Disability Employment Advisors

Who We Are

Yilabara is a not-for-profit Aboriginal organisation specialising in the economic development of Aboriginal communities, community members, and their families. Our philosophy is based on "Creating Opportunities" across Aboriginal communities that lead to sustainable economic growth. Yilabara was established in June 2019 as a subsidiary of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC).  Our purpose is to improve Aboriginal community wellbeing by building relationships within community, Government and industry that deliver real jobs in culturally responsive workplaces.

Yilabara is committed to establishing:

• Tailored recruitment solutions for employers to commence, increase and retain their current Indigenous workforce profile
• New or enhanced economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities to increase their overall Aboriginal employment profile
• Partnerships that are committed to the economic development of Aboriginal communities
• A state-wide pool of Aboriginal candidates to elevate the profile of supply to meet the demands of industry
• Innovative projects that improve the accessibility of employment for Aboriginal communities

The Roles

Yilabara is recruiting committed and culturally capable Disability Employment Advisors (DEA) to deliver strengths-based, person-centred employment services as part of the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program. In this role, you'll support Aboriginal participants with disability, injury or health condition to build on their strengths, increase independence, and take practical steps toward sustainable employment or formal education. We have opportunities available in Wollongong, Dapto and Shellharbour.

Working within a multidisciplinary model, you'll partner with Occupational Advisors and participants to implement tailored Job Plans that focus on developing skills, confidence and capability, while addressing both vocational and non-vocational barriers to employment.

You'll also take an active role in engaging and supporting employers: building strong relationships, identifying job opportunities, and promoting inclusive practices.

The role operates across a fast faced, high performance environment and highly engaged with our Aboriginal Communities

Key Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with Yilabara's Occupational Advisor to develop and implement a tailored plan to assist participants with overcoming barriers and achieving their employment goals and aspirations
• Provide tailored work preparation support, including facilitating job clubs, resumes, interview preparation, assisting with job searching and applications
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of local job markets and area of skill shortages, providing career advice and the availability and location of vacancies that are aligned with participants goals, capacity and their personal needs
• Build strong relationships with employers to learn workforce needs, build awareness of the benefits of inclusive hiring and increase their confidence and ability to attract and employ participants with disability.
• Provide tailored, end-to-end recruitment support, including approaching employers on behalf of participants, matching participants to suitable vacancies, preparing participants for employment and supporting employers in cultural competency and inclusive recruitment.
• Plan and deliver in-employment support for participants and employers
• Facilitate training, upskilling and licence acquisition, aligned with participant goals and labour market demand
• Work in collaboration with relevant disability, health, training and community organisations to address non-vocational barriers and support pathways to sustainable employment.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive documentation and adhere to all contractual and compliance requirements

This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful and respected Aboriginal organisation with a strong and growing footprint across New South Wales. With a clear commitment to Closing the Gap, we are leading meaningful change by supporting more Aboriginal people into employment, training, and economic independence.

Yilabara is committed to being an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while Aboriginality has not been determined as an occupational qualification for this role, in accordance with the Anti-Discrimination Act, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience working within the disability sector and/or employment services.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex caseloads and experience in client centered case management
• Formal qualifications in disability (minimum Certificate III) or Employment Services (Certificate IV) or willing to obtain within the first 12 months of employment
• Knowledge and awareness of the cultural practices, values and issues that affect Aboriginal people in today's society
• Strong experience in managing stakeholder relationships
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in negotiation and rapport development
• Ability to maintain efficient administrative and organisational systems
• Ability to use information technology, records management and communication systems
• Working with Vulnerable People Check and National Police Check
• Valid Current Drivers license [min P2] and willingness to travel locally

Desirable Selection Criteria

• Familiarity with NDIS and the former Disability Employment Services (DES) environment highly desirable
• Lived experience with disability highly regarded

Personal Qualities

• Ability to work positively within a team environment
• Highly motivated, confident, outgoing with outstanding relationship management skills
• High standard of ethical behaviour and strong cultural values
• Strong time management and prioritising skills
• Strong in both integrity and confidentiality
• Quality focused, detail orientated and able to follow guidelines
• A "Can Do" attitude with the ability to motivate and encourage others
• Commitment to principles underpinning the values of excellence, best practice, and cultural engagement

What We Offer You

• Competitive salary
• A supportive team environment with strong cultural values and purpose
• Clear career pathways and strong company support for ongoing professional development, including access to extensive training and skill development opportunities
• Paid parental leave and flexible work options
• Access to a comprehensive employee benefits package, including salary packaging and novated leasing
• The chance to contribute to an organisation making real change across NSW

This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful and respected Aboriginal organisation with a strong and growing footprint across New South Wales. With a clear commitment to Closing the Gap, we are leading meaningful change by supporting more Aboriginal people into employment, training, and economic independence.

Applications for this role:

• Must include a 1–2-page letter introducing yourself and outlining how you address the selection criteria
• Close at 10am on 19 September 2025
• Will be progressively reviewed, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Please note that all roles will formally commence 27 October 2025 to undertake a formal induction program, recognising that the new Inclusive Employment Australia program starts on 1 November 2025.

If you have any questions about the role or want to learn more, please contact Glen Hayward on