school she attended TAFE to study Hospitality. While Joanne was studying, the TAFE Disability Teacher Consultant suggested she meet with a Disability Employment Network (DEN) Service Provider. Joanne met with the DEN service provider a number of times to assist her to find employment. Joanne wanted to become a Chef. The DEN service investigated work options for Joanne and found her an apprenticeship at a local bowling club. Joanne is currently in her 3rd year and has been supported on-the-job by the DEN service provider as well as by the TAFE Disability Services Unit. Once Joanne has finished her apprenticeship she wants to travel overseas to gain new skills in her industry. Her employer has said that they do not want her to leave and would be happy to re-employ her when she returns.

The best time for a TAFE student to access a Disability Employment Network (DEN) Services

The best time for you to apply to a DEN Service is before you finish your studies. Some Disability Employment Network Services will accept your application up to six months before finishing your studies while others may request you to make your application when you have finished your studies.

How do you Access a Disability Employment Network (DEN) service?

To make contact with a Disability Employment Network Service, refer to:

• National database of Disability Employment Network Services or
• contact Centrelink Customer Service Centre to obtain a list of services in your region: Tel 13 2717 or
• contact a Centrelink Office in your region.