Employment Engagement

Employment Engagement & Partnerships Specialist Employment Engagement & Partnerships Specialist (All Melbourne VIC) 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 About You 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. Current NDIS Working With Children Check or the ability to obtain one Valid Driver's Licence 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 Your Background (any of these, or something similar) 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 Community engagement, mentoring, or youth work Lived experience of disability or employment barriers Prior employment services (DES) experience is not required; we provide comprehensive training. 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 We're also interested in receiving applications from individuals based in Frankston/Mornington Peninsula & Hume/Melton regions, with multiple roles available across our hub‑and‑spoke community hub model. 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 Our Commitment to Diversity Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples People with disabilities Culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD) Mature‑aged workers and career changers People with lived experience of disadvantage or employment barriers We provide recruitment adjustments to ensure your full participation in the application process. Need support? Contact Kim at abilityworks.com.au with the subject line "Engagement & Partnerships Specialist – Recruitment Support" or call . #J-18808-Ljbffr