Welcome to Work First, a pioneering suite of person-centred disability employment services designed to facilitate inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, their families, and schools. At Work First, we are committed to fostering meaningful careers through our innovative approach, which combines Customised Employment and Discovery methodologies to develop the capacity of people with disabilities and barriers to obtain meaningful employment.

Drawing upon extensive research and practical experience, as well as invaluable contributions from our technical partners, Griffin Hammis Associates (renowned Customised Employment Pioneers), and research collaborators worldwide, Work First is dedicated to enhancing disability employment outcomes.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower individuals, families, and schools to navigate the complexities of the workforce, making employment and career aspirations a tangible reality. Central to our approach is the Work First Way, a comprehensive practice framework designed to build capacity and unlock potential. Whether individuals are plan-managed or self-managed within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), our team is here to provide tailored support every step of the way.

We are not a DES program; that’s a different government service, and if you are looking for quick access to employment, we suggest you search for DES on the web. Capacity building is the progressive exposure to employment settings that build capacity and resilience for employment. Supported by Employment Counselling, it is a holistic approach to your development.

The Work First Way encompasses a range of services, including personalised employment counselling and the Glide In transition to work program, tailored to meet the needs of students and families seeking to initiate employment pathways while still enrolled in school. We take a holistic approach, considering not only an individual’s skills and abilities but also their personal goals, interests, and aspirations. By understanding each person’s unique circumstances and preferences, we can create customised employment plans that lead to fulfilling and sustainable careers.

As the disability employment service arm of the Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice (CDERP), we are committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice, delivering cutting-edge services that empower individuals and businesses alike. Through Real Praxis, our expertise is available to service providers seeking authentic, person-centered employment solutions.

At Work First, we pride ourselves on our individualised approach. Rather than focusing on large caseloads, our dedicated staff work closely with a small number of clients, ensuring personalized attention and support. Our emphasis lies in showcasing the transformative potential of authentic, evidence-based practices. We believe in quality over quantity, eschewing empire-building in favour of meaningful impact and lasting outcomes.

It’s important to note that Customised Employment and Discovery prioritise finding the right job, not just any job. This process takes time and dedication, and while we are committed to facilitating this journey, we understand that alternative service systems may be better suited for those seeking immediate placements.

Warning: Customised Employment and Discovery is not an approach that hands out dozens of resumes and bangs on employer doors – essentially a lottery approach. It is a highly individualised process that takes time and is focused on the right job and career progression. If you are looking for the lottery approach or a replacement for school hours, then this isn’t the service for you. We suggest mainstream services for that approach.

If you’re interested in accessing our services or referring a client, please follow the link below to complete our information form. Our team will respond promptly.

Referral / Intake Form Link

Thank you for considering Work First as your partner on the path to inclusive employment and meaningful careers.

Looking for Customised Employment and Discovery Nationally?

Are you in search of Customised Employment and Discovery services on a national scale? Look no further. Our extensive network of service providers is committed to implementing Customised Employment and Discovery methodologies. These providers have undergone comprehensive training facilitated by the esteemed CDERP College, ensuring adherence to globally recognized standards in the execution of Customised Employment and Discovery practices.

At our core, we prioritise connecting individuals with disabilities to tailored employment opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and goals. Through the utilisation of Customised Employment strategies, we aim to empower individuals to achieve meaningful and sustainable employment outcomes.

Our network comprises organisations dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces and promoting diversity. Whether you’re an individual seeking employment support or an employer eager to embrace diversity in your workforce, we are here to assist you every step of the way.

Reach out to us today, and let us guide you to the Customised Employment and Discovery services that best meet your needs. Together, we can embark on a journey towards unlocking the full potential of every individual and creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Abuse in the Workplace

We take the health and safety of our staff seriously and, in line with legal and community expectations, have zero tolerance for such behaviours. Staff will document all such incidents, which can result in a suspension of services until a resolution and respectful environment can be developed. 

Where no resolution can be reached that meets the needs of all parties and supports their well-being, the service agreement will be terminated, subject to payment of all outstanding invoices.

Workplace violence can be any incident where a person is abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted at the workplace or while they are carrying out work.  

Embarking on the journey from school to the world of work or further studies should commence early to ensure that every student, including those with disabilities, is equipped with a solid foundation for success upon completing high school. At the forefront of this transition initiative is our ground-breaking Glide In program, meticulously crafted by the Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice (CDERP), a pioneering endeavour dedicated to empowering students at all stages of their educational journey.

