Assistance with managing mental health in
the workplace
JobAccess is a free Australian Government Service which provides practical assistance to help
people with disability and mental illness to obtain and maintain employment.
Mental health conditions affect one in five people in any given year. Almost half the population
experiences a mental health condition at some point during their lifetime.
JobAccess has professional advisers, psychologists and an easy-to-use website that can provide you
with:
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information on the full range of Australian Government funded services for the employment of
people with disability and mental health conditions
practical workplace solutions including support and adjustments in the workplace
step-by-step guides on recruitment, job searching, adjusting a workplace and understanding
rights and responsibilities at work, and
advice on how to create a supportive and healthy work environment.
Workplace adjustments can be made to support people with mental health conditions at work.
Workplace adjustments could include:
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flexible conditions, flexible start times, part-time options and rest breaks
individualised supervision and support, such as a mentor or buddy
role modification to reduce stress and to accommodate any limitations
training and assistance for employers and all employees on supportive workplaces
physical modifications such as partitioning, and
adaptive devices such as electronic and graphic organisers.
Stress is something that can be balance or reduced at work by doing things like:
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maintaining a healthy lifestyle
taking regular breaks
asking for regular performance feedback
learning stress reduction techniques
ensuring that intense tasks are completed at peak concentration periods, and
having someone to talk to, like a friend, family member or a counsellor.
If stress becomes overwhelming it is important to address it early.
Financial assistance for employers
Government services are available to help employers of people with disability. The JobAccess
website provides information on the Employment Assistance Fund which provides financial help for
work-related modifications and services for employees with disability. These include changes to the
workplace, adaptive equipment, Auslan interpreting, disability awareness training and training in the
use of specialised equipment or assistive technology.
JobAccess provides specialised support and training packages for workers with mental illness and
specific learning disorders.
The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) helps people with disability and mental health
conditions by providing financial assistance to purchase a range of work related modifications and
services. Assistance is available for people who are about to start a job or who are currently working,
as well as those who require assistance to find and prepare for work.
The Employment Assistance Fund can provide financial assistance for specialised support and
training packages for eligible workers with mental illness and specific learning disorders. Qualified
professionals who possess specialist expertise in the support area deliver this support. A maximum
of $1,500 (GST inclusive) may be payable per eligible employee in a 12-month period.
Mental health support available from the Employment Assistance Fund can include professional
counselling or intervention by a registered psychologist or allied health professional, where the
involvement will assist the person to carry out the functions of their job. It can also include
mentoring and coaching programs that are related to overcoming a barrier to work caused by the
mental health condition.
Mental health awareness training is also available for eligible employers. This must be delivered by
trainers who possess a minimum of a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and who have
specialist knowledge in the subject area. A maximum of $1,500 (GST inclusive) may be payable per
eligible employee in a 12-month period.
JobAccess advisers can advise you about other services which are available including the assistance
available from Disability Employment Services. Disability Employment Services can help employees
whose existing employment is at risk because of the impact of their disability or mental health
condition. Assistance will be personalised and may include redesigning work tasks, learning new
skills, help to manage disability conditions at work and help for employers.
The Workplace Adjustment Tool is a searchable database which helps you find ideas for making a
job or work environment more suitable for people with disability. It includes information about
different disabilities and their impact. The Workplace Adjustment Tool also has information about
products and suppliers
Contact JobAccess for free expert advice
For confidential expert advice on matters relating to the employment of people with disability,
including mental health conditions, contact one of the helpful JobAccess advisers on 1800 464 800
or visit the JobAccess website (www.jobaccess.gov.au) to obtain information about managing
mental health conditions at work.
JobAccess is a free service for all Australians.