Ability Apprenticeship Program

Do you want to start a rewarding career in the Australian Public Service?

Would you like the opportunity to play a role in helping improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities?

Are you looking for a supportive working arrangement with skill and career development opportunities?

The Ability Apprenticeship Program is designed to create pathways for people with disability into secure, ongoing employment within the Department and the broader Australian Public Service (APS) and act as a stepping stone towards a participant’s long-term career aspirations.

As well as employment with the Department of Social Services, successful applicants may be offered a similar employment opportunity in another APS agency including the Australian Public Service Commission and the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

Applications for the 2023 Ability Apprenticeship Program are now closed.

Employment in the 2023 Ability Apprenticeship Program will commence in July 2023 for a duration of 12 months. Job roles are varied and include positions in administration, policy development and service delivery support.

FAQs

About the program

  • employment in the program commences in mid 2023 for a duration of 12 months working in the office
  • positions will be located predominately in our National Office, Canberra with some positions potentially available at our State offices in, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide, Darwin and Perth
  • positions will be working in administration, policy development and service delivery support
  • positions are full-time with part-time opportunities subject to availability
  • a rewarding introduction to working in government and being part of the Australian Government’s social policy agenda
  • participants commence employment at the APS Level 3.1 and advance to APS Level 4.1 upon successful completion of all program requirements
  • participants will receive on the job workplace learning, individualised flexible learning and development along with support options committed to their personal and professional growth
  • the Department will provide reasonable workplace adjustments to enable all staff to perform at their full capability
  • starting salary of $64,930 (full-time) - pro rata for part time plus superannuation contributions of 15.4%
  • 18 days of personal leave per year (full-time) - pro-rata for part-time
  • 4 weeks annual leave per year (full-time) - pro-rata for part-time
  • the Department fosters a strong wellbeing culture with access to a range of health and wellbeing initiatives including a free Employment Assistance Program
  • the Department has Employee Diversity Networks, Committees and Champions, and will link you with other participants in the program for peer support and additional training

Who are we looking for?

  • curious and inquisitive learners who are committed to their own ongoing learning
  • people who can generate new and innovative ideas and solutions to help drive success
  • team players who collaborate and work effectively with others, with good judgement and decision making skills
  • individuals with career experience.

We’re looking for people with the best potential, if this is you, don’t hesitate, apply now for the 2023 Ability Apprenticeship Program!

What will I do?

  • the positions available in the 2023 Ability Apprenticeship Program are across multiple work areas within the Department in a variety of job roles
  • work full-time in the office, in an open plan office environment
  • actively participate as member of a team with your work area
  • participate in on the job and workplace learning and development, training, probation and performance development processes during the program
  • the Department will provide reasonable workplace adjustments to enable all staff to perform at their full capability
  • undertake computer/screen based work using varied software applications and programs, read and or research / extract information from online and/or printed material

Eligibility Requirements

  • the positions in this program are specifically for people with disability
  • you must be an Australian citizen
  • you must be at least 18 years old
  • you will be required to obtain and maintain a Police Records Check and Security Clearance, you will be required to disclose all relevant and required information to meet this requirement

Contact us

For enquiries about the 2023 Ability Apprenticeship Program, email us at AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au

Disability Employment (Affirmative measure vacancy)

The Ability Apprenticeship Program is open only to people with disability, the filling of positions through this program is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under Section 33 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions 2022.

This recruitment process is being used to fill current and future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies. A merit pool of suitable applicants will be created which may be used to fill future vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months. Non-ongoing vacancies will be offered for a period of up to 18 months with the possibility of extension (up to a total period of 3 years). Some of these non-ongoing vacancies may become ongoing in the next 18 months.

As well as employment with the Department of Social Services, successful applicants may be offered a similar employment opportunity in another APS agency including the Australian Public Service Commission and the National Indigenous Australians Agency

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