What is Supported Employment? Quick Answer
Supported employment is an NDIS-funded approach that helps people with disabilities or learning difficulties find and keep a job that matches their skills and interests. You work with a dedicated mentor (job coach) who provides ongoing guidance, training and support in the workplace.
Unlike open employment, supported employment offers personalised, ongoing assistance to help you succeed at work. Supported employment is an approach that helps people with disabilities or learning difficulties find and keep a job that matches their interests, skills and personal employment goals.
Through NDIS-supported employment, you receive all the support you need to succeed in the workplace. With supported employment, you’re not alone on your job journey. A friendly and skilled mentor is there for you every step of the way.
A mentor is like a job coach who offers guidance, training and support to help you feel confident and comfortable in your workplace. Supported employment is funded by the NDIS and provides a great way to contribute to your community, feel a sense of accomplishment, make friends and earn money along the way.
How Does Supported Employment Work?
Supported employment works through a structured process that matches you with the right job and provides ongoing workplace support:
- Assessment: Your employment provider (like Mambourin) assesses your skills, interests and employment goals
- Job Matching: You’re matched with a suitable role that fits your abilities and aspirations
- Mentor Assignment: A dedicated job coach or mentor is assigned to support you
- On-the-job Training: You receive personalised training tailored to your role
- Ongoing Support: Your mentor continues to provide support as long as you need it
- Workplace Adjustments: Your mentor works with supervisors to make any necessary modifications
This comprehensive approach ensures you have the tools and confidence to thrive in your chosen career.
What’s The Difference Between Supported Employment and Open Employment?
Understanding the difference between supported employment and open employment helps you choose the right pathway for your career goals.
Supported Employment vs Open Employment
| Aspect | Supported Employment | Open Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | People with disabilities who need ongoing workplace support | Anyone with or without disability |
| Support level | Ongoing, personalised support from a dedicated mentor/job coach | Standard on-the-job training only |
| NDIS funding | Yes – funded through NDIS Capacity Building Supports | No NDIS funding for employment support |
| Mentor/Coach | Yes – helps with tasks, workplace adaptation, colleague relationships | No dedicated mentor beyond initial training |
| Workplace adjustments | Mentor works with supervisors to create necessary adjustments | Standard workplace accommodations only |
| Duration | Support continues as long as needed | Initial training period only |
Open Employment Explained
In open employment, anyone – with or without a disability or learning difficulty – can apply for jobs, attend interviews and if successful, start working. If you get the job, you will probably have some on-the-job training to help you get started, but it will not involve the same level of personalised, ongoing support as in supported employment.
Supported Employment Explained
Supported employment, on the other hand, is a more guided and supportive approach to work. In this scenario, a mentor is there to assist you. They can help with things like learning new tasks, adapting to the workplace or building a positive relationship with colleagues. Your mentor will also work with supervisors to make any adjustments to the job or your work environment.
You can work with a mentor to get additional support on the job
Is Supported Employment Funded by the NDIS?
Yes, supported employment is one of the NDIS supports in employment that can be funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). You can use the funding in any workplace you like, such as government or non-government organisations, social enterprises or even a family-run business. NDIS employment funding falls under the Capacity Building Supports category and is designed to help you find, secure and maintain meaningful employment.
How to Access NDIS Supported Employment Funding
Here’s how to have NDIS-supported employment added to your plan:
- Discuss your employment goals during planning. When you meet with your NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC), talk about your interest in finding work and your job goals. This will help ensure that employment supports are included in your NDIS plan.
- Wait for approval. After creating your plan, your NDIA planner or LAC will let you know the next steps. They will also tell you how long you have to wait for approval.
- Choose a supported employment provider. Look for registered NDIS-supported employment providers that meet your needs. Mambourin, for example, offers personalised support to meet your employment goals.
- Use your NDIS plan. Once you and the supported employment provider have made a service agreement, you can now use your plan to access supported employment.
Daniel and Louise at their work station
How Do I Know If Supported Employment is Already in My Plan?
If you have easy access to your NDIS plan, you can find supported employment in the section called “Capacity Building Supports“. If you need help, feel free to reach out to Mambourin. We are a registered NDIS provider, and our team can help you review the details of your plan. If supported employment isn’t currently in your plan, it doesn’t mean it can’t be included in the future. You can discuss this at your next NDIS plan review meeting
Warehouse employees unload a container
Is Supported Employment Available Through Mambourin?
Yes. Mambourin is a registered NDIS supported employment provider serving Melbourne’s western suburbs. We offer different supported employment opportunities for you in areas such as
- Warehouse services, where you will be trained in logistics, packaging and assembly. You might be asked to put together, label, or pack different products.
- Garden maintenance, where you assist with maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.
- Administration, where you will be taught about filing, data entry or answering phones.
Our gardening team maintaining the Werribee Sensory Gardens
Do supported employees at Mambourin get paid?
Yes! As a supported employee at Mambourin, not only do you get to do work that matches your interests and skills, but you also get paid for your hard work and dedication.
Andrew loves coming to work in the MBS warehouse!
Benefits of NDIS-Funded Employment Programs with Mambourin
The benefits of NDIS-funded employment programs extend far beyond earning a wage. Through supported employment with Mambourin, you’ll experience:
Personal Growth Benefits
- Build confidence and self-esteem – Success at work boosts your belief in your abilities.
