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Jobs for people with acquired brain injury

Finding the right job after an acquired brain injury can feel challenging. But with the right support and environment, meaningful work is possible.

This guide explores practical jobs for people with an acquired brain injury, what to look for in a role, and how you can take the next step toward employment with confidence.

Smiling woman working at a computer in a bright office, looking engaged and supported in a workplace environment.

Explore job options after an acquired brain injury

If you’re living with an acquired brain injury (ABI) and considering work, it’s normal to have questions about your options.

In Australia, around 1 in 45 people are living with an ABI, and many are navigating the path back to employment. 

For some, returning to work can feel uncertain, especially when managing changes in memory, concentration, or energy levels.

An ABI can make job searching more challenging. You might find it harder to process information, stay focused for long periods, or feel confident in new environments. Fatigue and sensory sensitivity can also impact how you approach work.

You can explore jobs that match your strengths, routines, and support needs. Whether you’re ready to start now or take smaller steps, guidance is available to help you move forward. 

Finding the right job for you can help:

  • Build your confidence gradually, in a way that works for your energy levels

  • Develop a routine that supports focus, memory, and consistency

  • Gain a sense of independence while managing your needs day to day

  • Work in environments that are understanding, calm, and supportive

  • Use your strengths in ways that feel achievable and meaningful

Below, you’ll find practical tips to help you understand your strengths and explore job options that feel right for you.

Your journey is unique, and finding the right job can open new possibilities.


What to look for in a job when you’re living with an acquired brain injury

Living with an acquired brain injury (ABI) can make starting or returning to work feel different from before. You might be managing changes in memory, concentration, fatigue, or how you process information.

But there are many jobs that can feel more manageable when your needs are understood and supported.

The right role should work with you, not against you. It should support your energy levels, build on your strengths, and allow you to work at a pace that feels achievable.

Because everyone’s experience of ABI is different, it helps to think about what works best for you. Understanding your preferences, limits, and supports can make your job search more focused and less overwhelming.

Below are a few helpful questions to guide you.

What kind of environment helps me stay focused and comfortable?

After an ABI, some environments can feel more challenging than others.

You might prefer a quiet space with fewer distractions, or a calm and structured workplace where tasks are clear. 

Noise, bright lights, or busy settings can sometimes make it harder to concentrate or manage fatigue.

Many suitable roles offer supportive environments, flexible hours, or work-from-home options to help you stay focused and comfortable.

What workload and pace feel manageable for me?

Your energy levels and concentration may vary from day to day.

Some people benefit from shorter shifts, regular breaks, or roles with consistent, predictable tasks. 

Others may prefer part-time work or a gradual return to build stamina over time.

When exploring acquired brain injury jobs, think about how much you can comfortably take on and what pace helps you do your best work.


What type of support will help me succeed?

The right support can make a big difference at work.

This might include clear instructions, written reminders, flexible scheduling, or understanding managers and teammates. 

Workplace adjustments can help you manage challenges and feel more confident in your role.

Knowing what support helps you can make it easier to find a job where you can settle in and grow.


Job ideas for people living with an acquired brain injury

When you’re living with an acquired brain injury (ABI), the right job can help create structure, rebuild confidence, and support your day-to-day wellbeing.

There are many jobs that offer flexibility, predictable routines, and supportive environments. These can make it easier to manage things like fatigue, memory changes, or concentration.

You might prefer roles that are quieter, more structured, or allow you to work at your own pace. For some people, remote or work-from-home options can help reduce distractions and make the workday more manageable.

Thinking about your strengths and how you like to work can help you find roles that suit you. You may also be able to use your existing skills in a different way, or explore new types of work that better match your needs.

If you’re not sure where to start, APM can support you in finding a job that feels right. 

We work with people living with disability, injury, or a health condition, including ABI, to explore job options that align with your goals, preferences, and support needs.

Register now to get personalised job support and advice on acquired brain injury jobs. 

Here are some job ideas that may suit people living with an acquired brain injury:

Group of people in a workplace training session listening to a speaker, including a man using a wheelchair, in an inclusive and supportive learning environment

* Please note that these job suggestions may not be suitable for everyone living with an acquired brain injury. These job suggestions may suit some people, depending on their circumstances, including, but not limited to, their current experience with acquired brain injury.

Jobs with flexible hours or locations

These roles can give you more control over your routine and environment, which can be helpful if you’re managing fatigue, concentration, or sensory sensitivity after an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Flexible or remote roles may allow you to work at your own pace, take breaks when needed, and reduce the impact of commuting or busy workplaces. For many people, these types of jobs can feel more manageable and sustainable. 

  • Document scanning and digitisation roles

  • Transcription or captioning services

  • Online order processing or e-commerce support

  • Bookkeeping or payroll support (with structured systems)

  • Scheduling or appointment coordination roles

  • Quality checking or proofreading (task-based work)

  • Remote training support or course administration

  • Email or chat-based customer support roles


Jobs with low sensory demand or quieter settings

If you find noise, busy environments, or constant interaction challenging, these roles may suit you. They often involve more predictable tasks, quieter spaces, and opportunities to work independently.

