Getting ready to work and thinking about your options
For people thinking about their work options
Not sure where to start or what you can do now?
If you’re thinking about returning to work, or starting work for the first time since your accident, the TAC can support you.
Together, we can explore your options, help you get ready for work and to find work.
At this stage, the key things you need to think about and understand are:
- what you want to do
- what you are able to do
- the pathways that are available
- the job options that may be suited to you and are available
- the support you have available to help you in each stage of the process
Who can support your return to work
You
The most important person in your return to work is you.
By taking an active role and working with others who can support you, you are more likely to have a positive and successful return to work.
Find out more about the steps to exploring work options
The TAC
Our role is to ensure you have the right services and supports in place to help you with a successful return to work. In some cases, you might work with more than one person at the TAC.
We will:
- Talk to you about your recovery and rehabilitation progress
- Talk about the type of work you might like to do
- Explain what supports are available to help you
- Work with you and your health professionals to understand your capacity to work
- Coordinate any additional services or referrals to support your return to work
If you are already receiving income support from the TAC, we can continue to offer this benefit until you are fit to fully return to work.
Find out more about income support and return to work
Your health professionals
Your health professionals are the best people to recommend when you are ready to return to work. For example, this could be your GP, physio, surgeon or occupational therapist. They can:
- Identify what you can do, what you may not be ready to do yet, and any limitations you may have
- Discuss with you the most suitable options for your return to work
- Provide health advice on what you can do to prepare for work
Your health professional should use a certificate of capacity to make these recommendations.
Return to work specialist
If we refer you to a return to work specialist, they can work with you and your health professionals to understand:
- What you can and can’t do due to your injuries
- Your current skills and experience
- Your interests, and the kind of work you might like to do
They may also do a vocational assessment to match your skills and interests to the current job market, to help identify what options are available for you.
They may continue to work with you when you are ready to start looking for work and applying for jobs.
Find out more about return to work specialists
Steps to exploring your work options
- Talk to your doctor or health professionals about your readiness to start work, what you can do now and what you might be able to do in the future
- Think about your current interests, skills and experience
- Think about the type of work you might like to do
- Research different work options and look at the current demand for these roles
- Talk to the TAC about how we can help you
Getting ready to look for work
Once you know the kind of work you would like to do, you may need to spend some time getting ready for work. This may include:
- Upskilling in a particular area which may require training or study
- Being physically ready
- Being prepared mentally and socially
- Getting used to a new routine
- Getting used to travelling to a new workplace
- Building your employability through work experience or work trials
Remember, you don’t have to be fully recovered to return to work.
In many cases, returning to work can help your recovery and rehabilitation. It can help you set clear goals, introduce daily routines, and help you to focus on what you can do, rather than the limitations of your injury.
Who can support your return to work
You
The most important person in your return to work is you.
By taking an active role and working with others who can support you, you are more likely to have a positive and successful return to work.
Find out more about the steps to getting ready to work
The TAC
Our role is to ensure you have the right services and supports in place to help you with a successful return to work. In some cases, you might work with more than one person at the TAC.
We will:
- Talk to you about your recovery and rehabilitation progress
- Talk about the type of work you might like to do
- Explain what supports are available to help you
- Work with you and your health professionals to understand your capacity to work
- Coordinate any additional services or referrals to support your return to work
Find out more about how the TAC can support you
Your health professionals
Your health professionals are the best people to recommend when you are ready to return to work, and to help you prepare physically and mentally for work. For example, this could be your GP, physio, surgeon or occupational therapist.
They can:
- Identify what you can do, what you may not be ready to do yet, and any limitations you may have
- Discuss with you the most suitable options for your return to work
- Provide advice on what you can do to prepare for work physically, mentally and socially
Your health professional should use a certificate of capacity to make these recommendations.
Return to work specialist
If we refer you to a return to work specialist, they can work one-on-one with you to help you get ready for work.
They may:
- Talk to your health professionals about what you can and can’t do
- Ask you about your skills, experience and interests
- Do an assessment to match your skills and interests to the current job market, to help identify what options are available for you
- Recommend suitable retraining options and work readiness programs
They may continue to work with you when you are ready to start looking for work and applying for jobs.
Find out more about return to work specialists
Steps to getting ready to work
- Talk to your doctor or health professionals about your readiness to start work, and what you can do to help yourself physically and mentally prepare for work.