- Develop independence – Learn to work more autonomously over time
- Enhance self-worth – Contributing through meaningful work creates a sense of purpose
Skill Development Benefits
- Develop new work skills – Learn job-specific and transferable workplace skills.
- Explore your interests – Discover what you enjoy and excel at
- Access ongoing training – Continuous professional development opportunities
- Gain leadership opportunities – Progress to supervisory roles like Dee-Jay’s story below
Financial Benefits
- Earn a fair wage – Get paid for your work according to the Supported Wage System.
- Gain financial independence – Manage your own money and achieve financial goals.
- Save for personal goals – Like Camille saving for a car and holidays
Social Benefits
- Connect with your community – Become an active, contributing member of society.
- Make new friends – Build relationships with colleagues and mentors
- Develop workplace relationships – Learn professional communication and teamwork
- Reduce social isolation – Regular workplace interaction improves well-being
Career Advancement Benefits
- Career growth opportunities – Potential to progress into open employment
- Pathway to independence – Transition from supported to open roles when ready
- Build your resume – Gain valuable work experience and references
We believe in setting you up for success from day one. With Mambourin, you’ll receive personalised on-the-job training tailored to your role. As a supported employee at Mambourin, you can have ongoing training and professional development opportunities. These are designed to meet your needs and goals, helping you build your skills and thrive in your role.
Success Stories: Real People, Real Results
Don’t just take our word for it. Meet some of our amazing supported employees who have found success with Mambourin:
- Camille: “I applied for Mambourin. I go to the [warehouse] job. It’s awesome. I save up money to get a car and…heaps of holidays.” Watch Camille’s story
- Tim: “While still at school, [I] undertook a traineeship as part of my VCAL program…I think I benefited from this in many ways, initially it gave me a basic skillset which can be used in any workplace and then allowed me to learn about the logistics industry. Eventually I was able to get my forklift licence which I am positive helped me gain full-time employment in the logistics area.” Read Tim’s story
- Dee-Jay: “I have been working at Mambourin for [over] 10 years now…At the start I was very shy and nervous but over time I opened up more and started making friends…I am now a full-time supervisor, which I do five days a week.” Read Dee-Jay’s story
Dee-Jay progressed from supported employment into an open employment role
Frequently Asked Questions About Supported Employment
What does supported employment mean?
Supported employment means a job where you receive ongoing, personalised support from a dedicated mentor or job coach. This support helps you learn tasks, adapt to the workplace, and build relationships with colleagues. It’s designed for people with disabilities who need extra help to succeed at work.
How does supported employment work?
Supported employment works by matching you with a suitable job and providing a dedicated mentor who offers ongoing guidance and training. Your mentor helps you learn new tasks, adapt to your workplace, and work with supervisors to make necessary adjustments. Support continues as long as you need it.
What’s the difference between supported employment and open employment?
The main difference is the level of support. Supported employment provides ongoing, personalised assistance from a mentor, while open employment offers only standard on-the-job training. Supported employment is NDIS-funded and designed for people who need extra workplace support.
Where can I find supported employment near me?
To find supported employment near me, visit the NDIS provider search tool and filter by “Specialised Supported Employment” registration group. In Melbourne’s western suburbs, Mambourin offers NDIS-supported employment in warehouse services, garden maintenance, and administration.
Is supported employment funded by the NDIS?
Yes, NDIS-supported employment is funded through the Capacity Building Supports category of your NDIS plan. You can use this funding in any workplace, including government organisations, social enterprises, or family businesses.
How do I get supported employment added to my NDIS plan?
Discuss your employment goals with your NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) during your planning meeting. Make sure to mention you want to work and explain how supported employment would help you achieve your goals.
Can I transition from supported employment to open employment?
Yes! Many people successfully transition from supported employment to open employment once they’ve built their skills and confidence. Dee-Jay’s story (above) shows how you can progress from a supported role to becoming a full-time supervisor in open employment.
Do I get paid in supported employment?
Yes, you receive wages for your work in supported employment. Your pay is determined using the Supported Wage System (SWS), which assesses your productivity and ensures fair compensation.
Finding Supported Employment Providers Near You
When looking for supported employment near me, consider these factors when choosing a provider:
- Location: Choose a provider close to home or with good transport links
- Industry options: Look for providers offering work in areas that interest you
- Support approach: Ensure they provide personalised, ongoing mentorship
- NDIS registration: Verify they’re registered as an NDIS supported employment provider
- Success stories: Ask about previous participants’ outcomes and career progression
- Tour opportunities: Visit the workplace to see if it feels right for you
Mambourin: Your Local Supported Employment Provider
Mambourin is a registered NDIS supported employment provider based in Melbourne’s western suburbs. We’ve been supporting people with disabilities to find meaningful work for over 50 years.
Call Mambourin about supported employment today
If you’re interested in exploring Supported Employment opportunities at Mambourin, get in touch with us. You can call, email, or arrange a tour of one of our locations. We’re always happy to chat and answer any questions you might have.
Key Takeaways: Supported Employment
- Supported employment provides ongoing workplace support through a dedicated mentor.
- NDIS funded through Capacity Building Supports in your plan
- Different from open employment, which has limited support
- Multiple benefits, including fair wages, skill development, and community connection
- Available in various industries, including warehousing, gardening, and administration
- Pathway to open employment and career advancement
- Find supported employment providers through the NDIS provider search or contact Mambourin.