SERVICE INFORMATION
Ostara Australia is a Disability Employment Service Provider.
The Disability Employment Services (DES) program funded by the federal Department of Social Services assists over 310,000 jobseekers with disability to get and keep employment.
To learn more about the DES program visit https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers/programmes-services/disability-employment-services
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I get Disability Employment Services support?
There are two ways to access Disability Employment Services.
- Through Centrelink.
When you contact Centrelink, they may ask you to take an Employment Services Assessment test (ESAt).
If the test shows that you are eligible for Disability Employment Services, Centrelink will recommend you to a Disability Employment Services provider such as Ostara Australia – You can ask to be referred to Ostara Australia, we would love to help you!
- Directly with Ostara – if you’re receiving income support payments
If you’re already getting income support payments , have a diagnosed mental health condition but haven’t been referred to Disability Employment Services, contact us via phone, email or via social media and we will assist you with the process.
What is a Centrelink ESAt assessment?
An Employment Services Assessment test (ESAt) is a job capacity assessment done by Centrelink. It helps them determine what kind of support you might need to help you get a job. If you are living with a mental health condition and other disability that affects your ability to work, you may be eligible for support from a Disability Employment Services provider such as Ostara Australia.
What does a DES provider do?
As a Disability Employment Services provider, Ostara offers a wide range of services including:
Career advice
- Accessing training to get you job-ready
- Finding job opportunities
- Resumes and job application assistance
- Help preparing for job interviews
- Accessing mental health support
- Financial assistance for transport or work uniforms
- Accessing workplace modifications and assistive technology
- Regular ongoing support in the workplace
We understand that everyone’s needs are different when it comes to searching for work. Our services are highly tailored and personal.
The Ostara Employment Consultant will work closely with you to help you achieve your employment goals.
DES participant choice
The Disability Employment Services (DES) program gives participants flexibility and choice in the services that they receive and how they are to receive them.
Participants can choose their preferred provider when they first enter the program. At their initial Centrelink appointment, DES participants will have an opportunity to review providers in their area and can choose the provider they feel best meets their needs. Participants are encouraged to review providers in their area on the Job Access site, ahead of their Centrelink appointment.
Participants can choose almost any provider, even if the provider is not in their immediate area (as long as the participant can make the initial appointment face-to-face). Participants can choose a provider close to their residence, or perhaps closer to their regular commute.
If a participant is unhappy with the services they are receiving, they can change their provider at any time by calling the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.
Participants can change their provider five times, no questions asked, during their time in the program. After these transfers, the participant can still request a transfer, but that request will be subject to an assessment.
Participants also have control on how they receive services. Participants can choose whether they want to have appointments face-to-face, phone or video chat. Participants should work with their provider to agree on a servicing strategy that works best for their needs.