- Think about the type of work you might like to do
- Research different work options and look at the current demand for these roles
- Think about any areas you might need further skills in, to help you find the work you want
- Consider a mentoring program or volunteer opportunities to improve your skills and get you ready – a return to work specialist can help connect you with these
- Talk to the TAC about how we can help you
How the TAC can support you
Income support
If you are already receiving income support from the TAC, we can continue to offer this benefit until you are fit to fully return to work.
Once you return to work, even if it’s on reduced hours, you must contact the TAC so that your income support can be calculated correctly.
Generally, if you go back to work and your employer pays you less than the TAC paid you before you returned to work, we can top-up your pay.
Find out more about income support and return to work
Retraining opportunities
When looking for new work options, your return to work specialist will first look at jobs you can do with your current skills and abilities.
However, if your doctor doesn’t believe you can go back to your normal work in the long term, the TAC may consider funding a retraining program.
A retraining program is designed to help you gain new or updated skills to prepare you for work in a different field. Your return to work specialist will discuss these options with you, and together, would agree on the best area to focus on retraining based on your interests and abilities.
Travel to work benefit
If you are unable to travel to your job in your usual way because of your accident injuries, you may be eligible for a ’travel to work’ benefit.
The TAC will work with you and your health professional to assess your eligibility. For example, if you were able to drive before your accident, but aren’t able to drive at the moment because you have a leg injury, the TAC can reimburse your alternative travel costs.
Your health professional should provide a written request which states that you are not able to travel in your usual way. They should also recommend other forms of suitable transport, for example, public transport.
We can pay the travel to work benefit for a maximum of 24 weeks and it is capped at a maximum of $1,670. This amount is updated every year on 1 July.
Travel to and from a TAC funded training program
We can reimburse you the reasonable cost of your travel when going to TAC funded training.
If you travel using your own vehicle, we can reimburse you up to a maximum of 30c per kilometre.
You can claim the costs of your travel using the Travel declaration form.
Allied health and mental health services
Allied health services include a range of treatments to help you move better, relieve pain or improve function. They include treatments such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and exercise physiology.
Mental health services include treatment or counselling from psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers.
Your healthcare professional may recommend one or more of these services to help you physically and/or mentally prepare for and return to work.
The TAC may consider paying for these services when they are related to your transport accident injuries and support your return to work plan.
If you have a pre-existing disability or new disability as a result of your accident, there are some services that can support your return to work.
Many people need to decide if they should talk about an injury or disability at work or when applying for a job. There are laws in Australia that protect the rights of people with disability, to make sure they are treated fairly. Even so, people can still be afraid to talk about their injury or disability with their employer.
Here are some things to think about before you decide to talk about an injury or disability.
Do you need to tell?
It is up to you whether you talk about your injury or disability.
By law, you do not need to talk about an injury or disability, unless your injury or disability will affect:
- Your ability to do the main parts of your job, or
- Your safety and the safety of others in the work place.
It’s a good idea to talk to your treating team or vocational provider to work out if, by law, you need to talk about an injury or disability at work or when applying for a job.
The benefits of telling an employer you have an injury or disability
- Your experience of injury or disability is valued,
- It might help you to get the support or changes you need in the workplace,
- If you have any workplace or performance issues, you might get more support and understanding about how to manage them,
- You might be able to talk openly about any fears or concerns you have about your role or starting in the workplace.
If you decide to talk about an injury or disability
How and when you decide to talk about an injury or disability is important. You might think about whether you should:
- Put it in your application or resume,
- Wait until your interview, or
- Let your employer know once you start work.
The best time can depend on many things.
Generally, you do not need to mention your injury or disability in your application or resume. However, you might need to if your injury or disability:
- Might affect your ability to do your job,
- Might affect your safety at work, or the safety of others,
- Relates to the position or organisation you have applied for,
- Means that changes to the role or selection process are needed.
You might also mention your injury or disability in your application or resume if you know the workplace supports employing people with a disability. A workplace that supports employing people with a disability will often include questions about disability in their application process.
If you don’t need to mention your injury in your application or resume, you can decide whether to talk about it in your interview or wait until you have started your job and feel ready to do so.
Tips
- Plan with your treating team or vocational provider how you will tell your employer about your injury or disability and what you will say,
- Focus on your personal strengths, qualities and achievements,
- Provide clear information and offer to help organise any changes or supports if you need them,
- Only talk about things that are work related,
- Let your employer know if there are any other supports available to the workplace, such as the supports the TAC can provide.
