Coaching jobless parents back to work: a volunteer-led social initiative Tracey Fay, Occupational Therapist

Who we are We are Australia’s first charity We are an independent, non-religious organisation established in 1813 We have been a catalyst for social change for 200 years, tackling some of Australia’s most difficult issues – eg. Lobbying to abolish child labour and campaigning for the introduction of the old age pension Through our work we help people to change their lives Through our advocacy work we influence policy to fight for a fairer Australia

Parental employment (SES) is linked to child outcome 2 epidemiological hypotheses Child language effects on achievement & self- regulation Limited resources Lack of opportunities Enrichment Increased exposure to early life stress  physiological stress Parental coping strategies Parent-child relationship Parenting quality Exposure to stress & adversity Shonkoff, Boyce & Mc Ewen, JAMA 301, Cognitive and social – emotional competence

Return To Work Course - Aims & Content Week 1 Job reality Check Addressing boundaries Coping with stress Week 2 Career & goal planning Job searching Cover letter & Resume writing Week 3 Communica tion & Interview skills Week 4 Simulated job interview Week 5 Individual Coaching Visit to Dressed for Success Foster confidence, communication and stress management skills. Provide job readiness skills & mentoring

5 Participants’ needs PARENTCHILD + Parenting difficulties Substance abuse Lack of family/social supports Domestic violence Parental mental health

6 Marketing the Course Benefits of this course: Incremental “step by step”, goal setting. Builds on parenting skills e.g. time management, budgeting. Mentoring in small, cohesive & supportive groups. Hands-on approach e.g. résumé writing, interview skills, body language, dress sense. Emphasis on self confidence & stress management. Return to Work Course

7 Participants’ demographics 95% not working 40% on welfare payments Average age 39 yrs 59% CALD (only 1 ATSI) 41% single parent families Average education 14.2 years Semi skilled work 5 years unemployed Based on demographic data N=17 Average 2 children in family Ages 4-7 yrs

8 Self reported top 3 barriers to employment Based on demographic data N=17

Return to Work Outcomes 38 women completed courses in Northern Sydney, Rosebery & Bankstown Program was funded by volunteers’ own fund raising efforts (Friends for Scarba) 27% women found paid employment (1 mth post course) 14% started volunteer work 9% enrolled in further training 50% remained unemployed

Course increased job readiness (self-rated) very ready not ready

11 Participant satisfaction ratings were high (N=21) I have a better idea of suitable jobs I have more confidence to job seek I can manage my stress better I know how to write my resume I feel more competent in interviews

12 What participants liked? Facilitators: friendly, understanding, helpful, one-on-one support. Stress management Practical skills: e.g.resume “Still a bit nervous, but determined to overcome that feeling” “Very practical advice that will enable me to prepare well for an interview”

13 Feedback from volunteers What they liked most? –making a difference in peoples lives –active involvement (driving the course), sharing experiences, using their skills/expertise. What they liked least? –limitations in reducing clients’ stressors –absenteeism

14 Program coordinator - architect rather than builder coordinates & evaluates, but does not lead the program; ensure policies, procedures and regulations are adhered to (e.g. OHS), provides the scaffolding (evidence based practice) for effective implementation

15 Future Steps Business plan Extend the course within TBS Men’s course 2013 Increase volunteers Modify course, include “booster” sessions.

Thank you