Department of Social Services to offer jobs to people with autism in Canberra

The Department of Social Services has joined the DXC Technology Dandelion Program to design specific roles within the Department that build on the skills of people with autism.

Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher said he is thrilled to announce his Department will be part of the program.

“The Dandelion Program is a win-win. We get to employ people with a set of unique skills and abilities that benefit our business while providing opportunities for those in our community who are sometimes overlooked in employment situations,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Employment for every Australian is critical. It brings economic security and independence, as well as a sense of responsibility and self-worth.

“Over the coming months, my Department will work with DXC Technology, who run the Dandelion Program, to identify and assign roles within the Department.

“The roles will be developed in consultation with people with autism and we expect will range from data management and problem solving to delivering government programs and policies.”

The DXC Dandelion Program has worked in partnership with government and non‑government workplaces since 2014, providing long‑term employment outcomes for close to 100 people with autism.

“It’s an honour to be able to extend the DXC Dandelion program to DSS and enable more people on the autism spectrum to build careers in technology and data science,” said Michael Fieldhouse, Social Impact Practice Leader and DXC Dandelion Program Executive.

Mr Fletcher said: “Research shows employers want to employ people with disability but often lack the resources and knowledge to engage with them.

“This opportunity aligns with the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to improving wellbeing of people with disability.”