Are you looking to choose or switch Inclusive Employment Australia providers? We explain what you should look for in a provider and what to do to get the support you deserve.
Your Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) provider should play an important role in helping you prepare for and find a job and succeed in your role.
So you want to be sure you partner with a provider that is the best fit for you.
Fortunately, with IEA you get to choose the provider you work with.
Better yet, you can also change providers if you think another organisation may be more supportive of you and your needs.
Where do you start?
Taking time to compare providers can help you find employment support that works for you – support where you feel comfortable, confident and clear about what is ahead.
Read on to learn how to compare providers, choose the right one for you and change providers if needed.
You will likely work closely with your IEA provider as you prepare to find a job. A dependable provider can help you:
Providers can differ in their experience, areas of specialisation, employer connections and how they deliver support.
Some providers work across many employment programs and disability groups. Others have specialist experience supporting people with a particular disability, including intellectual disability.
It means that your nearest provider or the first provider suggested to you may not always be the best fit.
Before choosing a provider, think about the support that is important to you. You may want to ask a potential provider the following questions:
You can contact providers before deciding which one to choose. Asking questions does not mean you have committed to joining one of them.
Why Does Specialist Intellectual Disability Support Matter?
People with intellectual disability often require employment support that genuinely recognises their needs. This may include:
A specialist provider should look beyond the person’s disability and understand what they enjoy, what they do well and the workplace conditions in which they are most likely to succeed.
How Do You Choose a Provider After a Services Australia Referral?
If Services Australia refers you to IEA, you can tell them which provider you would prefer.
Research providers before your appointment and write down the name of the organisation you want to partner with. For example, you could say:
“I would like to choose Endeavour Foundation because they specialise in supporting people with intellectual disability.”
Services Australia can check whether that provider operates in your Employment Service Area and arrange the referral.
You can also ask for more time to research your options if you are not ready to commit to a provider.
Yes, you can change your IEA provider at any time if you think another provider may suit you better. You might consider switching providers if:
You do not have to wait until something goes seriously wrong. Sometimes another provider is simply a better match.
Should You Speak with Your Current Provider Before Switching?
You can tell your current provider what is not working and ask whether they can alter their approach. For example, you may need:
Your provider may be able to improve its support. However, you do not have to remain with that organisation if you still believe another provider would be better suited to you.
You can contact the National Customer Service Line for help to change providers.
Before making contact, make sure you have:
You can ask a family member, carer or advocate to help you with the conversation.
Once the transfer is arranged, your new provider will meet with you to understand your goals, review your Job Plan and agree on the support you need.
Endeavour Foundation is a specialist IEA provider for people with intellectual disability.
For more than 75 years, we have supported people with intellectual disability to live, learn, work and participate in their communities.
Our IEA team takes the time to understand your strengths, communication preferences, employment interests and workplace support needs.
We deliver IEA services in selected areas across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
You are entitled to work with a provider that genuinely listens to you, explains information clearly and supports your employment goals.
Chat with us to learn about our specialist approach and check whether we deliver IEA services in your area.
Then, you can decide if we may be the right provider for you.