Two different paths, one shared goal: employment inclusion
NDIS participants can access meaningful work through two distinct routes: open-market employment support or supported employment within a disability enterprise.
Both pathways aim to build independence and inclusion. But they’re funded differently, staffed differently, and structured for very different outcomes. Understanding which model fits which participant — and how to manage both — is essential for any provider running an employment program.
Employment Support: Finding and Keeping a Job
Employment support is designed to help a participant secure and retain a job with an external employer.
Key features include the following:
- The participant works for an external employer, not the provider
- Funded under Capacity Building (CB: Employment)
- Provider delivers short-term coaching and mentoring
- Goal: help the participant achieve open, independent work
Example:
Maria receives 1:1 job coaching, builds workplace skills, and secures a role at a local law firm.
Supported Employment: Supports in Employment / ADE
Supported employment takes a different shape. Here, the participant works directly for the provider — typically an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) or social enterprise.
Key features include the following:
- Participant works for the provider (ADE or social enterprise)
- Funded under Core Supports (Supports in Employment)
- Participant earns a wage under the Supported Employment Services Award (via SWS)
- Goal: sustain long-term, supported work opportunities
Example:
Ben works at a packaging warehouse run by his provider. He receives daily job coaching and is paid a productivity-based wage under his supported employment arrangement.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Employment Support | Supported Employment |
| Employer | External business | Provider organisation |
| Funding type | Capacity Building (CB: Employment) | Core (Supports in Employment) |
| Duration | Short-term or transitional | Ongoing |
| Wage basis | Paid by external employer | Paid by provider under award (SWS %) |
| Goal | Independence | Long-term supported work |
| Staff | Job Coach, Employment Consultant | Job Coach, Supervisor |
| VisiCase Setup | 1:1 coaching sessions | 1: many supported shifts |
How VisiCase Supports Both Models
Whether a provider runs open-employment coaching, supported employment shifts, or both, VisiCase is built to manage the full spectrum.
For Employment Support
- Manage 1:1 coaching sessions between participant and job coach
- Map activities to CB: Employment line items
- Link each session to a goal (e.g., “Gain open employment”)
- Track progress and outcomes for NDIS evidence
For Supported Employment
- Roster 1:1 or group sessions between staff and supported employees
- Split hours automatically for 1:many ratio billing
- Export attendance data for payroll (different awards)
- Generate NDIS claims for supports in employment
- Record goals, outcomes, and productivity milestones
VisiCase ensures both pathways — independent job seekers and supported employment participants — stay fully integrated, transparent, and measurable.
Final Takeaway
Employment under the NDIS isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s a spectrum of opportunity, from open-market coaching to structured supported employment.
VisiCase helps providers navigate both ends of that spectrum by combining:
- Goal-linked funding management
- Rostering for 1:1 and 1:many supports
- Payroll and award integration
- Audit-ready compliance and reporting
Empower inclusion. Simplify compliance. Grow opportunities—with VisiCase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Employment Support and Supported Employment under the NDIS?
Employment Support helps participants find work with an external employer, funded under Capacity Building. Supported Employment places participants directly with the provider (an ADE or social enterprise), funded under Core Supports, with an ongoing wage under the SWS award.
