FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Friends, families and carers

Employment opportunities?

PelicanContributor

Employment opportunities?

Hello,

My son is schizophrenic and autistic. He was at university studying Psychology but deferred a year ago because the stress of study was greatly affecting his mental health.

He would like to find a part-time job to give his life some structure and routine - something fairly simple and quiet, that is not customer-focussed.

I'm wondering whether there are NSW-based employment agencies that specialise in jobs for people with disability. It would be important that he has the support and understanding of his employer.

Does anyone know of such an employment agency, or have ideas for how my son could go about finding work? He is 22 and has no experience of employment.

Thanks very much.

10 replies

1 - 10 of 10
1

In response to: Employment opportunities?

Unknown userMember

Re: Employment opportunities?

Hi @Pelican

It's great to hear that your son is wanting to do some part time work.

There are definitely organisations that help people living with physical and/or psychosocial disabilities find work.

A good place to start might be the NSW Government's Disability Employment Service:

Disability Employment Service

You can also use Job Access to search for a provider in your area:

https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/find-a-provider

All the best with it 🙂

In response to: Employment opportunities?

PaperdaisySenior Contributor

Re: Employment opportunities?

Hey @Pelican I believe headspace have work and study support also. They support young people up to the age of 25.

All the best!

In response to: Employment opportunities?

GwynnSenior Contributor

Re: Employment opportunities?

You might also want to check out The Field, it's a new organisation around disability employment. https://www.thefield.jobs/Job/Home

I know he wants the dignity of being paid for his work, but volunteer experience may still be a good thing for his resume. There are quite a few online volunteer opportunities, but if he goes down that route, it's important that he finds out if he can be credited for his work (ideally get this promise in writing). https://www.wikihow.com/Volunteer-Online

In response to: Employment opportunities?

outlanderSenior Contributor

Re: Employment opportunities?

hi @Pelican

its great your son wants to try and find a job

a group called 'the Flagstaff group' is a job provider for those with disabilities as well depending on where you live in nsw. i know this company services sydney and south coast lines but im not sure about the rest of NSW. i just done a quick search.
others have responded with some other providers to have a look into though 🙂

In response to: Re: Employment opportunities?

PelicanContributor

Re: Employment opportunities?

Thank you, @Former-Member. We have tried two disability employment agencies. The first agency failed to turn up to the appointment (the agent 'forgot') and there was a similar issue with the second one. If anyone has a recommendation for a DES-approved agency that treats clients well and helps them find work, I would love to try this avenue again.

In response to: Re: Employment opportunities?

PelicanContributor

Re: Employment opportunities?

Thanks, @Paperdaisy, sounds great - we will follow that up.

In response to: Re: Employment opportunities?

PelicanContributor

Re: Employment opportunities?

Thank you, @Gwynn. The Field website looks promising. I will let my son know so that he can sign up. And thanks also for the tip about getting credited for volunteer work - this would not have occurred to me to check.

In response to: Employment opportunities?

outlanderSenior Contributor

Re: Employment opportunities?

hi @Pelican just wondering how your going and if theres been any luck with the employment opportunities as yet?

In response to: Re: Employment opportunities?

PelicanContributor

Re: Employment opportunities?

Hi @outlander , no luck with employment, although he has done a couple of online interviews. but there might be a volunteer opportunity with a local charity. Stay tuned!

In response to: Re: Employment opportunities?

outlanderSenior Contributor

Re: Employment opportunities?

that would be a good step forward in at least getting some experience @Pelican
1 - 10 of 10
1

SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

SANE Forums does not provide crisis support.
If you need immediate assistance, please see available crisis services.

Learn more about SANE and SANE services at sane.org

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

SANE is a public company limited by guarantee and registered tax-exempt charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.

Charity ABN 92 006 533 606. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. SANE, PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053.