Disability assistant
are-able

The are-able group is a not-for-profit organisation that began in Warrnambool in 1989 to help people with a disability find open employment opportunities. In its first year, it employed three people. Today, we’ve got more than 400 staff servicing 36 communities across Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.

Over the past 30 years, are-able has helped more than 40,000 people find meaningful and inclusive employment, improving their lives and enriching local communities.

The purpose of this student placement is to provide supervised, practical learning opportunities for students
studying in disability, community services, education, employment services, or a related field. Students will
observe and support employment preparation and capacity‑building activities for NDIS participants, while
developing practical workplace skills in a safe, supported environment.

Skills You Might Learn

Through observing the daily operations of are-able, students will have the opportunity to develop and strengthen a range of transferable workplace skills, including:

• Understanding of NDIS employment and capacity‑building supports
• Professional communication skills
• Disability‑inclusive practice awareness
• Workplace professionalism and ethical conduct
• Insight into person‑centred and strengths‑based approaches

are-able positions require several mandatory functional capabilities essential upon commencement.

• Professional awareness – gaining an understanding of how a NDIS business operates and the roles of support staff
• Workplace behaviour and etiquette – observing professional conduct, communication standards, and dress expectations in a business environment
• Communication skills – understanding appropriate verbal and written communication used with clients and colleagues
• Confidentiality and ethics awareness – learning the importance of privacy, discretion, and ethical responsibilities in the NDIS profession
• Observation and listening skills – actively watching workplace processes and listening to explanations and discussions
• Understanding workplace processes – observing time management, organisation, and workflow in a professional office
• Attention to detail – recognising the importance of accuracy and care and documentation
• Career awareness – gaining insight into community services career pathways and related professional roles

These skills provide students with a foundational understanding of professional office environments and support informed decision‑making about future study and career options.

Typical Tasks & Duties

Under direct supervision, students may:

• Students are always supervised by the Site Manager and/or a NDIS Mentor
• Students do not have access to client files, records, or systems
• Students do not provide unsupervised support to participants
• Students only undertake tasks as directed and approved by their supervisor
• Students do not make decisions regarding participant supports, plans, or outcomes
• Observe individual and group employment preparation sessions
• Assist with preparation of materials for employment skills workshops
• Support engagement activities such as mock interviews, resume preparation sessions, or job readiness
activities
• Observe participant engagement, mentoring, and capacity‑building approaches
• Assist with administrative tasks that do not involve access to confidential participant information
• Participate in team meetings (observer capacity) and reflective practice discussions
• Support employer engagement activities in an observational or assistant role
• Learn about NDIS employment pathways, program delivery, and service standards

All duties are aligned to learning outcomes and adjusted to the student’s course requirements and competency
level.

Student Requirements

Students are expected to:
• Act respectfully and professionally with participants, staff, and stakeholders
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy at all times
• Follow are‑able policies, procedures, and Codes of Conduct
• Comply with workplace health and safety requirements
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn, reflect, and accept feedback

NDIS Worker Screeners Check
This assessment determines whether an individual who works or intends to
work with people with disabilities may pose a risk to them. Obtaining this
clearance is a mandatory requirement for the position, and without it, you
will not be able to commence placement.

Working with Children Check
Student Placement agreement

Dress Requirements

Students undertaking work experience at are-able are expected to maintain a very high standard of professional dress at all times.

Required attire includes:
• Business or corporate‑style clothing
• Long trousers or knee‑length (or longer) skirts
• Collared shirts, blouses, or professional tops
• Closed‑toe, low‑heeled or flat shoes (such as leather shoes or professional flats)
Not permitted:
• Jeans, shorts, leggings, or tracksuit pants
• T‑shirts, singlets, hoodies, or casual wear
• Sneakers, sandals, thongs, or open‑toe shoes
• Clothing with logos, slogans, or offensive images
• Excessively tight, short, or revealing clothing

Students are expected to present themselves in a neat, clean, and well‑groomed manner reflective of a professional legal environment. If unsure about appropriate attire, students are encouraged to dress more formally. Failure to meet dress standards may result in the student being sent home and the matter referred back to the school.

Special Transport Requirements

are-able is located in Mildura, where public transport is available via local bus services. Students are expected to make their own transport arrangements to and from the workplace.

• Public buses operate within Mildura and may be used where suitable
• Students are responsible for planning their travel to ensure on‑time arrival and departure
• Availability of bus routes and timetables should be checked in advance
• Students may also travel by private transport or be dropped off by a parent or guardian

Any specific transport needs or concerns should be discussed with the school prior to commencement of the placement.