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Q: I would like to return to work. What sort of help is available?

A: Return to work advisers are available to visit anyone with a disability at any stage of their return to work process. This can be in a hospital, home or community setting. They will provide assistance in areas such as resume writing, interview skills, workplace assessments and post-employment support.

There may be opportunities for you to return to your previous employer. The return to work adviser will discuss your needs and negotiate necessary contract amendments and workplace modifications with your employer. The adviser will also provide transitional and ongoing support to both you and your employer.

Your employer can obtain assistance through the federal government’s Workplace Modifications Scheme for making changes or providing adaptive equipment necessary for you to work.

For information on these services visit www.jobaccess.gov.au.

If you want to find work yourself contact the Jobseeker Hotline for people with disabilities on 13 6268 or search general employment vacancies at www.jobsearch.gov.au, www.workplace.gov.au, www.seek.com.au, www.careerone.com.au and www.mycareer.com.au.

If you are not sure about your ability to hold a job or want to experiment with new skills a good way to start is through volunteer work. Websites dedicated to volunteering opportunities include www.volunteer.com.au, www.volunteers.org.au, and www.govolunteer.com.au.