Where to get help
Talking about an injury or disability is not always an easy decision to make. You can speak to your treating team, vocational provider, friends and family to help make your decision.
You can also call the TAC on 1300 654 329 for support and advice.
More information on this topic is also available at the Human Rights Commission website.
Talking about an injury or disability at work or when applying for a job
Many people need to decide if they should talk about an injury or disability at work or when applying for a job. There are laws in Australia that protect the rights of people with disability, to make sure they are treated fairly. Even so, people can still be afraid to talk about their injury or disability with their employer.
Here are some things to think about before you decide to talk about an injury or disability.
Do you need to tell?
It is up to you whether you talk about your injury or disability.
By law, you do not need to talk about an injury or disability, unless your injury or disability will affect:
- Your ability to do the main parts of your job, or
- Your safety and the safety of others in the work place.
It’s a good idea to talk to your treating team or vocational provider to work out if, by law, you need to talk about an injury or disability at work or when applying for a job.
The benefits of telling an employer you have an injury or disability
- Your experience of injury or disability is valued,
- It might help you to get the support or changes you need in the workplace,
- If you have any workplace or performance issues, you might get more support and understanding about how to manage them,
- You might be able to talk openly about any fears or concerns you have about your role or starting in the workplace.
If you decide to talk about an injury or disability
How and when you decide to talk about an injury or disability is important. You might think about whether you should:
- Put it in your application or resume,
- Wait until your interview, or
- Let your employer know once you start work.
The best time can depend on many things.
Generally, you do not need to mention your injury or disability in your application or resume. However, you might need to if your injury or disability:
- Might affect your ability to do your job,
- Might affect your safety at work, or the safety of others,
- Relates to the position or organisation you have applied for,
- Means that changes to the role or selection process are needed.
You might also mention your injury or disability in your application or resume if you know the workplace supports employing people with a disability. A workplace that supports employing people with a disability will often include questions about disability in their application process.
If you don’t need to mention your injury in your application or resume, you can decide whether to talk about it in your interview or wait until you have started your job and feel ready to do so.
Tips
- Plan with your treating team or vocational provider how you will tell your employer about your injury or disability and what you will say,
- Focus on your personal strengths, qualities and achievements,
- Provide clear information and offer to help organise any changes or supports if you need them,
- Only talk about things that are work related,
- Let your employer know if there are any other supports available to the workplace, such as the supports the TAC can provide.
Where to get help
Talking about an injury or disability is not always an easy decision to make. You can speak to your treating team, vocational provider, friends and family to help make your decision.
You can also call the TAC on 1300 654 329 for support and advice.
More information on this topic is also available at the Human Rights Commission website.
Employment services
Supported Employment Service
The Supported Employment Service can help a person with a disability enter or re-enter the workforce, develop job skills and prepare to work in the open employment market. It connects eligible TAC clients with an Australian Disability Enterprise, which employs people with a disability in a supported work environment.
Find out how a Supported Employment Service may be able to help you return to work
Disability Employment Services
Disability Employment Services (DES) is the Australian Government’s employment service that helps people with a disability to find work and keep a job.
These services are government funded for eligible people, and can include career advice, employment preparation, resume development, and training. You can also get help with job searching, and ongoing support at work for you and your employer.
Your TAC claims manager can talk about your support options if you are considering a DES provider.
More information about DES and other disability employment support is available on the JobAccess website jobaccess.gov.au/home
IncludeAbility
IncludeAbility is an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission. It was developed to increase meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability. It aims to close the gap in workforce participation between people with disability and people without disability.
IncludeAbility is designed to support:
- employers who want to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability
- people with disability seeking employment, developing a career or considering self-employment.
A vocational service provider is an organisation that employs qualified return to work specialists.
Their aim is to help you return to work safely and successfully.
There are a number of reasons why the TAC may refer you to a return to work specialist. Generally, this is when you need extra support for your return to work.
Depending on your needs, a return to work specialist can:
- Assess your current skills and abilities
- Assess your workplace to see what support you need
- Work with your employer and health professionals to explore your return to work options
- Prepare a personalised return to work plan
- Recommend modifications or equipment for your workplace
- Recommend and organise retraining programs
- Provide career guidance
- Help you find and apply for a new job
- Help you prepare your resume and provide interview training
Vocational rehabilitation programs
If you are looking for new or different work options because of your accident injuries, your return to work specialist will develop a vocational rehabilitation program.
