Supporting people with disability or neurodivergence

Our commitment

As a silver member of the Australian Disability NetworkExternal Link and a 'Top 10' performer in their Access and Inclusion Index for 2023, we're reducing barriers to employment for people with disability by:

• creating an inclusive and disability confident workplace
• ensuring all people feel they belong and can have meaningful careers.

We offer employees with disability support through:

• senior leader diversity champions promoting an inclusive workforce
• disability confidence training for staff working with colleagues or supporting clients with disability
• Disability Inclusion Officers supporting employees with disability and improving understanding of disability across the ATO
• workplace adjustments and support for people with disability, neurodivergence or injury
• employee networks – National Disability and Ally Network, and Neurodiversity Network to create a workplace where diversity is acknowledged, respected and valued.
• fostering a work environment that is openly supportive and inclusive of neurodivergence. This includes valuing practices and mindsets inclusive of all neurotypes and working styles.

Disability Confident Recruiter

We're proud to be recognised by the Australian Disability Network as a Disability Confident Recruiter employer. Through the Disability Confident Recruiter program:

• we provide an inclusive candidate experience
• remove unintended barriers for candidates.

Affirmative measure – Disability employment

We apply a disability affirmative measure to some of our recruitment processes.

If we apply the disability affirmative measure to a recruitment process:

• the position is only open to people with disability
• we'll let you know in the job advertisement and in the application form
• we'll use a competitive process to assess suitability and focus on the work-related qualities needed for the position.

Meaning of disability

For an affirmative measure - disability employment position, disability is defined as a current limitation, restriction or impairment, which has lasted, or is likely to last, for at least 6 months and restricts everyday activities. This also includes episodic conditions, if they are likely to recur. You can refer to a list of disabilities this definition may include.

Evidence of disability

You must provide evidence of disability, to be eligible for an affirmative measure position. You don't need to include information about your type of disability, unless the vacancy has been restricted to people with a particular type of disability.

Evidence of a disability may be a:

• certificate or letter from a registered medical practitioner
• letter from a disability employment service or Workforce Australia provider
• letter from a secondary or tertiary institution disability services unit, in relation to a recent student
• current, approved National Disability Insurance Scheme plan

You can also use the APSC Template for providing evidence of eligibility for disability employment affirmative measureExternal Link.

RecruitAbility

RecruitAbilityExternal Link aims to attract and develop applicants with disability. We apply the RecruitAbility scheme to all advertised vacancies not under a disability affirmative measure.

You can select to opt in to RecruitAbility in your application form. We'll progress you to the next stage of the assessment process if you:

• choose to opt-in to the scheme
• declare you have a disability, and
• meet the minimum requirements of the role.

Adjustments

 

An adjustment (also known as a reasonable adjustment) is a modification to a work process, practice, procedure or setting to reduce barriers to participation.

We make adjustments so you can:

• reach your potential in recruitment processes and training opportunities
• perform your duties safely and productively in the workplace
• have equal terms and conditions of employment.

Recruitment process adjustments

You can request an adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process.

Adjustments you can ask for include, but are not limited to:

• recruitment materials in accessible and alternative formats
• clear written and visual information about the interview process
• provision of interpreters, readers, attendants or other work-related assistance
• interview by phone or video
• questions in advance of the interview
• additional time for an interview
• opportunity to have a support person
• an interview environment that is inclusive for all candidates.

Let us know about adjustments or assistance you may need:

• on the job application form
• by reaching out to the contact officer to discuss and letting us know your preferred method of contact.

For an advertised role, you can find the contact officer details in the candidate information kit. For more information, see contact officer details.

For general enquiries about reasonable adjustments:

• email peoplehelpline@ato.gov.au
• phone us on 13 15 50.
• If you accept a job with us, you can also request reasonable adjustments in the workplace as part of your onboarding.

Hear from our people

Emma, Assistant Commissioner – SES Champion for Disability

'I firmly believe that we are all different and all bring something brilliant to this world. In my family we all live by the motto dis-ABILITY. Focussing on our abilities – what we can do, not what we can't do. I am committed to championing inclusive behaviours and to help others to do the same. I want our people to know, feel and see the value they bring to our organisation. My youngest daughter has a disability. This lived experience has shown me the complexities that people with disabilities and neurodiversity face, but equally the abilities, perseverance, and impact they bring to the world, every day.'

Michelle, Client engagement officer

‘The Inclusion and Diversity team has been the real jewel in the crown for me as a neurodivergent person at ATO. They have been my champion and made sure I got the help I needed. Thanks to the wonderful support from the inclusion and diversity team, I never have to feel like I’m the ‘odd one out’ especially when I join a new area or team. Instead, I’m valued for what I bring and the section of the community I represent.

If you want to work in an environment that is committed to ensuring you have a great day at work and always feel safe to be your best self when at work, this is the place for you.’

Apply today

Visit our ATO careers portal to:

• search and apply for jobs
• join our employment register to be considered for future jobs.

Set up a job alert profile to hear from us about jobs that match you as soon as they're advertised.