AusRehab

Work Trial & JobCover Placement Program in NSW

At AusRehab, we support employers and injured workers across Sydney and NSW in accessing SIRA work incentive programs that promote safe and lasting workplace recovery, such as the Work Trial and JobCover Placement Program (JCPP). These programs are designed to help injured workers transition smoothly back into suitable employment by providing financial support, job placement assistance, and retraining opportunities.

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AusRehab consultant discussing the Work Trial and JobCover Placement Program in NSW
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How to Apply for Work Trial or JobCover Placement Programs

Getting started with SIRA’s work incentive programs in NSW is simple when you partner with AusRehab. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Reach out to us

Contact AusRehab via our online form or call 1300 391 947. We’ll talk through your situation, explain eligibility for relevant programs, and help you take the first step.

Step 2: Confirm your eligibility

We’ll guide you through confirming eligibility and completing any required SIRA application form for Work Trial, JCPP, or other programs.

Step 3: We coordinate your placement

AusRehab coordinates everything, from employer matching to documentation and reporting.

Step 4: Start your placement with support

Once approved, the placement starts with continued guidance from AusRehab to ensure it runs smoothly and meets everyone’s goals.

Need help applying? Contact AusRehab’s workplace rehabilitation experts to guide you through the process.

Why Choose AusRehab for Work Incentive & Support Programs

As a trusted workplace rehabilitation provider in NSW, AusRehab has helped thousands of employers and injured workers access SIRA-funded support programs successfully.

What you won’t find elsewhere:

  • Personalised support for employers, workers, insurers, and doctors
  • Extensive experience with JobCover, Work Trial, Connect2Work, and Transition to Work
  • Strong compliance, clear reporting, and efficient placement coordination
  • End-to-end support from application to outcome


We simplify the process, minimise delays, and provide effective
return-to-work support across NSW, helping all parties achieve stronger recovery outcomes.

JobCover 6 vs JobCover Placement Program

If you’re unsure which program suits your situation, here’s a comparison of JobCover 6 and the JobCover Placement Program.

 

Program

Duration

Incentive Value

Eligibility

JobCover 6

Up to 6 months

Up to $10,400

New employer placement via SIRA support

JobCover Placement Program (JCPP)

Up to 12 months

Up to $27,400

New employer placement via SIRA support


Both programs provide wage support and injury protection, but differ in duration and target audience.

Recover at Work Assist Program

Designed to help small businesses (under 19 full-time employees), the Recover at Work Assist Program provides short-term financial assistance for employers in NSW to support the return of an injured worker.

 

Benefits for Small Businesses

  • Reimbursement of up to $400 per week for 6 to 12 weeks
  • Assistance with purchasing equipment or adjusting work environments
  • Direct support from AusRehab consultants to guide every step
  • Available under both Workers’ Compensation and CTP schemes


This program is especially beneficial for small businesses that want to do the right thing but need financial help to offer suitable duties.

Training, Retraining & Workplace Modifications

For some workers, returning to their previous role may not be possible. In these cases, training and equipment support can provide a path forward.

AusRehab can help you access:

  • SIRA training support program for short courses, certificates, or university studies
  • Workplace equipment funding, such as ergonomic tools or assistive devices
  • Vocational retraining programs for injured workers to help them enter a new field safely and confidently


These supports are vital in helping workers rebuild their capabilities and find new employment options that align with their health and skills.

Transition to Work & New Employment Programs

If a worker cannot return to their pre-injury job, the Transition to Work Program in NSW helps them re-enter the workforce with confidence.

The program highlights:

  • Tier 1: Up to $200 to help workers prepare for job seeking, such as resume writing, job applications, or interview attire.
  • Tier 2: Up to $5,000 to address barriers to employment, including costs for travel, equipment, childcare, or relocation.
  • Support for job-readiness training and vocational counselling to build employability skills.
  • Access to AusRehab’s SIRA-accredited workplace rehabilitation consultants, who manage referrals, documentation, and progress reviews.


The
SIRA Transition to Work Program empowers injured workers to take control of their recovery and achieve independence through sustainable employment. Employers and insurers also benefit from faster, supported return-to-work outcomes managed by an experienced workplace rehabilitation provider in NSW, such as AusRehab.

JobCover Placement Program (JCPP)

The JobCover Placement Program is a government-funded initiative that provides up to $27,400 in financial incentives to employers who offer long-term roles to injured workers unable to return to their pre-injury positions. This program is ideal for businesses looking to fill roles while supporting recovery, and for workers seeking meaningful, ongoing employment.

How the JobCover Placement Program in NSW Works

Employers offer suitable employment for at least 12 months.

SIRA provides wage subsidies, training, and modification support.

AusRehab manages the placement process, compliance, and reporting.

JobCover Placement Incentives for Employers

Support Type

Amount

Purpose

Wage Subsidy

Up to $27,400 over 12 months

Offsets the cost of hiring a recovering worker

Premium Exemption

Up to 2 years

Excludes the worker’s wages from your premium calculation

Injury Protection

Up to 2 years

Safeguards against costs if the worker’s injury recurs or worsens

Workplace Modifications

As approved by SIRA

Funds safe and suitable duty adjustments

 

Employers across NSW benefit from financial incentives that support hiring and workplace recovery, while injured workers gain long-term employment aligned with their rehabilitation goals.

