Employers Guide to Partnering with Disability Employment Services

• Partnership
  • 01.Introduction
  • 02.The Role Of DES
• Approaching
  • 03.Introduction
  • 04.Getting to Know the Employer
  • 05.Communication and Relationship Building
  • 06.Increasing Engagement
• Proposing
  • 07.Introduction
  • 08.Creating a Good Job Match
  • 09.Job Analysis
  • 10.Inherent Requirements
  • 11.Job Customisation
  • 12.Workplace Modification
• Placing
  • 13.Introduction
  • 14.The Support Plan
  • 15.Checklist for Success
• Retaining and Supporting
  • 16.Introduction
  • 17.Probationary Period
  • 18.Ongoing Support
  • 19.Job in Jeopardy
  • 20.Put the Partnership Approach into action now

• Introduction
• Getting to Know the Employer
• Communication and Relationship Building
• Increasing Engagement

Getting to Know the Employer

Preparation

• Before approaching the employer, the first step is research
  • What are the current labour market trends in the location?
  • What are the trends specific to the employer’s industry?
  • What type of organisation is the employer’s business?
  • What are the workforce skills, knowledge and capabilities required by the employer?

How to Research

• Begin with the employer’s website. Identify the organisation’s goals and look for alignment with your purpose
• Use the career’s section to help identify the type of work required and the attributes the organisation values in its employees
• Find out if the business is on Facebook or Twitter – ‘follow’ or ‘like’ them and get to know their ‘personality’
• Visit the workplace once or twice to fully understand the business requirements and the specifics of the type of work available
• Use annual reports, the local newspaper or Chamber of Commerce, to gain an understanding of the industry
• A general discussion with the Diversity Manager, and reviewing Disability or Diversity Action Plans can provide additional information to leverage off
• Throughout the entire process, keep an eye out for opportunities to build more diversity into the employer’s workforce

Relevant Resources

• Business Case
• Why Employ People with Disability
• Language and Communication
• OH&S
• Myths and Facts
• Legislation: Disability Discrimination Act (1992)
• ACCI's Employ Outside the Box
• Connecting with Employers via Social Media
• Disability Employment Services
• Watch - Steps to an Effective Partnership: Researching the Employer