Paul has overcome illness, long-term unemployment and a global pandemic and come out the other side with a job as a
part-time cleaner, along with a renewed zest for life.
When Paul, 62, approached atWork Australia’s Leongatha office two years ago, he had been unwell with a liver disorder for some time and had lost his job of 40 years as a result.
His job coach, Stephanie, worked with him closely to develop his confidence and improve his job search skills.
“I also wanted to use volunteer work as a tool to build Paul’s capacity to get back into work again,” she says.
Soon Paul started volunteering at Vinnies, in the sorting department and later as a truck jockey. This was a good way to ease him back into physical work.
After working for some time as a volunteer, Stephanie learned of a paid part-time cleaning role and, with her encouragement, he successfully applied for the job.
Paul maintained his cleaning work for two years, working 36 hours a fortnight. Unfortunately, he was let go in July this year due to the pandemic.
But, less than two months later Stephanie secured him another cleaning job with a new company, who was impressed with Paul’s attention to detail and reliability.
Stephanie says Paul is a lot more positive now that he is in paid work again.
“Paul is absolutely thriving, he is a highly valued employee,” she says.
As for Paul, he was stunned by his job coach’s quick work.
“I was surprised that it only took Stephanie six weeks to help me find employment, I’m really happy to be getting back into the workforce.”
Every year, atWork Australia help thousands of people with disability, an injury or a health condition find meaningful work. We would love to tell you more and answer any questions you may have. Please call us on 1300 080 856 or send an email to contactDES@atworkaustralia.com.au and let’s get started today.
