When Disability Employment Services client, Oska, walked into atWork Australia’s office in Woden, ACT, the team could see he was eager to find employment.
When Oska first came to atWork Australia he had a limited employment history. However, he had recently completed a communications degree and was looking to find a Marketing position.
Oska lives with Cerebral Palsy. He can only stand for short periods of time and has difficulty using stairs. Additionally, Oska experiences mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression which was further impacting his ability to find employment.
Despite Oska’s health concerns, he has an incredible drive to overcome his challenges to secure meaningful employment. He speaks very openly about wanting to find an employer who would not treat him differently because of his disability.
Being the positive person he is, Oska never thought of his physical limitation as a barrier. However, it was other people’s expectations of him that had proven to be a barrier.
Oska was supported by In Work Support Coach, Narelle, who began tailoring her support to meet Oska’s needs. The pair had a great relationship, which helped Oska to feel comfortable to be honest about his health concerns and what he thought were his main barriers. Oska shared that he felt his endurance was his main barrier as he could only stand for short periods of time. Oska expressed that due to his mental health he would often over analyse situations.
Oska’s In Work Support Coach, Narelle, said, “Oska is very aware and able to articulate how he is feeling. He is able to manage his health concerns with his medications and strong support networks.”
As a result of Oska’s strong drive to find employment and with the support of atWork Australia, he soon secured a position with a Government department a as a Service Officer.
Oska is incredibly happy within his new workplace. Although his main goal was to secure a Marketing position, he understands this is a great opportunity to help him progress on his chosen career path.
Since starting employment Oska’s confidence has continued to grow, as well as increasing his endurance to maintain full time employment.
Narelle and Oska still maintain weekly appointments, to ensure Oska is feeling supported and comfortable within his workplace. Sometimes Oska would feel overwhelmed with the pressures of maintaining his work/life balance and at times it was feeling a bit too much. With Narelle by his side, she has been a constant support and sounding board to help him manage the ongoing pressures associated with full time employment.
Narelle has recently supported Oska to negotiate flexible working arrangements, so he can work a portion of the week from home to help manage his ongoing fatigue.
“Narelle was incredibly helpful, kind and really cared about my employment outcomes. The initial support while looking for a job was outstanding. However, the continued support once I was in my job was above and beyond,” said Oska.
“atWork Australia truly cares about the people they support,” said Oska.
Every year, atWork Australia help thousands of clients like Oska, expand their skills and qualifications to help them gain the right job with the right employer. Call us today on 1300 080 856 or enquire online to find out how we can help you meet your career goals.
