NDIS & disability recruitment specialists

NDIS providers, disability service organisations and community support agencies. From specialist roles in P&C, finance and quality through to Practice Leads, Heads of Service and executive leadership.

A few of the organisations we've worked with

What purpose-driven means in NDIS and disability

In NDIS and disability, purpose-driven means putting participants at the centre. Your leaders need to navigate a complex and evolving funding environment - NDIS Practice Standards, the Quality & Safeguards Commission, SCHADS - while building services that genuinely improve people's lives.

Patterson Recruitment specialises in senior recruitment for NDIS providers, disability service organisations and community support agencies. Based in Melbourne and working nationally, we understand the regulatory landscape, the workforce pressures, and the kind of leadership that thrives in disability services.

Roles we place across the NDIS & Disability sector

People & culture

  • Head of People & Culture
  • HR Manager / HR Business Partner
  • Head of Employee Experience & Engagement

Operations & service delivery

  • Operations Manager
  • Service Delivery Manager
  • General Manager
  • Regional Manager

Support coordination & practice leadership

  • Practice Leader
  • Support Coordination Manager
  • Quality & Safeguards Manager

Executive & governance

  • CEO / Executive Director
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Board Directors

Frequently asked questions about NDIS & disability recruitment

What types of disability roles does Patterson Recruitment place?

We place senior specialists and leaders across people & culture, operations, service delivery, support coordination management, quality & safeguards, and executive leadership within disability service providers and NDIS-registered organisations.

Do you understand NDIS compliance requirements?

Yes. We factor NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission requirements, NDIS Practice Standards, SCHADS Award obligations, and Fair Work regulations into every search. Our candidates are assessed for both capability and their understanding of the disability services compliance landscape.

How is disability recruitment different from general recruitment?

Disability services leadership requires an understanding of person-centred approaches, NDIS funding models, participant rights, and the regulatory framework that governs service delivery. A successful leader in this space needs operational capability and genuine alignment with disability values - not just management experience from another sector.

Do you recruit for frontline support worker roles?

We focus on senior operational and people leadership rather than frontline support worker positions. This includes heads of people & culture, operations managers, service delivery managers, practice leaders, and executive directors for disability organisations.

How long does a disability services leadership search take?

Most NDIS and disability leadership searches take 4-8 weeks from brief to offer. We’ll give you an honest timeline upfront based on the seniority of the role and the current candidate market.

Looking for an experienced disability services leader?

Whether you need a permanent appointment or interim cover, we’d love to have a conversation about how we can help your organisation find the right leadership.

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