This program is designed to prepare and help you to secure new job opportunities. It may include:
- Skill development and/or retraining programs
- Job seeking and interview preparation
- Trial periods
- A return to work plan, agreed to with your health professional and new employer
As part of the program, we expect that you will:
- Return phone calls to your return to work specialist, your employer and the TAC
- Attend appointments, course sessions, job interviews and work regularly and on time
- Participate in agreed vocational or return to work programs
- Identify and apply for suitable jobs independently
- Accept reasonable offers for job interviews
- Attend job interviews
- Provide evidence of job seeking (e.g. job diaries documenting jobs you’ve applied for)
- Accept reasonable offers of employment.
Through this program, the TAC provides you with a reasonable offer of vocational rehabilitation. By law, if you choose not to take part, we may be unable to pay your income benefits.
How do I know if I am ready to return to work?
You should visit your doctor and discuss this with them. They are in the best position to advise you on your readiness and capacity to work.
If you aren’t able to go back to work at full capacity, speak to the TAC about your options. Even if you aren’t ready to go back to work full-time, you may be able to return to light duties to help with your recovery.
What is the difference between a return to work plan and a vocational rehabilitation plan?
Both plans can be developed by a return to work specialist, but they have different purposes.
A vocational rehabilitation plan is designed to help you find and secure work. You might need this if you can’t return to your previous job, or if you were unemployed at the time of your accident.
A return to work plan is designed to support your return to the workplace, either with the same employer or a new one. This is signed off by your health professional and agreed to with your employer.
Sometimes, a return to work plan will form part of your vocational rehabilitation plan, once you have secured work.
If I lose my job will the TAC help me find a new one?
If you are no longer employed because of your accident injuries, the TAC can help you with job seeking services as part of a return to work program.
If you have returned to work, and then lose your job, you might also be eligible for the Safety Net Income Benefit (SNIB) while you look for new work.
Please call us on 1300 654 329 to discuss your options and how we can help.
If I am unemployed, can the TAC help me find work?
If you were unemployed at the time of your accident, you may be eligible for return to work support which includes help with job seeking and resumé preparation.
Please call us on 1300 654 329 to discuss your options.
For people thinking about their work options
Not sure where to start or what you can do now?
If you’re thinking about returning to work, or starting work for the first time since your accident, the TAC can support you.
Together, we can explore your options, help you get ready for work and to find work.
At this stage, the key things you need to think about and understand are:
- what you want to do
- what you are able to do
- the pathways that are available
- the job options that may be suited to you and are available
- the support you have available to help you in each stage of the process
Who can support your return to work
You
The most important person in your return to work is you.
By taking an active role and working with others who can support you, you are more likely to have a positive and successful return to work.
Find out more about the steps to exploring work options
The TAC
Our role is to ensure you have the right services and supports in place to help you with a successful return to work. In some cases, you might work with more than one person at the TAC.
We will:
- Talk to you about your recovery and rehabilitation progress
- Talk about the type of work you might like to do
- Explain what supports are available to help you
- Work with you and your health professionals to understand your capacity to work
- Coordinate any additional services or referrals to support your return to work
If you are already receiving income support from the TAC, we can continue to offer this benefit until you are fit to fully return to work.
Find out more about income support and return to work
Your health professionals
Your health professionals are the best people to recommend when you are ready to return to work. For example, this could be your GP, physio, surgeon or occupational therapist. They can:
- Identify what you can do, what you may not be ready to do yet, and any limitations you may have
- Discuss with you the most suitable options for your return to work
- Provide health advice on what you can do to prepare for work
Your health professional should use a certificate of capacity to make these recommendations.
Return to work specialist
If we refer you to a return to work specialist, they can work with you and your health professionals to understand:
- What you can and can’t do due to your injuries
- Your current skills and experience
- Your interests, and the kind of work you might like to do
They may also do a vocational assessment to match your skills and interests to the current job market, to help identify what options are available for you.
They may continue to work with you when you are ready to start looking for work and applying for jobs.
