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Jobs for people with PTSD

If you're living with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and looking for a job, the
process can be challenging. That's why helping you find a fulfilling job, in a workplace
that supports your long-term mental wellbeing is our mission.

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A man sitting at a desk smiling while holding a sheet of paper

Find a job that works for you

If you're living with PTSD and looking for work, you aren't alone. There are around 11% of Australians who also experience PTSD at some point in their lifetime.

Searching for fulfilling work while managing your mental health can be tricky, and it's our mission to support you to not only find meaningful work, but also thrive in your workplace.

Finding meaningful work while living with PTSD is worthwhile as it can:

  • Give you a sense of purpose and fulfilment
  • Help you feel more engaged in everyday life
  • Build your confidence
  • Create a sense of belonging
  • Keep you focused on the present moment

Below, you’ll find advice on understanding how to identify your strengths, learn what you really need from a job and get ideas of job roles that may fit your needs when living with PTSD.

Your journey and situation are your own, and discovering what will work for you is an essential part of that journey.

Keep reading for tips on finding a job while living with PTSD.

Get support

Register for APM Disability Employment Services

 
 

What to look for in a job when you have PTSD

People living with PTSD are capable of finding fulfilling work in a range of different job roles and workplaces.

Symptoms, skills and interests vary from person to person. In your job search, focus on finding a job that enhances your individual strengths and helps you manage your mental health.

While everyone’s experience living with PTSD is different, you may like to consider the following job features:

What work environment do you feel most comfortable in?

Consider what types of environments you feel most comfortable in, then think about the types of jobs that you can do in that environment.

For example, you might find that being inside in a crowded room triggers your PTSD, so an outdoor job might suit you best.

Do you need flexibility in your work schedule?

If you’re living with PTSD, you may find that working part time rather than full time, or doing a job that has a flexible schedule might suit you best.

You may find the control and freedom you experience when you work flexible hours or from home to be helpful.

What pace do you work best at?

You may find that fast-paced, high-stress jobs can trigger your PTSD. This means it may be helpful for you to find work in low-stress environments with supportive co-workers.

On the other hand, you may find fast-paced jobs to be a welcome way to focus on the present moment.

Get support

Job ideas for people living with PTSD

Everyone will experience PTSD differently, so there’s no one-size-fits-all list of jobs that are best for you.

However, here are some job ideas to help you start brainstorming what roles could work best.

When looking for the best options for work, you should consider your individual strengths, skills, needs and capabilities.

It’s important to remember that the kind of job that is right for one person may not be right for everyone.

If you would like more support, speaking to an employment consultant at APM can also help you discover other opportunities you may not have considered before, or that may be more suitable specifically for you.

DES participant Mitchell sits at desk talking to his APM Employment Consultant

Indoor jobs

  • Graphic designer
  • Librarian
  • IT technician
  • Admin assistant
  • Content writer
  • Veterinarian

Outdoors jobs

  • Farm hand
  • Fruit picker
  • Dog walker
  • Landscaper
  • Gardener
  • Outdoor maintenance
  • Construction
  • Park ranger
  • Eco tour guide
  • Horticulturist

Slow-paced jobs

  • Librarian
  • Museum curator
  • Pet sitter
  • Freelance writer or editor
  • Yoga instructor
  • Bookstore retail assistant
  • Florist
  • Cleaner

Fast-paced jobs

  • Chef
  • Waiter
  • Event planner
  • Fitness instructor
  • Retail assistant
  • Barista
  • Sales representative

Jobs with flexibility in hours and/or location

  • Graphic designer
  • Freelance writer
  • Video editor
  • Makeup artist
  • Personal trainer
  • Dog walker
  • Photographer
  • Social media manager
  • Software developer
  • Copywriting editor

*Please note - these job suggestions may not be suitable for everyone with PTSD. These suggestions may suit some people depending on their circumstances including, but not limited to, their current experience with PTSD.

What employment support can I access?

If you're living with disability, injury, or a health condition, there is support available to help you reach your goals.

If you are eligible for Disability Employment Services, (many people with PTSD are eligible for support), APM can provide support to assist you to find work.

Disability Employment Services is a government-funded program designed to help you find and keep work and is provided at no cost to participants.

You may be eligible for help with:

  • Career advice
  • Finding suitable job opportunities
  • Meeting local employers
  • Writing resumes and job applications
  • Preparing for job interviews
  • Accessing training
  • Accessing mental health support
  • Ongoing workplace support
  • Accessing funding for things like uniforms and transport
  • Accessing workplace modifications to help you succeed at work
  • Workplace assessments to help identify what support is right for you
Get support
An APM employee in a black polo smiles in conversation with a DES participant

Ready to get started?

Register now to see if you’re eligible for our, Disability Employment Services program and start your employment journey.

Get support

Success stories from people who achieved their goals through Disability Employment Services


"It doesn’t matter what challenges you face - they will always help."

Video transcript | More success stories

Mitchell's story


“You see very much her ability rather than her disability.”

Video transcript | More success stories

Tayla's story


“Doing something and having a purpose gives me enjoyment.”

Video transcript | More success stories

Darren's story

Get a personal job plan

APM can help you find fulfilling work by building you a job plan that’s tailored to your needs.

Identify your strengths:

  • Many strengths can come from your life experience (rather than just your work history). It’s important to identify these as they can be valuable in the workforce. 
  • Your strengths could include things like attention to detail, logical thinking and fast learning that can be valuable in many roles.
  • Identifying your strengths on your own can be hard. If you need a hand, our team at APM would love to help. Our goal is to help you find a job that suits your strengths, skills and interests, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the entire process.

Building a job program around you:

  • Explore realistic job options where you can succeed
  • Develop a personal strategy that includes job searches, resumes and interviews
  • Discuss your support needs with your employer
  • Look at any requirements for equipment or workplace modifications to help you perform a specific job
  • Consider what support you might need when you start working

Get started in three easy steps

Step one

Register with us, and we'll be in touch in the next few days to discuss your eligibility and how to join DES with APM.

artwork of a job seeker registering for DES with APM
Step two

If you're eligible, you'll meet your APM employment consultant and tell them your interests, goals and challenges.

artwork of a DES participant meeting an APM consultant
Step three

You get to work with your employment consultant and start your plan for new skills, training or a job that’s right for you.

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Our support doesn't stop when you start working

We also want to make sure you and your employer have everything you need to be a success together.

Depending on your level of support and the job you start, we work together to make sure you’re able to work safely and effectively.

This can include helping you access training, job coaching, performance monitoring, and understanding the workplace culture and what is expected from you.

We also support workplaces with proactive education to be aware of any impacts your disability may have so we can help avoid any misunderstandings and create a culture of support and inclusion.

If you need ongoing support for long periods of time we will also discuss this with you and establish a support structure.

Our goal is to see you enjoy rewarding and long-term employment and ensure you have the right level of support to succeed.

Get in touch with our teams to find out more.

Get support
DES participant Ngaire with her employer and APM consultant walking outside a rural property

Other advice and resources that may help you find a job

What is PTSD? An in-depth understanding

Understand the basics of what PTSD is, what causes it, what treatment and support are available and how you can make a recovery.

Read more

Two people sitting at a computer
How to get a job, and keep it, if you're living with PTSD

Our guide to PTSD and holding down a job. Find information on finding job opportunities, workplace modifications, government funded support and more.

Read more

A book with the word PTSD highlighted in pink
10 strategies to cope with PTSD in everyday life

Discover 10 strategies to cope with PTSD in everyday life. Learn practical tips to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Read more

A man in a blue work top stands in a factory

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au.