A Journey of Hope and Transformation with TURSA

In the heart of our community, there’s a story of resilience and transformation that begins with a single step into the TURSA office. Our protagonist, a mature individual who prefers to remain anonymous, embarked on this journey devoid of hope but found a new path forward with the TURSA team.

In their 60s and with a background in science, they had been searching for employment for a long time. Despite holding a PhD in Biotechnology, they yearned for a change in direction, a shift from the scientific field to an office environment. This decision was met with discouragement and apprehension from others, but they remained undeterred.

“Persist and seek help, even when hope seems lost.”

After losing their job due to COVID, they took on various roles, including working as a cleaner, to survive. However, the physical toll of these jobs was challenging, especially given their age. As part of their Centrelink requirements, they were referred to an employment agency and chose TURSA.

At TURSA, they met Daniel, a supportive and understanding team member who made them feel comfortable. They felt they could openly discuss their challenges with him. Another team member helped revamp their CV, making it more appealing to potential employers.

“Unexpected turns can lead to life falling into place.”

The first job TURSA recommended was an office role, which they secured immediately. This was a pleasant surprise and a significant milestone in their journey. Despite initial apprehensions, they found joy in their new work environment and colleagues. They now work three days a week, cherishing both their workdays and days off.

TURSA provided continuous support throughout their journey, from regular check-ins to assistance with purchasing work clothes and shoes. Even after securing the job, TURSA maintained contact to ensure a smooth transition.

“Working with good people brings immense joy.”

When asked what advice they would give to others facing similar challenges, they said, “Don’t give up because I had more or less given up finding a suitable job. Just keep going. Ask for help. I was not very positive about getting help. I didn’t think it would work out. But it did. And I can’t tell you how happy I am.”

Their story is a testament to the transformative power of hope, resilience, and the right support system. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to change your path and that every step forward counts.

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A Story of Growth, Goals, and Dancing Dreams

Stephanie’s Journey:

Stephanie, a young woman with a passion for dance and a goal to work in the dance industry, embarked on a journey to find her work goals and build her skills. With the support of Skye from TURSA and Amelia from Better Together, Stephanie has been making significant strides towards her goals.

A Supportive Network

Skye, an Employment Advocate from TURSA, identified Stephanie’s need for a more foundational approach to her career development. Recognising that Stephanie needed more than just a job placement, Skye sought a program that would provide her with the necessary skills and support. This led her to Amelia and the Better Together program.

Amelia, the project coordinator at Better Together, welcomed Stephanie into their Certificate II in Hospitality and Tourism program. Better Together, a disability support provider and community service organization, has been operating for over 15 years. Their focus is on training and upskilling individuals who might be underemployed and underskilled.

The Journey Begins

Stephanie’s journey with the Better Together program has been transformative. The program provides a dynamic learning environment where learners of all capacities can thrive. Stephanie has been diligently working on her coursework, with Skye and Amelia providing constant support.

The program also includes excursion days, where participants visit local hospitality venues. These experiences expose Stephanie to actual workplaces, giving her a taste of what her future career could look like.

Dancing Towards Her Dreams

One of Stephanie’s most notable qualities is her love for dance. She dances on the course and dreams of working in a dance studio. Despite some physical limitations, Stephanie’s passion for dance remains undeterred. Her ultimate goal is to save up enough money from her future job to fly to Canada and experience the snow with her friend.

A Mother’s Pride

Stephanie’s progress has not gone unnoticed. Her mother has seen a significant change in her attitude at home. Stephanie’s commitment to attending the program every day and staying back late to catch up on assessments has made her mother incredibly proud.

The Importance of Collaboration

Stephanie’s journey highlights the importance of providing a wrap-around service where organizations work together in the common interest of supporting their participants. Both TURSA and Better Together have demonstrated the power of collaboration in helping Stephanie move closer to her goals.

In conclusion, Stephanie’s journey is a testament to the power of supportive networks, the importance of foundational skills-building, and the transformative potential of pursuing one’s passions. As she continues to dance towards her dreams, Stephanie serves as an inspiration to all those embarking on their own journeys towards their work goals.

TURSA IS HERE TO HELP

In a recent conversation with TURSA, Belinda Robinson from JB Supports – Support Coordination emphasised the importance of communication, education, collaboration, and wrap-around service provision between support coordinators and job services providers. This collaboration is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for participants with employment supports in their NDIS plan.

Belinda highlighted a case where a client, despite initial setbacks, remained passionate about working. Through extensive collaboration with various stakeholders, including the client, his support worker, and professionals from TURSA, they were able to understand his needs, preferences, and capabilities. This team effort led to the client feeling supported and involved in his employment journey, fueling his passion even more.

Belinda stressed that collaboration between organizations and support coordinators ensures seamless support and resource access, leading to better opportunities and experiences for everyone involved.