Find out more about return to work specialists
Steps to exploring your work options
- Talk to your doctor or health professionals about your readiness to start work, what you can do now and what you might be able to do in the future
- Think about your current interests, skills and experience
- Think about the type of work you might like to do
- Research different work options and look at the current demand for these roles
- Talk to the TAC about how we can help you
Getting ready to look for work
Once you know the kind of work you would like to do, you may need to spend some time getting ready for work. This may include:
- Upskilling in a particular area which may require training or study
- Being physically ready
- Being prepared mentally and socially
- Getting used to a new routine
- Getting used to travelling to a new workplace
- Building your employability through work experience or work trials
Remember, you don’t have to be fully recovered to return to work.
In many cases, returning to work can help your recovery and rehabilitation. It can help you set clear goals, introduce daily routines, and help you to focus on what you can do, rather than the limitations of your injury.
Who can support your return to work
You
The most important person in your return to work is you.
By taking an active role and working with others who can support you, you are more likely to have a positive and successful return to work.
Find out more about the steps to getting ready to work
The TAC
Our role is to ensure you have the right services and supports in place to help you with a successful return to work. In some cases, you might work with more than one person at the TAC.
We will:
- Talk to you about your recovery and rehabilitation progress
- Talk about the type of work you might like to do
- Explain what supports are available to help you
- Work with you and your health professionals to understand your capacity to work
- Coordinate any additional services or referrals to support your return to work
Find out more about how the TAC can support you
Your health professionals
Your health professionals are the best people to recommend when you are ready to return to work, and to help you prepare physically and mentally for work. For example, this could be your GP, physio, surgeon or occupational therapist.
They can:
- Identify what you can do, what you may not be ready to do yet, and any limitations you may have
- Discuss with you the most suitable options for your return to work
- Provide advice on what you can do to prepare for work physically, mentally and socially
Your health professional should use a certificate of capacity to make these recommendations.
Return to work specialist
If we refer you to a return to work specialist, they can work one-on-one with you to help you get ready for work.
They may:
- Talk to your health professionals about what you can and can’t do
- Ask you about your skills, experience and interests
- Do an assessment to match your skills and interests to the current job market, to help identify what options are available for you
- Recommend suitable retraining options and work readiness programs
They may continue to work with you when you are ready to start looking for work and applying for jobs.
Find out more about return to work specialists
Steps to getting ready to work
- Talk to your doctor or health professionals about your readiness to start work, and what you can do to help yourself physically and mentally prepare for work.
- Think about the type of work you might like to do
- Research different work options and look at the current demand for these roles
- Think about any areas you might need further skills in, to help you find the work you want
- Consider a mentoring program or volunteer opportunities to improve your skills and get you ready – a return to work specialist can help connect you with these
- Talk to the TAC about how we can help you
How the TAC can support you
Income support
If you are already receiving income support from the TAC, we can continue to offer this benefit until you are fit to fully return to work.
Once you return to work, even if it’s on reduced hours, you must contact the TAC so that your income support can be calculated correctly.
Generally, if you go back to work and your employer pays you less than the TAC paid you before you returned to work, we can top-up your pay.
Find out more about income support and return to work
Retraining opportunities
When looking for new work options, your return to work specialist will first look at jobs you can do with your current skills and abilities.
However, if your doctor doesn’t believe you can go back to your normal work in the long term, the TAC may consider funding a retraining program.
A retraining program is designed to help you gain new or updated skills to prepare you for work in a different field. Your return to work specialist will discuss these options with you, and together, would agree on the best area to focus on retraining based on your interests and abilities.
Travel to work benefit
If you are unable to travel to your job in your usual way because of your accident injuries, you may be eligible for a ’travel to work’ benefit.
The TAC will work with you and your health professional to assess your eligibility. For example, if you were able to drive before your accident, but aren’t able to drive at the moment because you have a leg injury, the TAC can reimburse your alternative travel costs.
Your health professional should provide a written request which states that you are not able to travel in your usual way. They should also recommend other forms of suitable transport, for example, public transport.
We can pay the travel to work benefit for a maximum of 24 weeks and it is capped at a maximum of $1,670. This amount is updated every year on 1 July.
Travel to and from a TAC funded training program
We can reimburse you the reasonable cost of your travel when going to TAC funded training.
If you travel using your own vehicle, we can reimburse you up to a maximum of 30c per kilometre.
You can claim the costs of your travel using the Travel declaration form.
Allied health and mental health services
Allied health services include a range of treatments to help you move better, relieve pain or improve function. They include treatments such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and exercise physiology.
Mental health services include treatment or counselling from psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers.
Your healthcare professional may recommend one or more of these services to help you physically and/or mentally prepare for and return to work.
