USEP is a specialist employment on-campus service developed by and for graduates with disability in Australia. The objective of USEP is to improve employment rates for students with disability after university. The USEP collaborative partnership consists of University, Disability Employment Service (DES) and Employers currently facilitated by the National Disability Coordination Officer Program, an Australian Government initiative.
USEP is active in twelve universities in Australia, harnessing existing support, services, and resources. Disability Employment Service offer free employment advice and support to graduates with disability seeking internships, graduate positions or employment in their discipline.
USEP was established in 2017 by the National Disability Coordination Officer Program (NDCO).
Watch how USEP operates in Western Sydney
Student FAQs
When can I start?
The timeline is negotiated by each partnership. Generally starting one year prior to graduation to start the process of linking in with graduate positions and internships and ending one year post.
How can USEP help?
You will receive tailored one-on-one support from a dedicated Disability Specialist Consultant in addition to the services provided at your university. In preparing for employment, preliminary practical steps will include a review discussion of your resume, work experience and plans for work. If you do not have any field related work experience, we can work with you to broker work experience with an employer, providing you with current references and experience while we focus on graduate round applications. One of the avenues for support which is extremely helpful is how, if and when you decide to share personal information on your disability. The experienced employment consultant will ensure whatever your decision that you have all the tools and support you require to achieve success.
Read about how the USEP Consultant works: Natalie @ Griffith – Introduction
Who collects and analyses the data from the registration form?
The National Disability Coordination Officers are collecting summary data to enable an insight into this field with a view to suggesting further improvements. USEP is a learning based collaborative initiative – with all information being released for the benefit of university students with disability. Your personal information will not be released without your written consent.
Will the NDIS cover the costs of the USEP Consultant?
The NDIS will not fund an on campus employment specialist. The USEP Consultant is free – funded by participating disability employment providers. Have you seen the pre-planning toolkit to help with tertiary support?
What are the necessary qualifications for an USEP Consultant?
Degree or higher, or demonstrated experience working with graduates with disability. Ultimately, the USEP Consultant will be passionate about getting University graduates with disability into work.
Will you tell everybody about my disability if I participate?
Sharing information about disability is your decision to make at all times. Your participation is confidential. Should you be willing to share your story of study to work, you can opt to provide written consent and restrict it as you see fit.
There are graduate employers that contact the USEP Consultant directly with the knowledge that this employment initiative is for students with disability.