CDERP College, through its research arm CDER Research, is actively engaged in developing and professionalising the Employment Counsellor role within disability employment services. Our work is driven by the need to establish a specialised, evidence-based counselling framework that supports individuals with disabilities in achieving sustainable and meaningful employment outcomes. Our research focuses on defining the competencies, skills, and ethical frameworks necessary for employment counsellors to effectively support job seekers. This includes: 1. Integrating Employment Counselling with Disability and Vocational Services – Exploring how employment counselling complements Customised Employment (CE), Individual Placement and Support (IPS), and mainstream vocational rehabilitation models. 2. Developing Core Competencies – Identifying essential skills, such as motivational interviewing, career exploration, systematic instruction, benefits planning, and psychosocial support. 3. Aligning with Professional Standards – Ensuring that employment counsellors meet accreditation requirements set by PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) and ACA (Australian Counselling Association). 4. Addressing Barriers to Employment – Researching the role of employment counsellors in navigating systemic barriers, such as employer discrimination, social stigma, and the intersection of disability with other marginalised identities. 5. Training and Capacity Building – Developing specialist training programs that equip employment counsellors with the tools to deliver high-quality, person-centred career guidance within NDIS, DES, and broader employment services. Our research aims to bridge the gap between traditional disability support and vocational services by advancing the role of the employment counsellor. This will ensure that job seekers receive holistic, individualised career support that leads to long-term employment success.