“They thought I’d Never Work…” Jobsupport

Session Outline:- Jobsupport Overview Case Study – William

Jobsupport Overview Commenced in 1986 Transition to Work program & Open Employment [DES] Specialist organisation working with individuals who have a moderate intellectual disability Currently support over 570 clients in Open Employment in Metropolitan Sydney % on award wage – 65% Average weekly hours – 21 hrs Average weekly income - $ Majority of the clients in Jobsupport have moved across from our Transition to Work Program

Jobsupport Goals Overcome barriers preventing clients with a moderate intellectual disability from entering open employment Maximise the numbers of school leavers with a moderate intellectual disability achieving open employment

‘Barriers’ to employment Jobsupport have identified generic ‘Barriers’ to open employment that would prevent success:- Behaviours Medical Motivation Travel

How are employment barriers addressed? Assessment Process ( client/advocate/community) Place clients in work trials/work experience in real workplace settings Enhance client’s informed choice about work Identify the strategies, supports and environments that will give each client the best opportunity for success in employment Implement training strategies with the client, the advocate and the employer – ‘Develop a Partnership’

Locating Suitable Work All our clients are placed into jobs which have been highly customised (based on the client’s needs from the assessment findings) We do not apply for jobs through standard recruitment processes (ie application forms, resume, applicant interviews) A job analysis is conducted ensuring clear employer expectations are agreed upon. Our client is taken out to the worksite once the employer has agreed to the tasks and employment conditions.

Training and Support on the Job Training on site 1:1 until the client meets employer expectations and is comfortable in the work setting Support visits are provided for the life of the job Retention in employment is consistently over 85%

“They thought I’d never work” William – Family thought William would never be able to work in open employment….

Assessment…. 1. Assessment / Background 1. Overcoming identified barriers: Travel Medical Behaviour Family Support

Gaining Successful Employment Key Considerations: Job Match: Tasks, hours, travel, employer expectations, environment Challenges During Training: 1. Endurance 2. Social Interaction 3. Changing Environment 4. Safety Considerations

Successful Employment … Employer: Employed with RSL War Vets Job Title: Care Service Employee Grade 1 Hours: 25 hours per week Employed since August 2007 Award: 100% Award Wage