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Participant Handbook

Your guide to Inclusive Employment Australia with APM Employment Services.

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Welcome to APM

We’re so glad you’re here.

At APM, we’re here to support you on your journey to meaningful work.

We know that finding a job can be tough - especially if you’re living with a disability, injury, or health condition.

That’s why we’re a national provider of Inclusive Employment Australia, a program designed to help you build your skills, find the right job, and succeed in work.

You’ll have a dedicated employment consultant who will work with you one-on-one. They’ll help you set goals, build confidence, and get the support you need every step of the way.

If you ever want to talk about something personal, just let us know. We can arrange a quiet space for you. Your comfort and privacy matter to us.

About the program

Inclusive Employment Australia is funded by the Australian Government and delivered by APM.

We’re a private company, separate from Centrelink (Services Australia) - but they may have referred you to us.

This program is here to help you:

  • Discover your strengths
  • Build your work skills
  • Find a job that suits you
  • Get support once you’re working
  • Manage health issues that might affect your ability to work

If you receive payments from Centrelink and your situation changes - like a health issue or personal crisis - talk to your APM employment consultant.

You may be eligible for a temporary break from your mutual obligations. Your consultant will help you return to the program when you're ready.

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What you can expect from APM

As a participant, you’ll get support that’s tailored to your needs, culture, family, and personal circumstances.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Regular meetings with your employment consultant
  • A personalised job plan based on your goals
  • Help with job searching, applications, and interviews
  • Support when you start work - including help for your employer
  • Ongoing assistance with health, training, and community connections

We’re here to help you succeed, not just in finding a job, but in keeping it and growing in your career.

Your responsibilities

To get the most out of the Inclusive Employment Australia program, there are a few things you’ll need to do. These are called mutual obligations.

Your responsibilities include:

  • Attending your appointments and taking part in activities
  • Sharing accurate information about your situation
  • Working with your consultant to build your job plan
  • Following the steps in your job plan
  • Keeping track of your job search and showing your efforts
  • Doing your best in interviews
  • Letting your consultant know if you have any concerns

 

Need help understanding your obligations?

Your Job Plan

Your Job Plan is your personal roadmap to employment. It’s built around your goals, strengths, and the support you need.

Together with your consultant, you’ll:

  • Talk about your skills, experience, and interests
  • Identify any challenges and how to manage them
  • Explore job options in your local area
  • Get help with your resume and job search skills
  • Look at training opportunities to gain new skills, certificates, or licences

Your plan also considers:

  • Your education and work history
  • Any support you need to find or keep a job
  • Health conditions, caring responsibilities, or other personal factors

You can bring a support person or advocate to any appointment. If you need an interpreter, just ask, we’re happy to help.

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Finding a job

Your consultant will help you find the right job and prepare you for work.

You’ll get support to:

  • Explore job options that suit your goals
  • Learn how to search for jobs effectively
  • Connect with community services and training
  • Meet local employers and visit workplaces
  • Apply for jobs and prepare for interviews

We also offer wage subsidies to employers who hire you for long-term roles. This helps reduce early employment costs for them and makes it easier for you to get hired.

You’ll learn how to use MyGov to manage your appointments, activities, and progress online.

Starting work

Once you get a job, we’ll keep supporting you for at least 12 months to help you settle in and succeed. We can help with:

  • Workplace assessments and modifications
  • Training and tools to do your job well
  • Talking with your employer if issues come up
  • Managing personal challenges that affect work
  • Connecting with health, training, and community supports

We’ll also help you understand your rights at work, including:

  • Fair pay and working conditions
  • What to do if you’re sick or injured
  • Safety at work
  • What to do if you face discrimination or harassment

For more info, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman at fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94.

 

Extra support

If you need more help after 12 months, talk to your consultant. We’ll explore what support is available.


Declaring your income

When you start working, it’s important to tell:

  • Your APM consultant – so we can support you
  • Services Australia (Centrelink) – so your payments are accurate

You can report your income:

  • Through your MyGov account
  • Using the Express Plus Centrelink app
  • By calling 13 3276 (13 EARN)

If Services Australia doesn’t know about your earnings, you could be overpaid and you may need to pay money back.  

Even if your payments go down, you’ll still be better off financially when you’re earning an income.


Advocacy Support

If you need help speaking up or getting fair treatment, advocacy services are available.

Or call the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787.

Your feedback matters

We want to make sure our service works for you and the best way to do that is by listening.

You can help us improve by:

  • Talking to your employment consultant or local manager
  • Filling out a feedback card (available at all APM offices)
  • Taking part in APM’s participant surveys

We welcome all feedback, whether it’s a compliment, suggestion, or complaint.

Making a complaint

If you’re unhappy with the service or have concerns, you can:

  • Speak to your local APM manager
  • Call our national office on 1300 366 047
  • Submit a complaint online at apm.net.au/feedback

We’ll investigate your complaint and keep you informed. If it can’t be resolved, it will be escalated to a senior manager.

Need more help?

If you’re not satisfied with our response, you can contact:

  • Department of Social Services: 1800 805 260
  • JobAccess CRRS: 1800 880 052
  • Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS): 13 14 50
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Helpful resources

Here are some useful websites and contacts to help you during your journey with Inclusive Employment Australia:

Useful inks

APM website – apm.net.au

  • Learn more about our services and find local office details.

Employable Me job seeker portal – employableme.com

  • Tools and resources to help with your job search.

Department of Social Services – dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers

  • Information about disability support and services.

JobAccess – jobaccess.gov.au

  • Support for people with disability and employers.

MyGov – my.gov.au

  • Manage your Centrelink, Medicare, and other government services.

Fair Work Commission – fwc.gov.au

  • Information about workplace rights and conditions.

Centrelink – servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrelink

  • Access your payments and mutual obligation details.

Disability Advocacy Finder – askizzy.org.au/disability-advocacy-finder

  • Find advocacy services near you.

 

Important contacts

  • APM support line – 1800 267 267
  • Centrelink Reporting Line – 13 3276 (13 EARN)
  • Fair Work Ombudsman – 13 13 94
  • Disability Gateway – 1800 643 787
  • JobAccess CRRS (Complaints) – 1800 880 052
  • Department of Social Services – 1800 805 260
  • Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) – 13 14 50

 

Other helpful info

  • Easy Read – Ask your consultant or visit apm.net.au/iea
  • Other languages – Ask your consultant about access to this handbook or other information in another language

 

Need help or have questions?

We’re here to support you. Talk to your employment consultant or contact us:

APM Employment Services