Work Assist: Help to keep your job when you have illness, injury or disability

If you’re working and living with a disability, injury, or health condition that makes it difficult to meet the demands of your job, Work Assist can help. Delivered by CVGT Employment as part of Inclusive Employment Australia, this Australian Government–funded program provides practical, ongoing support to help you stay in work and thrive.

Work Assist focuses on overcoming challenges in the workplace through tailored advice, job redesign, workplace adjustments, and connections to allied health services. It’s about keeping skilled employees in the workforce and making work more accessible, safe, and sustainable.

Q: What is Work Assist?

A: Work Assist is a free support program funded by the Australian Government. It helps employees with a disability, injury, or health condition who are having difficulty performing essential tasks at work.

CVGT Employment works directly with you and your employer if you choose, to ensure your workplace is supportive and accessible, helping you remain confidently and successfully employed.

Q: Who can access Work Assist?

A: To get Work Assist, you need to:

  • be currently employed.
  • have a disability, injury or health condition (this will be confirmed by the Inclusive Employment Australia provider).
  • be working at an average of at least 8 or more hours per week.
  • have been working in that job over a consecutive period of at least 12 weeks, or there is an expectation that the job will last for at least 12 weeks.
  • be assessed by the Inclusive Employment Australia provider as needing Ongoing Support (Work Assist) to keep the job.
  • be at least 14 years old but have not reached the Age Pension age.
  • be an Australian resident or eligible visa holder.

Q: What support does Work Assist provide?

A: Work Assist offers personalised, practical support that may include:

  • Face‑to‑face, one‑on‑one guidance and regular appointments.
  • Workplace assessments to identify barriers and solutions.
  • Advice on job redesign, including adjusting duties, processes, or expectations.
  • Assistive technology, equipment or workplace modifications.
  • On‑the‑job support to help manage the impact of your condition.
  • Referrals to allied health professionals such as:
  • occupational therapists
  • physiotherapists
  • counsellors
  • pain management specialists

All support is free for you and your employer.

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Q: Do I need to tell my employer about my condition?

A: No. You can access Work Assist without disclosing your condition to your employer.

However, involving your employer can often improve workplace support, communication and accessibility. You’re always in control of what you choose to share.

Q: What happens after I contact CVGT Employment?

A: Here’s what to expect:

01

Your first appointment

We’ll discuss:

– your job
– the challenges you’re experiencing
– the kind of help that may support you to keep your job

This helps us understand your circumstances and determine whether Work Assist is right for you.

02

Ongoing Support assessment

If Work Assist is a good fit, we’ll organise an Ongoing Support assessment with your consent. This determines the level and type of support you’ll need.

03

Your tailored support plan

Based on the assessment, we’ll work with you (and your employer if you choose) to put practical supports in place. This may include job redesign, equipment, workplace adjustments, training, or allied health support.

Q: How does Work Assist support employers?

A:Work Assist isn’t just for employees- employers benefit too.

Inclusive Employment Australia providers assist employers by offering:

  • Advice on job redesign and adapting duties.
  • Guidance on accessibility and inclusion best practice.
  • Workplace assessments and recommendations.
  • Support to access government funding for modifications through programs like the Employment Assistance Fund.

This helps employers retain valued staff, build inclusive teams, and meet their workplace obligations.

Q: Why is Work Assist important?

A: Because staying employed matters to everyone.

For employees, Work Assist offers:

  • the stability of ongoing employment.
  • confidence and independence.
  • practical help to navigate challenges at work.

For employers, Work Assist ensures:

  • retention of skilled, committed staff.
  • support to create an inclusive and productive workplace.
  • access to expert advice and potential funding.
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Q: How do I apply for Work Assist?

Contact CVGT Employment. We’ll guide you through the process from your first conversation through to receiving tailored support.

Ready to get started?


CVGT Employment is here to help you stay confidently employed.

Express your interest to join Inclusive Employment Australia with
CVGT Employment here or call us on 132 848
and access Work Assist support tailored to your needs.

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