Disability Employment Services client, Tay, was living with a mental health condition.
He was referred to Job Coach Brad, at atWork Australia’s Shepperton office by his psychosocial recovery worker.
Tay had low confidence and low trust in Employment Services due to experiences in the past. However, Tay needed support to find the right kind of work.
Brad quickly gained Tay’s trust by listening, following through with what he said, being patient, and finding employment that was of interest to him, not just any job.
Tay said “Brad doesn’t push me towards unattainable goals. He cares about me and helped me get back into the right mindset to work.”
Brad and Tay worked together to explore different roles that Tay would enjoy. Tay still wasn’t sure what direction to take when Brad suggested he use his lived experience of mental health to support others.
“I didn’t feel forced into doing things I wasn’t comfortable with. It was at my own pace,” said Tay.
Brad supported Tay to get where he wanted to be by supporting him to obtain a Mental Health First Aid Certificate, Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening to prepare him for work.
Whilst studying Cert IV in Mental Health, Brad advocated on behalf of Tay for a support worker role. Tay worked casually for three months before being given an opportunity to work for a brand new funded mental health service; a role was advertised and specifically developed to suit someone with lived experiences.
Tay is now a LinC Worker (a social inclusion peer worker) helping those with Mental Health, and other conditions, gain back social independence.
“I am in a workplace that is extremely supportive of me, and wants me to explore my lived experience, seek help when needed, and use past experiences as ammunition to help others on their journey towards recovery. I am in a role that I am actually happy with,” said Tay.
“I am very happy to see Tay’s transformation. It was a great experience to gain his trust, to help him to enter a career that he enjoys and can prosper in, as well as help others through his life experiences,” said Brad.
The atWork Australia team look forward to seeing what Tay can achieve.
Every year, atWork Australia help thousands of clients like Tay, 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