See how Social Futures and Inclusive Employment Australia helped this Wiradjuri man find stable work and personal growth. Read Isaiah's story here.
Isaiah knows firsthand how challenging it can be to find work in a regional town. Despite a strong work ethic and genuine enthusiasm, he has faced multiple setbacks in his search for a job. Diagnosed with Autism and Asperger’s in 2009; Isaiah made a conscious choice to be open about his disability on his job applications.
“I was being honest,” he explains.
“I’m not going to lie about it; I’m not ashamed of it.”
Despite his honesty and work ethic, Isaiah felt that seeing ‘disability’ on a resume stopped many employers from making the call to him.
Isaiah is a participant with Social Futures new Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program, a specialist disability employment program supporting people with disability, injuries or health conditions to prepare for, find and maintain work, and grow their career.
With support from Terri-Lee Barker, IEA Team Leader, Isaiah was able to rebuild confidence, motivation, and self-worth. Terri-Lee helped Isaiah reconnect with his Aboriginal heritage and linked him with local community services, cultural supports and wellness programs. She also encouraged him to participate in self-esteem and confidence guidance courses, supporting his dedication to personal growth.
“Isaiah continued to show up. He was dedicated, determined, and committed to being the best version of himself,” Terri-Lee says.
Photo: Isaiah and Terri-Lee at Social Futures Office
Isaiah was assisted with updating his resume and cover letter, preparing for job applications, interview preparations, upskilling and locating new employment. Terri-Lee highlighted Isaiah’s strengths directly to employers, ensuring his talents were front and centre.
“I’m working now with Inland Petroleum. After applying I was interviewed straight away and then I was hired days later,” Isaiah said.
Working as a Console Operator across multiple Inland Petroleum sites in Dubbo, Isaiah says it is the social aspect of his role that he says he enjoys the most.
“Meeting people, just going to work in general… it gives me something to wake up to every morning,” he says. “I’ve been there nearly three months now… and I want to stay for as long as possible.”
Terri-Lee says IEA will continue to support Isaiah with regular ongoing on-the-job supports as he moves forward on his employment journey.
“Isaiah has discovered the stability and confidence he once only dreamed of,” said Terri-Lee.
“He is proof that with the right support and a little determination, dreams truly can become reality.”
Beyond finding the right job vacancy and engaging with employers, Social Futures IEA team works hand-in-hand with local organisations to link jobseekers to a wide range of complementary supports, including food pantries, housing assistance, and NDIS services.
Support is tailored to whatever the participant needs to succeed, by:
A key part of the IEA program involves working with local businesses to shift perceptions of disability. Terri-Lee notes that while many local employers in Dubbo are very supportive, there is still work to do in breaking down stigmas surrounding the word “disability.”
“There can sometimes be uncertainty about what employing a person with disability looks like in practice,” Terri-Lee says.
“We work with employers to highlight the strengths, skill and perspectives people with disability can bring to their teams.
“Inclusive hiring strengthens workplace culture and delivers real benefits; it’s a smart business decision.”
“It’s important to have a conversation, to find out what a person’s abilities are and how they can be accommodated. Because if you don’t, you might just be letting go an incredible asset to your business,” Terri-Lee says.
Right now, Isaiah is living his best life; he is working in a job he enjoys, contributing to his community and he’s started a health kick, cycling and walking to work every day. His next goal is to get his driver’s license and Terri-Lee is working to organise him driving lessons so he can get behind the wheel.
For others who might be struggling to find work or are feeling discouraged, Isaiah says, “Don’t be ashamed to try, seek help, and actually go into services and share your story.”
Social Futures delivers the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program to help you prepare for, find, and keep a job. We take the time to understand your needs, create a job plan, and support you every step of the way.
We are proud to be a regional IEA provider in the wider Coffs Harbour region, Nambucca Heads, Woolgoolga, Dubbo, Wellington, Coonabarabran, Orange, Young, Cowra and its surrounding communities.
Call 1800 719 625 or visit https://socialfutures.org.au/iea for more information.
