Wollongong resident Susan has an intellectual disability and experiences bouts of anxiety and depression. She had been out of work for 20 years.
Susan actively sought volunteer roles to keep the wheels turning for her. As a result of her search for such activities, she landed a volunteer job at Cycling NSW.
Susan became aware of Disability Employment Services (DES) and its benefits to individuals in her situation. It was only through a local peer support group that it was suggested that she register with a DES provider.
It was through the team at atWork Australia that Susan was introduced to Jobs Now, an in-house program run by atWork Australia to support clients in finding and keeping employment. Susan was also encouraged to enrol and attain a Certificate III in Administration.
This upskilling resulted in not only valuable insights into industry knowledge and best practice, but it renewed her self-confidence overall.
Susan was always the first to arrive to her appointments and was a well organised client with the enthusiasm and dedication to not give up. After many unsuccessful attempts to find work, she had all but given up hope until she said she was “shocked to realise that she had been offered a job” in administration for Aruma Services, which significantly changed her life as well as those around her.
According to Susan’s Disability Employment Services Job Coach Amy, she always followed up with tasks and took on the advice she was given. Susan joined atWork Australia’s Wollongong office, attending weekly meetings in both group and one-on-one consultations.
Aruma Services employer said, “After a period of delay resulting from COVID-19, Sue came on board and we haven’t looked back. She has been an asset to the office”
Susan remarked that she could not have done this without the support and guidance of her Job Coach Amy and the atWork Australia team, and is grateful for the opportunity.
Susan said that, “Working has made me a happier person giving me confidence and a sense of worth”.
Thousands of people with a disability, injury or mental health condition have found meaningful work through atWork Australia. To see how we can help you or someone you know find meaningful work, call 1300 080 856 or enquire online today.