Maggie has defied even her own expectations to find her first job as a shop assistant with a compassionate and understanding employer.
The 20-year-old lives with autism, is uncomfortable with communication and social interaction, as well as having barriers with concentrating and learning new tasks.
She’s worked as a volunteer for the last few years and had hoped this would provide a stepping stone to paid employment, but a job offer was never forthcoming.
Referred to atWork Australia’s Mount Gravatt office in April, her Job Coach, Jason, worked closely with Maggie to improve her interview skills and market her to a variety of employers.
“I was open about Maggie’s disability and talked to employers about the substantial wage subsidies that are on offer for employing people living with disability,” he says.
Wage subsidies ranging from $1650 to $10,000 are available through the Federal Government and can shrink hiring costs and assist with training and development.
Within just a few weeks Jason received a positive response from Liza, the owner of the Marburg Foodmart, who had not heard of Disability Employment Services but was more than happy to give Maggie the benefit of the doubt.
“I was not aware these services existed, it’s amazing to see the support that atWork Australia provides to clients with a disability to achieve their goals,” Liza says.
Maggie was very excited because when she moved to regional Queensland, she wasn’t expecting to find work so quickly.
“But atWork Australia managed to find me suitable employment and an understanding employer that will work with my barriers,” she says enthusiastically.
Jason says his client was very grateful for the opportunity and her social worker was satisfied with the service that atWork Australia provided.
“It was a pleasure to assist Maggie in achieving her employment goals, it brings joy to my heart,” Jason says.
For details about Disability Employment Services call us on 1300 080 856 or email contactDES@atworkaustralia.com.au and let’s get started today.
