Celebrating Jen’s pathway to permanent employment
When you’re committed, hardworking and passionate about what you do, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. And there’s no better example of that than Jen. After working for years with a clear goal, you can imagine how Jen felt when she recently received her contract letter informing her that she is now permanent part-time.
For Jen, her pathway to permanent employment started 4 years ago when she first applied via SEEK for an Administration Officer role at Identitywa A registered NDIS Provider, Identitywa offers personalised services and supports to people living with disability and their families.
With the help of her Edge Job Coach, Chelsea, Jen could prepare and practice for the interview and even have Chelsea alongside her for some added support and confidence.
After impressing in her interview, Jen was offered the Administration Officer role, one she has worked in part-time for the last 4 years. A varied role, where every day is different, Jen helps with various general admin and reception duties, from greeting visitors and handling petty cash to stocktakes, shopping and support. She also loves getting involved in events, helping the HR team create induction packs and organising Christmas hampers. This hard work and commitment to help the team wherever possible saw Jen rewarded with permanent part-time employment.
For Jen, employment has had a significant impact on her life. “It’s changed my life for the better as I’ve grown more confident and always feel happy when I go to work. It challenges me to learn new tasks,” said Jen.
After having such a profound impact on her life, Jen wants more employers/managers to hire people with a disability, “I would definitely encourage them to hire a person with a disability to grow their confidence and give them a chance in life to improve their skills,” she continued.
Jen’s Edge Job Coach, Chelsea, has been there every step of the way to support her, and it’s something Jen is incredibly grateful for. “Having the support and Chelsea helping me so that I can do the best that I can so that I don’t get stressed out. If I have a new task, then Chelsea is there to help me learn that new task.”
A shining light of success, Jen hopes many others can follow her path to permanent employment. For anyone with a disability currently struggling to find work, Jen has this advice, “it is hard looking for a job and getting knockbacks, but to keep on trying and not give up.”
We look forward to continuing to support Jen and helping her achieve her next big employment goals.