An Ongoing Support Assessment (OSA) is a governmental program managed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and assists Disability Employment Services (DES) Providers to determine the appropriate level of support that a client may need to maintain employment.
The OSA is an independent assessment of the ongoing support needs of a person with a disability where their physical, intellectual or psychological disability presents a barrier to participation and independence in the workforce.
APM will receive a referral to conduct an OSA for a client when:
- A client has reached 26 or 52 weeks of job placement.
- Job in Jeopardy (JiJ) client has achieved a 26 week job placement outcome and requires ongoing support.
- It has been 52 weeks since the last OSA
- A change of circumstances that identifies a need for a higher level of ongoing support than previously indicated in the last OSA.
DES providers will initially determine if ongoing support is required or if they have no Ongoing Support requirements and can be exited as an independent worker at 26 weeks of job placement. Clients who require Ongoing Support to retain their job after 26 weeks will have three support options will be available:
1. Flexible Ongoing Support (available to both DES programs)
2. Moderate Ongoing Support (available to the Employment Support Service only)
3. High Ongoing Support (available to the Employment Support Service only)
The DES provider is responsible for delivering the appropriate level of Ongoing Support to an eligible client, or transferring them to another DES provider that will be more suitable in providing the Ongoing Support.
APM OSA Assessors are allied health professionals, able to identify interventions to help job seekers overcome their barriers and maximise their ability to work.
APM strives to provide excellent services by promoting a client focussed and friendly approach. We pride ourself on our capacity to recognise, cater for, and respond appropriately to the needs of our clients. APM welcomes feedback as this provides us with the opportunity to continuously refine and improve our services. To provide a feedback on your experience with APM, contact us on 1300 651 661 or contact DEEWR on 1800 050 040.
To either start a referral, lodge a vacancy or contact us, please complete our online form.
Testimonials
- "I was put at ease. (I was) treated as human being not a number - very professional"
JCA Client Satisfaction Survey 2009