The Supported Wage Scheme (SWS) Assessment is a governmental program managed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and enables employers to receive a wage subsidy to overcome financial barriers faced in employing a person with a disability. Not all people with a disability require a supported wage to obtain or retain a job in the open labour market. Many people with a disability work in employment at full award wages and full productive capacity. However, reduced productivity may result from a deteriorating functional impact of a disability, acquiring a new disability or changes to the job or workplace that affect their ability to continue to perform their duties.
APM will receive a referral for a SWS Assessment from the Supported Wage Management Unit (SWMU) following a person's application for assistance (after the SWMU determines that the applicant is eligible for an assessment). An application for assistance may be initiated by a Program Provider, employer, participant or parent, guardian or advocate of the participant.
The SWS Assessment should take place between 6 -12 weeks following the participants commencement of work on a trial basis.
The assessment involves:
• Conducting an interview with the participant and if necessary, their parent, guardian or advocate
• Conducting an interview with the employer
• Reviewing the tasks and requirements of the job being performed
• Making observations of the speed and quality of task completion of the participant compared to that of a co-worker without productivity limitations
• Using the Supported Wage System Assessment Tool (SWAT), make a recommendation for a fair rate of pay, commensurate with the person's assessed productivity level
• Submitting a report to the SMWU
As part of the assessment, APM will facilitate a signed SWS Wage Assessment Agreement between the participant and employer. Once the Assessment is approved the employer will be entitled to receive a financial incentive through the WSS to employ the participant. Assessments require review every 12 months by an SWS Assessor or when a substantial change has occurred in the employee's productivity level or duties.
APM SWS 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