Disability Employment Services in Australia: A Brief Primer

Abstract

This review aims to highlight how the chronic condition self-management support (CCSMS) field might inform and enhance the skills of the disability employment services (DES) workforce, particularly in its interactions with clients with complex disability needs. The approach we have taken involves a consideration of current education and training, recruitment of staff into DES and issues of concern arising from these processes. The main findings of our review are that the current DES workforce may not have the required skills to fully meet the needs of the populations they serve given the growing burden of chronic conditions, generally. We conclude by calling for greater consideration of CCSMS education and training as core required skills for the DES workforce, so that they might integrate their practice more collaboratively alongside other support providers.