Anne is incredibly happy to be working in a paid role after many years of volunteer work and being unemployed for five years.
The Caloundra resident lives with an intellectual disability which affects her memory, concentration, problem solving and decision-making abilities.
Anne, 36, is unable to read or write and also has a hearing impairment, which requires her to wear hearing aids for assistance.
Anne was referred to the Caloundra office of atWork Australia where she met with experienced Job Coach, Tracey.
Tracey could see Anne was very shy and lacked self confidence in her abilities to work.
They met regularly each fortnight and discussed the types of roles Anne would be interested in and looked at what types of skills were required for specific roles.
Tracey also enrolled Anne in to Positivum™, a health and wellbeing program that helps participants better understand the benefits
of good work and the impact it can have on their lives.
Together they worked through Anne’s feelings around work and eventually decided that she would love to have a role as a cleaner.
Tracey thought this was a great idea and immediately knew of an employer who had approached her for cleaning staff.
Tim, the Resident Manager at Waterford Apartments in Caloundra, had recently approached Tracey to discuss his options of employing staff through atWork Australia.
Tracey explained the benefits of employing staff living with disability, and the financial benefits to small businesses through government wage subsidies.
Tim understood perfectly through his own personal experience of living with a child with disability and was immediately keen to interview Anne.
Tracey supported Anne at the interview, and it wasn’t long before Tracey could give her the great news that she had the job.
Anne was ecstatic but nervous at the thought of having a paid job but was reassured as she felt Tim was a ‘very nice man’.
Tracey says, “To further support Anne, we arranged checklists with images to show her the tasks she needs to complete, and colour coded the cleaning bottles so she can easily see which product is needed.”
As a leading employment services provider, we can help you find the right job and build a better life through work. Call us on 1300 080 856 or email contactDES@atworkaustralia.com.au to get started today.