The TAC may consider paying for these services when they are related to your transport accident injuries and support your return to work plan.
If you have a pre-existing disability or new disability as a result of your accident, there are some services that can support your return to work.
Many people need to decide if they should talk about an injury or disability at work or when applying for a job. There are laws in Australia that protect the rights of people with disability, to make sure they are treated fairly. Even so, people can still be afraid to talk about their injury or disability with their employer.
Here are some things to think about before you decide to talk about an injury or disability.
Do you need to tell?
It is up to you whether you talk about your injury or disability.
By law, you do not need to talk about an injury or disability, unless your injury or disability will affect:
- Your ability to do the main parts of your job, or
- Your safety and the safety of others in the work place.
It’s a good idea to talk to your treating team or vocational provider to work out if, by law, you need to talk about an injury or disability at work or when applying for a job.
The benefits of telling an employer you have an injury or disability
- Your experience of injury or disability is valued,
- It might help you to get the support or changes you need in the workplace,
- If you have any workplace or performance issues, you might get more support and understanding about how to manage them,
- You might be able to talk openly about any fears or concerns you have about your role or starting in the workplace.
If you decide to talk about an injury or disability
How and when you decide to talk about an injury or disability is important. You might think about whether you should:
- Put it in your application or resume,
- Wait until your interview, or
- Let your employer know once you start work.
The best time can depend on many things.
Generally, you do not need to mention your injury or disability in your application or resume. However, you might need to if your injury or disability:
- Might affect your ability to do your job,
- Might affect your safety at work, or the safety of others,
- Relates to the position or organisation you have applied for,
- Means that changes to the role or selection process are needed.
You might also mention your injury or disability in your application or resume if you know the workplace supports employing people with a disability. A workplace that supports employing people with a disability will often include questions about disability in their application process.
If you don’t need to mention your injury in your application or resume, you can decide whether to talk about it in your interview or wait until you have started your job and feel ready to do so.
Tips
- Plan with your treating team or vocational provider how you will tell your employer about your injury or disability and what you will say,
- Focus on your personal strengths, qualities and achievements,
- Provide clear information and offer to help organise any changes or supports if you need them,
- Only talk about things that are work related,
- Let your employer know if there are any other supports available to the workplace, such as the supports the TAC can provide.
Where to get help
Talking about an injury or disability is not always an easy decision to make. You can speak to your treating team, vocational provider, friends and family to help make your decision.
You can also call the TAC on 1300 654 329 for support and advice.
More information on this topic is also available at the Human Rights Commission website.
Talking about an injury or disability at work or when applying for a job
Many people need to decide if they should talk about an injury or disability at work or when applying for a job. There are laws in Australia that protect the rights of people with disability, to make sure they are treated fairly. Even so, people can still be afraid to talk about their injury or disability with their employer.
Here are some things to think about before you decide to talk about an injury or disability.
Do you need to tell?
It is up to you whether you talk about your injury or disability.
By law, you do not need to talk about an injury or disability, unless your injury or disability will affect:
- Your ability to do the main parts of your job, or
- Your safety and the safety of others in the work place.
It’s a good idea to talk to your treating team or vocational provider to work out if, by law, you need to talk about an injury or disability at work or when applying for a job.
The benefits of telling an employer you have an injury or disability
- Your experience of injury or disability is valued,
- It might help you to get the support or changes you need in the workplace,
- If you have any workplace or performance issues, you might get more support and understanding about how to manage them,
- You might be able to talk openly about any fears or concerns you have about your role or starting in the workplace.
If you decide to talk about an injury or disability
How and when you decide to talk about an injury or disability is important. You might think about whether you should:
- Put it in your application or resume,
- Wait until your interview, or
- Let your employer know once you start work.
The best time can depend on many things.
Generally, you do not need to mention your injury or disability in your application or resume. However, you might need to if your injury or disability:
- Might affect your ability to do your job,
- Might affect your safety at work, or the safety of others,
- Relates to the position or organisation you have applied for,
- Means that changes to the role or selection process are needed.
You might also mention your injury or disability in your application or resume if you know the workplace supports employing people with a disability. A workplace that supports employing people with a disability will often include questions about disability in their application process.
If you don’t need to mention your injury in your application or resume, you can decide whether to talk about it in your interview or wait until you have started your job and feel ready to do so.
