Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my disability employment services provider?
What if I want to change my DES provider?
I am a parent and want to return to work – how can you help me?
What are the benefits of working?
How do I find a parent-friendly job?
I need some help getting my resume ready
How do I balance work and life?
Does MatchWorks offer support after I start my job?
Can I choose my disability employment services provider?
The Australian Government made changes to the Disability Employment Services (DES) program in July 2018 to help more people with disability, or an injury or health condition to find and keep long-term jobs.
What does this mean for me?
Changes to the DES program started on 1 July 2018. The changes provide you with more choice and control. You can choose and change your DES provider, as well as have more say in the services you receive and how you receive them.
What has changed?
You can:
- choose a DES provider that you would like to work with, in a location that is convenient to you;
- choose how you receive services (e.g. face-to-face, over the phone or video chat) after an initial face-to-face meeting;
- work with your provider to develop a job plan, which sets out the support you will get from your provider to give you the best chance of getting a job; and
- change providers if you are not happy with the level of service you are receiving.
What if I want to change my DES provider?
You can change your DES provider at any time without giving a reason. You’re able to change providers up to five times over two years while you’re in the program.
If you’d like to change DES providers or make a complaint about a provider, please call the:
National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.
If you have any questions, talk to your MatchWorks consultant in the first instance or call the 1800 464 800 JobAccess free advice line.
I am a parent and want to return to work – how can you help me?
Whether it’s been for one year or 20 years, it can be daunting for parents returning to work following a break to take care of family.
MatchWorks supports parents returning to employment by providing them with skills, confidence and knowledge to re-start a former career or begin a new career path.
Contact us and discuss your options with a qualified business consultant.
What are the benefits of working?
Getting back into the workforce will:
- improve personal self-esteem and self-confidence
- give a sense of contributing to your wider community
- provide the financial benefits from having a regular income
- help develop fresh social and professional networks
- open opportunities to gain new skills and experience.
How do I prepare myself for a new life stage?
Start your preparation for returning to work a few months in advance by:
- refining work-related skills and undertaking training courses relevant to your preferred job role
- volunteering for community and not-for-profit organisations
- meeting with friends or former work colleagues to talk about what has changed in the work environment since you left
- searching job advertisements in your chosen field to see what skills and experience potential employers are now looking for.
How do I find a parent-friendly job?
Most employers will consider flexible working arrangements to cater for staff with younger children. However, some roles may not be suitable due to the working hours or conditions required.
MatchWorks’ consultants can assist in connecting you with employers and jobs most suitable for return-to-work parents.
Other online resources include:
I need some help getting my resume ready
Preparing an effective resume for your job search is easier than you may first think. While you don’t want to list ‘home duties’ as part of your employment history, you can highlight your more recent achievements:
- list skills you’ve developed while raising a family as personal strengths such as flexibility, multi-tasking and improved listening skills
- include volunteer work or details of community groups or parent associations in which you’ve participated
- outline training courses you’ve attended and detail qualifications you’ve achieved.
See also:
How do I balance work and life?
Getting back into the workforce will require some changes on the home-front. However, forethought and planning will ease the transition:
- create a weekly planner to help manage household tasks and responsibilities
- have pre-prepared meals you can freeze and then serve during the week
- set up school drop-off and pick-up rosters with fellow parents to share the load
- keep a diary with you at all times so you know both your work and family commitments and appointments.
Does MatchWorks offer support after I start my job?
Finding a job is only the start. MatchWorks knows keeping your job is just as important. Therefore, we offer up to 26 weeks post-placement support to maintain your employment.
We fit the level and type of ongoing job support offered to suit you and your employer’s needs and circumstances. Post-placement help is sometimes not needed. However, we are here to answer questions you may have about your new job.
Ask your consultant for a Preparing For Work checklist, which gives tips on how to prepare for the transition to work.
If you have been hired as part of Disability Employment Services, you and your employer may be also be eligible for further ongoing support beyond the initial six month post-placement period.
Contact the following organisations for more help with your job search or support for you and your family during your employment journey.