These types of roles can support focus, reduce cognitive overload, and help you feel more comfortable at work.

  • Data entry clerk

  • Records or document officer

  • Inventory checking or stock auditing (routine-based tasks)

  • Library assistant

  • Lab technician

  • Cleaning or maintenance roles in quiet environments

  • Nightfill or restocking roles

  • Gardener, landscaper, or florist 


Jobs that use your experience in new ways

After an acquired brain injury (ABI), you may want to keep using your existing skills, but in a role that better supports your needs.

That might mean working at a slower pace, focusing on one task at a time, or moving into a role with more structure and routine. 

These types of jobs can help you stay connected to your experience while making work more manageable.

You don’t have to start from scratch. With the right adjustments, your skills can still be valuable in different ways.

You could consider roles like:

  • Training support or assistant trainer roles (sharing knowledge in structured sessions)

  • Office support roles within your previous industry

  • Quality assurance or checking roles (reviewing work rather than creating it)

  • Workshop or trade assistant roles with modified duties

  • Customer follow-up or aftercare support roles

  • Compliance or process support roles (following set procedures)



Support available through Inclusive Employment Australia

If you’re living with an acquired brain injury (ABI), you don’t have to figure out your next steps alone. Support is available to help you move toward work in a way that suits your needs, pace, and goals.

If you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), APM can support you in finding jobs that match your strengths, preferences, and work capacity.

Whether you’re returning to work after your injury, exploring new job options, or looking for a role that better fits your current needs, we’re here to support you. We take the time to understand what works best for you and build a personalised plan around that.

Through Inclusive Employment Australia, you may be able to access:

  • Job advice tailored to your situation, including fatigue, memory, or concentration needs

  • Support to find suitable job opportunities

  • Help with writing resumes and preparing for interviews

  • Access to training or courses to build your skills

  • Workplace assessments and practical recommendations

  • Assistance with workplace adjustments, such as flexible hours or modified tasks


Employment consultant reviewing a document with a job seeker in a one-on-one meeting, in a supportive and professional setting

Start exploring work that works for you

 If you’re ready to look at job options that fit your needs and pace, support is available.

Register today to find out if you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia with APM.


Work that fits your strengths and needs

A personalised plan to help you get job ready

At APM, we support people living with an acquired brain injury (ABI) to find work that suits their strengths, preferences, and support needs. Here’s how we can help:

Recognising what you're good at

  • Your strengths aren’t just based on your work history. They also come from your life experience.

  • Living with an acquired brain injury can build resilience, adaptability, and new ways of approaching tasks. You may have strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, or the ability to follow structured processes.

  • It’s not always easy to recognise these strengths on your own. That’s where we can help. We’ll work with you to understand your abilities and explore job options that feel achievable and meaningful.

Choosing work that fits your needs and routine

Finding the right fit matters. The right role should support your energy levels, concentration, and day-to-day routine.

We can help you find job options that align with your needs and make work more manageable. 

  • Explore job options that support your pace and energy levels

  • Create a personalised plan for your job search, resume, and interviews

  • Talk with employers about your support needs and workplace adjustments

  • Identify tools, routines, or strategies that can support memory and focus

  • Plan for the support you may need when starting and settling into a new role 


3 steps to help you feel ready for work

Step one

Register with APM to see if you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia. It’s a simple first step to start exploring job options that suit your needs.

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

You’ll meet with an APM employment consultant who takes the time to understand your experience with an acquired brain injury, including your strengths, support needs, and what kind of work feels manageable for you.

artwork of a DES participant meeting an APM consultant
Step three

With personalised support, you can explore job options, build confidence at your own pace, and take practical steps toward work that fits your routine and goals.

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Ongoing support to help you succeed at work

Starting a new job after an acquired brain injury (ABI) is a big step, and support doesn’t stop once you begin.

We work with you and your employer to create a workplace that supports your needs. 

This might include clear communication, structured tasks, flexible routines, or strategies to help manage fatigue and concentration.

Depending on your role, we can provide on-the-job support, additional training, or workplace adjustments to make your day more manageable. 

We also work with employers to build understanding around ABI and create more inclusive, supportive environments.

If you need ongoing support, we’ll continue working with you to adjust your plan as things change. 

Our focus is to help you feel confident, capable, and supported in your role over time.

Our goal is to help you succeed in work that feels sustainable and right for you.

APM employment consultant walking alongside an IEA participant in a warehouse, having a supportive conversation in a workplace setting.

Other advice and resources that may help you find a job

Finding employment while living with an acquired brain injury

Living with acquired brain injury and looking for employment? Get the support you need to succeed in the workplace.

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Living with acquired brain injury and looking for employment? APM explains how to get the support you need to succeed in the workplace.
How football drove me to walk and talk again

How Chris Pyne overcame the challenges of a traumatic brain injury to become a professional football player.

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Jake's journey to employment success

Jake struggled to find employment facing barriers of living in a small town and managing an acquired brain injury. Here's how he achieved his success.

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Jake achieved his job success with an acquired brain injury

About this article

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