How the program works

The Aurora Neurodiversity Program provides a career pathway into Services Australia for people with autism.

About the program

The Aurora Neurodiversity Program (Aurora) aims to improve work and career outcomes for people with autism.

Together with Specialisterne Australia, we offer a unique recruitment process that’s flexible, safe, supportive and inclusive. We offer recruitment opportunities in a range of fields. Aurora is our primary disability employment program which:

  • provides a career pathway into the agency for people with autism
  • demonstrates the individual and organisational benefits of employing people with autism through an inclusive recruitment process
  • showcases the diverse and unique skills and attributes people with autism have to offer in employment
  • aims to increase the representation of people with disability in the agency and the Australian Public Service (APS).

Aurora offers all of these:

  • a tailored and flexible assessment phase
  • an 18-month employment program
  • ongoing or non-ongoing roles
  • job security with a competitive salary
  • opportunities to progress your career
  • the same conditions as ongoing employees, including access to leave.

How we create an inclusive work environment

Aurora is an affirmative measure recruitment process. Through the affirmative measure provision, we aim to eliminate employment barriers and offer more career opportunities to people with autism.

We’re committed to providing an inclusive workplace. We value our staff for their unique qualities, ideas and perspectives. Read more about how we support workplace diversity and inclusion.

Available positions

Aurora offers a range of positions in the following fields:

  • information and communication technology (ICT)
  • data analytics
  • programs and projects
  • other professional services.

We have both ongoing and non-ongoing positions. If you’re selected, we’ll initially offer you a non-ongoing position. We may put you on a merit list for up to 18 months, making you eligible if a suitable ongoing position becomes available.

In 2022-23, Aurora will have several recruitment rounds in the following locations:

  • Canberra
  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne.

Classification level

Depending on the role and the skills required, we’ll offer you roles between the APS3 to APS6 classifications.

Locations

We’ll advertise future location dates and role types during 2022 and 2023.

Eligibility

These roles are only open to people with an autism diagnosis, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Autistic Disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

Before you apply, check if you’re who we’re looking for.

Recruitment process

After you apply, you’ll go through a tailored recruitment process.

Find out how to apply.

Page last updated: 9 September 2022.