Employment Engagement & Partnerships Specialist
Ability Works Australia Ltd
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Human Resources
Build Real Careers & Make a Tangible Difference – Join Our Employment Team
About Ability Works
Ability Works is an award-winning non-profit organisation based in Kew (VIC) dedicated to creating meaningful employment pathways for people with disabilities and those facing employment barriers. Through our social enterprises, Employment Services, and Inclusive Design programs, we deliver on our mission: "Purpose Through Employment."
We partner with individuals to uncover their unique strengths and capabilities, then work directly with employers to create tailored roles that lead to sustainable, fulfilling employment. We're breaking down barriers in recruitment and building inclusive workplaces where everyone can contribute and succeed.
The Role: Engagement & Partnerships Specialist
Join our Employment Services team as an Employment Engagement & Partnerships Specialist. You'll work one-on-one with individuals and their support networks, discovering their talents and interests, then actively engage with local employers to design and negotiate real jobs that align with both person and workplace.
Your Day-to-day Will Involve
- Building relationships with individuals in their own environments to understand their aspirations, skills, and career goals
- Undertaking comprehensive, evidence-based training in Customised Employment methodology and practices
- Directly engaging with businesses, from startups to established enterprises, to identify opportunities and negotiate customised roles
- Supporting individuals to gain real workplace experience aligned with their interests
- Playing a key role in Ability Works' new Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program and our NDIS-funded services
- Completing clear, timely documentation and ensuring full compliance with IEA requirements
- Promoting Customised Employment to schools, support coordinators, NDIS planners, and family networks through presentations, webinars, and community engagement
- Contributing to the growth of inclusive employment practices across Victoria
We're looking for engaged, motivated professionals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. You bring genuine empathy, excellent communication skills, and the confidence to represent people's interests in conversations with employers.
Essential Requirements
- Current NDIS Working With Children Check or the ability to obtain one
- Valid Driver's License and access to reliable transport
- Strong belief that everyone has employment potential
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals and organisations
- Cultural awareness and commitment to building inclusive teams
We welcome applicants from diverse professional and personal backgrounds, including:
- Disability support, mental health, allied health, or community development
- Social work, occupational therapy, or education
- Sales, customer relationship management, or business development roles
- Project coordination
- Community engagement, mentoring, or youth work
- Lived experience of disability or employment barriers
Desirable Qualities
- Formal qualifications in Community Services, Allied Health, Disability Studies, or related fields
- Previous experience working with people with disabilities or supporting people facing barriers
- Experience in recruitment, HR, or employer engagement
- Knowledge of local business community and networks
Why Join Us?
- Work with an experienced, supportive team delivering evidence-based employment outcomes
- Access comprehensive professional development and training in Customised Employment
- Flexible working arrangements to balance your professional and personal commitments
- Make a real, measurable difference in people's lives every single day
- Be part of a growing, innovative program leading change in disability employment
Ability Works Actively Welcomes Applications From
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People with disabilities
- Culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD)
- Mature-aged workers and career changers
- LGBTQIA+ individuals
- People with lived experience of disadvantage or employment barriers
About the company
Company website•Non-profit Organizations
At Ability Works Australia, inclusion is more than a value – it’s the way business is done. We are a purpose-driven non-profit creating meaningful work and better-designed workplaces with and for people with disability and those who are socially excluded.
Our impact comes to life through three connected areas:
- Social Enterprise (Supported Employment) – a work-integrated social enterprise providing supported employment through manufacturing, packaging, assembly, and 3PL logistics services for government and corporate partners.
- Employment Services – IEA and NDIS-funded customised employment supports, using the Griffin Hammis model to help people move into open employment at full wages.
- Inclusive Consulting & Training – partnering with organisations to design more inclusive workplaces, products, and services, so inclusion is built in from the start.
For over 60 years, we’ve been part of Melbourne’s community, working alongside businesses, government, and community partners to create a future where everyone’s skills and contributions are valued. When you work with Ability Works, you help make inclusion standard practice – not a special project.