Dr. Peter Smith, the visionary Founder and Director of CDERP, underscores the essence of this transition process: “It’s not merely about raising awareness; it’s about deeply understanding each child and effecting transformative change across all levels of the educational landscape. We aim to seamlessly guide children with disabilities through this pivotal phase, fostering their innate potential and facilitating access to diverse career and employment pathways. Through a tailored approach comprising personalized experiences and learning opportunities, we empower these young individuals to assert their autonomy and advocate for themselves.”

Central to the Glide In program is a multi-faceted approach meticulously designed to leverage existing evidence-based practices while integrating our proprietary methodologies. At its core lies a commitment to comprehensively assess each young person’s unique needs and actively engage them in the transition process from schooling to post-school endeavours. The journey begins now; it’s imperative to ascertain the starting point of each student: “Where are you right now?”

Drawing from the success of Group Guided Discovery, a methodology previously trialled in Australian school settings, Glide In has evolved to meet the evolving needs of students and contemporary educational environments. It transcends mere awareness-raising exercises, aiming instead to foster students’ inherent capabilities. This ensures that they emerge from their educational journey not with a mere referral to external service providers but armed with a meticulously crafted blueprint for success.

At Work First, we’re pioneers in person-centred disability employment services, driven by the principles of Customised Employment and Employment Counselling rooted in the latest evidence-based practices. Our approach is not just innovative; it’s a paradigm shift in how we empower individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workforce. Backed by robust local and international evidence endorsed by leaders in disability employment globally, Work First stands at the forefront of transformative change.

Our Clientele: Empowering NDIS Participants

Work First specializes in collaborating with individuals who are either plan or self-managed participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We understand the unique challenges and aspirations of this community, and our services are tailored to meet their diverse needs and aspirations.

Individual Employment: Crafting Pathways to Meaningful Work

At the heart of Work First is our Individual Employment program, designed to empower individuals with disabilities or employment barriers to secure meaningful paid positions within their communities. We believe in harnessing the individual’s strengths, skills, interests, and ideal working conditions while also aligning with the employer’s business objectives. This philosophy forms the cornerstone of Customised Employment, fostering a relationship of true mutuality between job seekers and employers.

The Glide In Continuum: Nurturing Talent from School to Career

Embedded within our Individual Employment program is the Glide In continuum, a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering capacity building from school years onwards. By providing support and guidance during the formative years, Glide In lays down a blueprint for employment or further educational pursuits post-school. Grounded in the principles of Customised Employment, the synergistic integration of Glide In and Work First forms the Work First Way—a robust, evidence-based framework facilitating a seamless transition from school to adult life.

Work First: Beyond Job Placement

Work First isn’t just about securing any job—it’s about finding the right job while concurrently enhancing skills and fostering independence. We prioritize quality over expediency, understanding that meaningful careers require time and dedication. Customised Employment isn’t a quick fix; it’s a transformative journey that prioritises capacity and skill-building to pave the way for sustainable employment and long-term career success. We encourage prospective clients to embrace this holistic approach when considering Work First and Customised Employment services.

Join us at Work First, where we’re not just reshaping employment outcomes; we’re transforming lives.

Read all about Iain’s journey with Work First. As an aspiring journalist and media person, Iain wrote this article, and Work First paid for it.

Follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/3uu6jdh9

Our mental health services cater to a diverse range of individuals seeking support for their mental well-being. Whether you’re a self-managed or plan-managed client of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a member of the general public in need of counselling services to enhance your mental health or part of a corporate entity seeking assistance, we are here to help.

Our doors are open to those navigating the complexities of self-management within the NDIS framework. We provide tailored support and resources to empower individuals on their journey towards improved mental wellness. Additionally, we extend our services beyond NDIS participants, welcoming anyone seeking professional counselling to foster better mental health and emotional resilience.

Furthermore, corporate clients can benefit from our expertise through customised arrangements, ensuring that their employees have access to the necessary mental health support within their organisational context. We understand the importance of prioritising mental well-being in the workplace and are dedicated to assisting businesses in creating a supportive environment for their staff.

At Acceptance, we believe in the importance of accessible and inclusive mental health care. We are committed to serving individuals and organisations alike and fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive mentally and emotionally. 

Reach out to us today to explore how we can support you on your journey towards better mental health.