Tips
- Plan with your treating team or vocational provider how you will tell your employer about your injury or disability and what you will say,
- Focus on your personal strengths, qualities and achievements,
- Provide clear information and offer to help organise any changes or supports if you need them,
- Only talk about things that are work related,
- Let your employer know if there are any other supports available to the workplace, such as the supports the TAC can provide.
Where to get help
Talking about an injury or disability is not always an easy decision to make. You can speak to your treating team, vocational provider, friends and family to help make your decision.
You can also call the TAC on 1300 654 329 for support and advice.
More information on this topic is also available at the Human Rights Commission website.
Employment services
Supported Employment Service
The Supported Employment Service can help a person with a disability enter or re-enter the workforce, develop job skills and prepare to work in the open employment market. It connects eligible TAC clients with an Australian Disability Enterprise, which employs people with a disability in a supported work environment.
Find out how a Supported Employment Service may be able to help you return to work
Disability Employment Services
Disability Employment Services (DES) is the Australian Government’s employment service that helps people with a disability to find work and keep a job.
These services are government funded for eligible people, and can include career advice, employment preparation, resume development, and training. You can also get help with job searching, and ongoing support at work for you and your employer.
Your TAC claims manager can talk about your support options if you are considering a DES provider.
More information about DES and other disability employment support is available on the JobAccess website jobaccess.gov.au/home
IncludeAbility
IncludeAbility is an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission. It was developed to increase meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability. It aims to close the gap in workforce participation between people with disability and people without disability.
IncludeAbility is designed to support:
- employers who want to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability
- people with disability seeking employment, developing a career or considering self-employment.
A vocational service provider is an organisation that employs qualified return to work specialists.
Their aim is to help you return to work safely and successfully.
There are a number of reasons why the TAC may refer you to a return to work specialist. Generally, this is when you need extra support for your return to work.
Depending on your needs, a return to work specialist can:
- Assess your current skills and abilities
- Assess your workplace to see what support you need
- Work with your employer and health professionals to explore your return to work options
- Prepare a personalised return to work plan
- Recommend modifications or equipment for your workplace
- Recommend and organise retraining programs
- Provide career guidance
- Help you find and apply for a new job
- Help you prepare your resume and provide interview training
Vocational rehabilitation programs
If you are looking for new or different work options because of your accident injuries, your return to work specialist will develop a vocational rehabilitation program.
This program is designed to prepare and help you to secure new job opportunities. It may include:
- Skill development and/or retraining programs
- Job seeking and interview preparation
- Trial periods
- A return to work plan, agreed to with your health professional and new employer
As part of the program, we expect that you will:
- Return phone calls to your return to work specialist, your employer and the TAC
- Attend appointments, course sessions, job interviews and work regularly and on time
- Participate in agreed vocational or return to work programs
- Identify and apply for suitable jobs independently
- Accept reasonable offers for job interviews
- Attend job interviews
- Provide evidence of job seeking (e.g. job diaries documenting jobs you’ve applied for)
- Accept reasonable offers of employment.
Through this program, the TAC provides you with a reasonable offer of vocational rehabilitation. By law, if you choose not to take part, we may be unable to pay your income benefits.
How do I know if I am ready to return to work?
You should visit your doctor and discuss this with them. They are in the best position to advise you on your readiness and capacity to work.
If you aren’t able to go back to work at full capacity, speak to the TAC about your options. Even if you aren’t ready to go back to work full-time, you may be able to return to light duties to help with your recovery.
What is the difference between a return to work plan and a vocational rehabilitation plan?
Both plans can be developed by a return to work specialist, but they have different purposes.
A vocational rehabilitation plan is designed to help you find and secure work. You might need this if you can’t return to your previous job, or if you were unemployed at the time of your accident.
A return to work plan is designed to support your return to the workplace, either with the same employer or a new one. This is signed off by your health professional and agreed to with your employer.
Sometimes, a return to work plan will form part of your vocational rehabilitation plan, once you have secured work.
If I lose my job will the TAC help me find a new one?
If you are no longer employed because of your accident injuries, the TAC can help you with job seeking services as part of a return to work program.
If you have returned to work, and then lose your job, you might also be eligible for the Safety Net Income Benefit (SNIB) while you look for new work.
Please call us on 1300 654 329 to discuss your options and how we can help.
If I am unemployed, can the TAC help me find work?
If you were unemployed at the time of your accident, you may be eligible for return to work support which includes help with job seeking and resumé preparation.
Please call us on 1300 654 329 to discuss your options.
