John came to Australia as a young man with a wealth of experience from working for the Government in his home country, Lebanon. John has always been known for his incredible work ethic, however, his health barriers were beginning to impact his ability to secure employment. As a young man, John served in the military and he now lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is having a severe impact on his nervous system. Despite John’s health barriers, he is very determined to find work and came to atWork Australia’s Bulli, NSW, office to get tailored support from the Disability Employment Services team.
When John met his Job Coach, Gabrielle, he shared his background, health barriers and his challenges with digital literacy. John spoke English incredibly well, however, he also shared he found it difficult to read and write English. As soon as Gabrielle met John, his self-determination to find suitable employment was obvious. It was not long after the pair started working together that John secured a new position, as a Kitchen Hand.
In the lead up to John commencing his new employment, he had three appointments with his Job Coach to build his confidence to have a discussion with his new manager about his health barriers and the supports he required in the workplace. John is very grateful for this support as he now feels comfortable to talk about his health barriers at work to get the support he needs to best perform his role.
Additionally, when John commenced his new employment, there was a period where he was required to work from home, while he completed the onboarding and induction process. Throughout this time, John and Gabrielle would meet daily, so Gabrielle could support him through this process. Gabrielle was able to advocate for John to help him get the support he needed in the induction and in the workplace.
John’s journey with atWork Australia has been very successful, Gabrielle attributes John’s success to his self-determination and willingness to accept support. John said, “My Job Coach, Gabrielle, is the real deal. She is genuine, caring and went the extra mile to support me in my induction. Also, she helped build my confidence to stick up for myself, believe in myself and to ask for the supports I need at work. I have felt really supported through the entire process. I am better prepared to talk about my disability at work, to support myself and my team”
John’s story is a great display of what can be achieved through sheer determination and highlights the exceptional effort atWork Australia Job Coaches put in to support their clients.
“I have felt really supported through the entire process” – John, atWork Australia Client
Every year, atWork Australia help thousands of clients like John, expand their skills and qualifications to help them gain the right job with the right employer. Call us today on 1300 080 856 or enquire online to find out how we can help you meet your career goals.