Assist Access / Maintain Employment

NDIS Support Category 0102 | Capacity Building Supports

Having a disability should not stand between you and meaningful work. At Serene Life, we help NDIS participants in Sydney find jobs, prepare for the workplace, and keep working when things get hard. We focus on your strengths, your goals, and the specific barriers your disability creates.

What Is Assist Access / Maintain Employment Support?

Assist Access / Maintain Employment (NDIS Support Category 0102) helps participants with disabilities find work, prepare for employment, and stay in a job once they have one. It sits under Capacity Building Supports in your NDIS plan. This support addresses the barriers that your disability creates in the workplace. It is not a general job placement service.

It focuses specifically on the disability related challenges that make finding or keeping work harder for you than for others. With Registered Nurses (RNs), Enrolled Nurses (ENs), and skilled support workers, Serene Life gives families, doctors, and allied health professionals peace of mind every step of the way.

What Does Assist Access / Maintain Employment Support Include?

Employment support looks different for every participant. Here is what we help with:

Job Readiness Preparation

Starting or returning to work can feel daunting, especially after a period of full-time care. Serene Life helps you build a resume, write cover letters, search for jobs online, and understand your rights as an employee with a disability. We work at your pace, matching your skills and interests to real opportunities.

Travel Training and Transport Support

Getting to work should not be stressful. We provide a car and driver service to help you travel with ease, so you can get to work on time and ready to go. We also help you learn routes using public transport, practising the trip with you until you feel confident doing it independently.

Keeping Your Job After a Change in Circumstances

Sometimes a change in health, a new diagnosis, or a shift at work can put your job at risk. We help you work through those changes, talk to your employer about what you need, and find a way to stay in work where possible. Keeping a job is often easier than finding a new one – and we are here to help you do exactly that.

Interview Skills and Confidence Building

Job interviews can be stressful for anyone. They can bring extra challenges around communication, anxiety, or disclosure. Experts at Serene Life help you practise interviews, prepare answers, and feel confident on the day. Starting a new role brings new routines and responsibilities – with our team beside you, you will face those challenges head-on and build confidence step by step.

On-the-Job Support During Settling In

Starting a new job with a disability can be harder than it looks from the outside. We provide short-term on-the-job support during your first weeks or months to help you learn the tasks, build relationships with colleagues, and settle in. By working with the same support workers over time, you will develop trust, friendship, and the confidence to thrive. This support is focused on building your independence – not creating dependency.

Self-Employment and Volunteering Support

Not all participants want traditional employment. Some want to start a small business or explore volunteering as a step toward paid work. Your hobbies, interests, and passions matter. We will help you find tasks that suit you, build connections with colleagues, and feel happy and fulfilled in what you do every day.

Workplace Modifications and Adjustments

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, employers must make reasonable adjustments for employees with disability. We help you identify what you need and work with your employer to put it in place. Adjustments could include:

Assistive technology and ergonomic equipment
Flexible working arrangements and adjusted hours
Physical modifications such as ramps and accessible workstations
Changes to your tasks or how you receive instructions

Who Is This Support For?

This support is for NDIS participants who want to work but face disability-related barriers to finding or keeping a job. There is no timeline pressure and no judgment -we begin from wherever you are.

Young people finishing school and entering the workforce for the first time
Participants returning to work after illness, injury, or a new diagnosis
Participants who have never had paid employment before
Participants whose disability affects communication or social interaction at work
Participants at risk of losing their current job
Support coordinators managing complex employment goals for participants

How This Works With Your NDIS Plan ?

Assist Access / Maintain Employment (0102) is funded through your Capacity
Building Supports budget. Here is how to get started:

Find it in your Capacity Building budget – it is separate from Core Supports and cannot be moved between the two.
Link it to your employment goals – if employment is not yet in your plan, a plan review can add it.
Tell us where you are starting from – we begin with a conversation about your work history, goals, and specific barriers.
We build an employment support plan with you – practical, personalised, and focused on real outcomes.
We support you through the process – from job search to interview to your first weeks in a role and beyond.

What about Disability Employment Services (DES)?

DES is a separate, free Australian Government program. NDIS employment support (0102) addresses the disability-specific barriers DES does not always cover in depth. Many participants use both. We can help you understand how the two programs work together and connect you with a DES provider if you do not have one.

Moving Towards Independence

Work is not just about earning money. It is about independence, identity, and feeling proud of what you do. With the right help, you can enjoy the freedom of achieving your goals.

Serene Life is here to celebrate every milestone, from your first paycheck to long-term career progress. Our support also extends beyond the workplace. Whether it is joining community events, exploring new activities, or staying active and connected, you are never alone. We will help you balance work and personal life so that both feel rewarding.

When challenges come up, you will have the guidance and resources to handle them with confidence. Your success is our success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NDIS employment support the same as Disability Employment Services?

No. DES is funded by the Australian Government and is free to access. NDIS employment support (0102) is funded through your Capacity Building budget and focuses on disability-specific barriers that DES does not always cover. Many participants use both, and we can help you set up both if they are right for your goals.

Do I need to already have a job to use this support?

No. This support covers both accessing and maintaining employment. You can use it at any stage – whether you have never worked, are looking for your first job, returning after time away, or trying to stay in a role you currently have.

Can this support help me if I want to work part-time?

Yes. Many participants work part-time, casually, or in voluntary roles. We focus on what is realistic and meaningful for you – not a fixed idea of what employment should look like.

What if my employer is not willing to make adjustments?

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, employers must make reasonable adjustments unless doing so would cause genuine hardship. We can help you understand your rights, prepare for that conversation, and escalate to the Australian Human Rights Commission if needed. We do not leave participants to manage this alone.

What skills can I develop to prepare for work?

Time management, workplace communication, and using assistive tools are key areas. These can also be supported through Development-Life Skills (0117), which works well alongside 0102. Your plan manager can confirm what you have available.

What types of jobs can Serene Life help me find?

We help participants across a wide range of roles and sectors in Sydney. We start with your interests and what you are already good at, then help you find roles that match your skills, disability needs, and goals.

How do I get started?

Start by sharing your goals with us. We will create a personalised plan, help you find the right opportunities, and provide ongoing support for your long-term success. Call us on 0485 994 577, hello@serenelife.com.au today.

Ready to Begin?

Let’s Create Something Amazing Together.