How Inclusive Employment Australia Supports People with Mental Health Conditions
Inclusive Employment Australia is a new government program designed to help people living with disability, injury, or health conditions find and keep meaningful work. Launched on 1 November 2025, it replaces the former Disability Employment Services (DES) and introduces a more flexible and personalised approach to employment support.
For people experiencing mental health challenges, this program offers practical, supportive pathways into the work., Support is designed to build confidence, reduce barriers and help people stay in work over the long term.
VERTO is a trusted Inclusive Employment Australia provider, delivering services across NSW, QLD and the ACT. Our focus on helping individuals build confidence, capability and sustainable employment outcomes that suit their circumstances.
What is Inclusive Employment Australia?
Inclusive Employment Australia is the new national program replacing Disability Employment Services (DES). It supports people who face barriers to employment, including people living with anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions.
The program recognises that everyone’s situation is different. Support is tailored to each person’s goals, capacity and readiness for work.
Compared to the former DES program, Inclusive Employment Australia offers:
- Greater flexibility in how and when support is delivered
- No requirement to be receiving income support payments
- Ongoing assistance with no strict time limits
- Support for people already working, even in limited hours
The goal is simple. Help people prepare for work, find the right job, and succeed in a way that is sustainable.
How Inclusive Employment Australia Supports Mental Health
The key improvement in Inclusive Employment Australia is the stronger focus on wellbeing and long-term participation in work.
For people living with mental health conditions, support may include:
- Gradual pathways into work that build confidence over time
- Help navigating workplace expectations and communication
- Assistance finding roles that align with personal capacity and interests
- Support to identify and implement workplace adjustments
- Regular check ins to make sure the role continues to be the right fit
This approach recognises that employment is not just about starting a job but staying in work that supports overall wellbeing.
VERTO Supports People with Mental Health Conditions
VERTO takes a personalised and practical approach to employment support, recognising that mental health journeys are different for everyone.
Tailored Support That Works for You
Every participant works with their consultant to develop a customised Job Plan based on their goals, strengths and circumstances. This ensures support is realistic, relevant and achievable.
Building Confidence and Readiness
Returning to work or starting a new role can feel overwhelming. VERTO provides guidance, coaching and preparation to help build confidence step by step.
Flexible Service Options
Participants can access either Intensive Services for higher support needs or Flexible Services that fit around existing commitments and capacity.
Finding the Right Job Fit
VERTO works closely with employers to help match participants with roles that suit their skills, interests and wellbeing needs, supporting more sustainable employment outcomes.
Ongoing Support After Employment
Support does not stop once a job is secured. VERTO continues to assist with workplace adjustments, communication and long-term success in the role.
Step by Step Support Through Inclusive Employment Australia
Getting started with Inclusive Employment Australia is straightforward, with a clear pathway to employment.
Step 1.
Meet your Provider
VERTO will connect with you to understand your goals and the type of support you need.
Step 2.
Create your plan
You will work together to build a personalised Job Plan that outlines your pathway to employment.
Step 3.
Get ready for work
Access the right level of support to prepare for work, whether that is intensive (extra support) or flexible assistance (support that fits your circumstances).
Step 4.
Find the right job
VERTO helps identify suitable roles and connect you with supportive employers.
Step 5.
Ongoing Support
Receive continued support after starting work to help ensure long term success.
Who Can Access Inclusive Employment Australia
Inclusive Employment Australia is available to people living with:
- Mental health conditions
- Physical disabilities
- Injury or chronic illness
Importantly, you do not need to be receiving government income support to be eligible. This makes the program more accessible to a broader range of people, including those who are already working or transitioning between roles.
Why Choose VERTO as Your Provider
VERTO is committed to delivering meaningful outcomes through personalised, human support.
- Experienced provider across NSW, QLD and ACT
- Individualised support tailored to your situation
- Strong employer networks
- Ongoing support with no time limits
- Focus on long term employment, not just job placement
The focus is not simply on getting a job, but on building a sustainable and fulfilling future.
Get Started with VERTO Today
If you are looking for support through Inclusive Employment Australia, VERTO is here to help. VERTO delivers Inclusive Employment Australia services across multiple Employment Service Areas throughout New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory. Find a location near you or contact us on 1300 483 786.
Enquire now to arrange a no cost consultation and learn how we can support your journey into meaningful employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access support through Inclusive Employment Australia?
Anyone living with disability, injury or a health condition, including mental health challenges, may be eligible.
Do I need to be on Centrelink to access support?
No. You do not need to be receiving income support payments to participate.
Can I change my provider to VERTO?
Yes. If you are currently in the program, you may be able to switch providers depending on your circumstances.
What if I am finishing school soon?
Inclusive Employment Australia can support school leavers as they transition into the workforce.
What kind of help can VERTO offer?
VERTO provides personalised job planning, training support, job matching and ongoing assistance once you are employed.
"When your partner has a mental health condition, such as bipolar, employment is never just about a job. It is about stability, routine, and self-worth. Finding support that actually understood that changed everything for us.”
(Name redacted)
