18-year-old Jack from Empire Bay, NSW was referred to atWork Australia’s Gosford office by his NDIS provider, Jack was a former SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) participant.
Jack had found an employment opportunity via a family contact, however Jack and his employer, a local hospital needed support to make his job role sustainable.
Jack’s employer requested expert assistance in assessment and on the job training to assist Jack with remembering more complex tasks within his role as a Sterilisation Technician.
Barry, atWork Australia’s Disability Employment Services NSW Regional Manager, met with Jack and the employer to assess his support needs at work, and atWork Australia engaged the services of an Occupational Therapist (OT) from sister brand IPAR to carry out a Workplace Assessment.
IPAR’s OT specialist, Cameron, made a range of recommendations, including workplace training and the use of an iPad to help Jack to remember the very complicated lists of equipment required by different surgeons.
atWork Australia took the recommendations and report from the OT and made an application to JobAccess to purchase an iPad for Jack to use at work. JobAccess is the national hub for workplace and employment information for people with disability, employers and service providers.
atWork Australia organised for Cameron to provide on the job training and advice, which was followed up by on the job support by Jack’s atWork Australia Disability Employment Services Job Coach, John. This greatly assisted Jack to learn how to use the technology to support the more difficult tasks.
Barry commented that Cameron even recommended colour coding some items in NRL club colours to help Jack remember, Jack loves his footy!
“I was relieved to have support at work, as at times I felt quite anxious about having to constantly ask my supervisor questions but with the support from my Job Coach and OT, along with the photos of complicated surgical tray layouts on my iPad, it has really assisted me in my job,” said Jack.
“Jack is now much more confident in his role, and no longer needs to go to his supervisor on a regular basis during his shift,” said Barry.
Jack has been happily employed for four months and is also completing his Certificate III qualification which will also allow him to apply for more senior roles in the future.