Welcome to Work First Employment, where we pioneer innovative person-centred disability employment services driven by Customised Employment and Employment Counselling grounded in evidence-based practices. Our approach integrates local and international best practices in disability employment, enriched by insights from leaders in the field worldwide.
At Work First, we adopt a holistic approach that addresses the unique barriers to employment while nurturing your capacity for self-determination and self-advocacy. Our programs are authentically person-centred and aim to empower individuals to lead independent lives within their communities. This philosophy underscores everything we do at Work First.
Our services cater to individuals who are self-managed or plan-managed participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We firmly believe that age should never be a barrier to accessing support. Whether you’re a teenager exploring your career options, a recent school leaver transitioning into the workforce, or someone seeking employment opportunities later in life, Work First is here to guide you. Our clientele spans from as young as thirteen, and we steadfastly believe that age should never hinder anyone’s pursuit of their employment aspirations. For school-age children, our Glide In program provides a solid foundation to prepare them for their journey into post-school employment or further education.
“At Work First, our mission is to provide tailored support to individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment, facilitating their journey towards finding meaningful, paid work within the community. We prioritise the individual’s strengths, skills, interests, and ideal working conditions and align them with the needs of potential employers. It’s about creating mutual benefits for both parties.” – Jenny Argaet, Work First Employment Manager.
Discovery lies at the heart of our Customised Employment and Employment Counselling programs. It’s a profoundly personalised process that begins and ends with the individual. Our Discovery phase commences with purposeful conversations in the comfort of your home, where we delve into who you are, your passions, hobbies, talents, and strengths.
At its core, the employment journey is about identifying your interests and passions and then guiding you towards a role that aligns with them seamlessly.
Join us at Work First Employment, where we don’t just find jobs; we create meaningful career paths tailored to your unique abilities and aspirations. Let’s embark on this journey together towards a future filled with opportunity and fulfilment.
Empowerment Through Employment Counselling
In the realm of workforce development, Employment Counselling emerges as a cornerstone, offering indispensable support to individuals embarking on their journey toward gainful employment. At its core, Employment Counselling serves as a guiding light, equipping individuals with the necessary tools and skills not only to secure employment but also to thrive within the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace. As Lauren Pavlidis, COO & Mental Health Manager, aptly asserts, it is an essential skill that fosters long-term career success and empowers individuals to navigate the intricacies of the professional sphere with confidence and self-assurance.
Unveiling the Work First Program: A Paradigm of Inclusivity and Potential
Central to our mission is the Work First program, a paradigm steeped in inclusivity and empowerment. Embracing the ethos of zero exclusion, we steadfastly believe that every individual possesses inherent employability, irrespective of background, circumstance, or perceived limitations. Our commitment lies in unravelling the unique tapestry of each individual, uncovering their latent strengths, passions, and aspirations. Through a holistic approach, we endeavour to tailor employment opportunities to align with the individual’s aptitudes and preferences, transcending the constraints of traditional job roles and fostering a culture of job customisation.
Empowering Self-Determination: The Heart of the Journey
At the heart of every employment journey lies the profound pursuit of self-determination. We firmly believe that empowerment stems from within. Through our collaborative efforts, individuals are empowered to seize control of their destinies and chart a course toward personal and professional fulfilment. By cultivating the capacity for self-advocacy, individuals are equipped with the tools to assert their needs, articulate their aspirations, and navigate the intricacies of the workplace with poise and efficacy.
A Journey Towards Empowerment and Fulfillment
Ultimately, the culmination of each individual’s employment journey transcends mere job placement; it embodies a transformative odyssey toward self-actualisation and empowerment. Armed with newfound confidence, resilience, and self-awareness, individuals emerge not only as valuable contributors to the workforce but also as architects of their destinies. Through the synergy of Employment Counselling, the Work First program, and a steadfast commitment to empowerment, we endeavour to pave the way for a future where every individual can realise their full potential, flourish in their chosen vocation, and embark on a trajectory of lifelong success and fulfilment.
Our Customised Employment program has four key phases:
• Discovery Stage One: Getting to Know the Person
• Discovery Stage Two: Understanding the Person and their Career
• Stage Three Job Development: Career planning, job negotiation and finding the right fit
• Stage Four Career Support: Post-Employment support & career planning
The four phases are customised to the individual, including the intensity or speed of delivery, employment counselling and training/mentoring for your support team.
Are you not sure if you have the right support in your NDIS funding? We can help you get the funding you need to ensure you can undertake your journey of Discovery to meaningful employment. Talk to our employment experts today.
For more details, email: jenny.argaet@cderp.com.au