Work Trial & Connect2Work Programs

The Work Trial Program and Connect2Work Program allow injured workers in NSW to take part in temporary work placements while they recover. These programs help individuals stay active, rebuild confidence, and prepare for long-term employment.

Benefits for Workers

Benefits for Employers

The Work Trial and Connect2Work programs are proven pathways that help workers regain independence while allowing employers to contribute positively to the recovery process.

What Are SIRA Work Incentive and Support Programs?

The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) funds a range of programs that promote recovery and return to work after a workplace or motor vehicle injury. These support programs for injured workers aim to help individuals regain employment and enable businesses to offer safe and suitable duties with financial assistance.

These SIRA work incentive programs in NSW provide:

  • Wage subsidies to help employers offset costs.
  • Training and retraining support for injured workers.
  • Workplace modification funding to ensure duties are safe.
  • Job placement support through accredited providers like AusRehab.

“If you’re recovering from a workplace or motor vehicle injury and want to return to meaningful employment, or if you’re an employer seeking financial assistance to support recovery in your team, SIRA Work Incentive Programs in NSW can make it possible.”

We're always ready to answer your questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the Work Trial or JobCover Placement Program?

Injured workers who are medically fit for suitable duties but cannot return to their pre-injury role may participate in the Work Trial Program or the JobCover Placement Program (JCPP).

 

Employers across New South Wales, including small businesses and large organisations, can host or hire eligible workers through these SIRA work incentive programs. Both programs require insurer approval and coordination with a workplace rehabilitation provider like AusRehab to ensure placements align with recovery goals.

What incentives are available to employers under the JobCover Placement Program?

The JobCover Placement Program offers generous financial and risk-related incentives to eligible employers who hire a recovering worker for at least 12 months. These include:

 

  • Wage subsidies of up to $27,400
  • Exemption from workers’ compensation premium calculations for up to 2 years
  • Injury protection coverage for up to 2 years, reducing financial risk
  • Funding for workplace modifications to support safe duties


These incentives help employers reduce costs while supporting return-to-work opportunities.

How long does the JobCover Placement Program run for?

The JobCover Placement Program runs for a maximum of 12 months. During this period, eligible employers receive wage subsidies and other incentives to support the long-term employment of a recovering worker. The duration must be supported by an approved recovery-at-work plan, coordinated with AusRehab and the relevant insurer.

What costs are covered under the JobCover Placement Program?

Under the JobCover Placement Program in NSW, SIRA may cover a range of employer costs, including:

 

  • Wage subsidies of up to $27,400 over 12 months
  • Workplace equipment or modifications (subject to SIRA approval)
  • Insurance protections in case the existing injury worsens or recurs
  • Exclusion of wages from premium calculations for two years


These benefits reduce financial risk for businesses hiring injured workers as part of a recovery-focused employment pathway.

How can employers apply for JobCover or Work Trial incentives in NSW?

To apply for the JobCover Placement Program or Work Trial Program in NSW, employers should follow these steps:

 

  1. Contact AusRehab or the relevant insurer to assess program eligibility
  2. Complete the appropriate SIRA application form
  3. Work with AusRehab to identify a suitable worker and prepare documentation
  4. Receive approval and begin the placement with full support and monitoring

AusRehab manages the end-to-end coordination, making the process straightforward and compliant.

Can small businesses participate in the JobCover Placement Program?

Yes, small businesses can absolutely take part in the JobCover Placement Program. Businesses with fewer than 19 full-time employees may also qualify for additional support through the Recover at Work Assist Program, which helps cover costs related to modified duties or return-to-work assistance.

What is the Recover at Work Assist Program and how does it benefit small businesses?

The Recover at Work Assist Program provides targeted support to small businesses in NSW employing or hosting a recovering worker. Benefits include:

 

  • Up to $400 per week in wage reimbursements for 6 to 12 weeks
  • Assistance with equipment or workstation modifications
  • One-on-one support from AusRehab consultants to structure safe and suitable duties


This program reduces the financial and administrative burden on small businesses while helping workers reintegrate into employment safely.

How does AusRehab assist with SIRA Work Incentive and Support Programs?

As a SIRA-accredited workplace rehabilitation provider in NSW, AusRehab plays a vital role in connecting workers, employers, and insurers with the right work incentives and support programs.

 

We offer:

  • Eligibility assessments and program recommendations
  • Matching workers with suitable host or hiring employers
  • Preparation and submission of SIRA documentation
  • Ongoing support, including workplace reviews and progress reporting
  • Expertise across Work Trial, JobCover 6, JCPP, Transition to Work, and more


AusRehab
ensures that every placement supports recovery, compliance, and long-term employment outcomes.

Speak to our friendly team

Book a Consultation or Apply for a Program

Take advantage of SIRA work incentive programs in NSW! With expertise across the Work Trial Program, JobCover Placement Program, Transition to Work, and other work incentives and support programs, AusRehab ensures every application is compliant, efficient, and outcome-focused. Contact AusRehab today to discuss your goals and find the right program for your situation.

AusRehab team member assisting clients to book a consultation or apply for a SIRA work incentive program in NSW