Here is the Interview

Belinda Robinson from JB Supports – Support Coordination

Good morning, Belinda. Thank you for joining us today. After speaking with you briefly at our Caloundra opening, I realised what a fantastic outcome you had to share. Could you please share with our readers your insights on the importance of collaboration and the value someone with a disability brings to the workplace, particularly about their desire and passion to work and have a purpose?

Belinda: Absolutely. Collaboration is paramount when supporting individuals with disabilities in the workplace. One of our recent experiences highlights this beautifully. We had a client who initially found successful work about 12 months ago, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out due to scheduling conflicts. However, his passion and eagerness to work remained strong. He was desperate for an opportunity, constantly expressing his desire to start working again.

That’s truly inspiring. Can you elaborate on how collaboration played a role in this case?

Of course. Our team worked closely with various stakeholders to explore new opportunities, including the client himself, his support worker, and other professionals like Shayne and Wade from TURSA. We collaborated extensively to understand his needs, preferences, and capabilities. It was a team effort, with everyone committed to finding the best solution for him.

It sounds like a concerted effort from all parties involved. How did this collaboration help the client?

The client felt supported every step of the way. He was involved in decision-making and had a say in his employment journey. This sense of empowerment fueled his passion even more. Moreover, having a support worker by his side gave him the necessary help while he gradually transitioned to independence. It’s a testament to the value of collaboration in creating inclusive work environments.

Indeed, inclusivity and support go hand in hand. From your perspective, how important is it for organisations to collaborate with support coordinators like yourself?

Collaboration between organisations and support coordinators ensures seamless support and resource access. By working together, we can use expertise and resources to maximise outcomes for individuals with disabilities. It’s about aligning goals, sharing information, and collectively addressing challenges. Ultimately, it leads to better opportunities and experiences for everyone involved.

Thank you, Belinda, for sharing your insights on the significance of collaboration and the invaluable contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workplace. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.

The pleasure is mine. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical topic.

Collaboration is the key to unlocking greater opportunities for participants seeking improved job outcomes. When Support Coordinators from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and TURSA work together, they create a powerful synergy that enhances the lives of those they serve. By connecting participants to NDIS and other supports, building their capacity, and brokering services aligned with their goals, these collaborative efforts pave the way for success. Let’s champion collaboration, share knowledge, and empower participants on their journey toward meaningful employment. Together, we can make a difference!

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Navigating the Employment Journey:

How Job Seekers with Disability can Empower their Job Ability.

Welcome to our site. TURSA supports job seekers managing a disability or health conditions in finding and keeping employment. Managing a disability or health condition while seeking employment can present unique challenges. Still, we are here to help you access opportunities and resources that can support your employment journey.

For additional information on our Disability Support Services CLICK HERE

Employment Ability for Job Seekers Managing a Disability

Despite the challenges, numerous employment opportunities are available for job seekers with a disability or health conditions. Some of the options include the following:

Inclusive Employers:

Many employers seek to hire individuals managing disabilities to help create a diverse and inclusive workforce. These employers understand the benefits that can be achieved such as:

Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Hiring an employee with a disability can contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace, which has been shown to improve employee morale, productivity, and creativity.
Access to a Unique Skill Set: Employees with disabilities often develop unique skills and strengths due to navigating their disability, such as problem-solving, adaptability, resilience, and empathy. These skills can be valuable assets to an employer and enhance the team’s overall skill set.
Expanded Talent Pool: By considering candidates with disabilities, employers can tap into a larger talent pool and increase their chances of finding the right fit for their organisation. This can result in a broader range of skills, experiences, and perspectives, enriching the workplace and fostering innovation.
Improved Brand Reputation: Employers who actively support the employment of people with disabilities can enhance their brand reputation and be seen as socially responsible and inclusive. This can result in positive public relations, increased customer loyalty, and improved brand perception in the community. This in turn improves employment sustainability.
Access to Incentives and Wage Subsidies: These financial benefits can offset the costs associated with accommodating disabilities in the workplace and provide additional cost savings.
Increased Employee Retention: Employees with disabilities often demonstrate loyalty and commitment to employers who provide them with opportunities and accommodations. This can lead to increased employee retention and reduced turnover, saving on recruitment and training costs.
Enhanced Workplace Accommodations: Accommodating an employee with a disability may require workplace modifications, such as installing ramps, widening doorways, or providing assistive technologies. These accommodations can also benefit other employees and customers, making the workplace more accessible and inclusive.
Compliance with Legal Requirements: Many countries have laws and regulations that mandate employers to provide equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Hiring and accommodating employees with disabilities can help employers meet their legal obligations and avoid potential legal risks.
Positive Impact on Team Dynamics: Employing someone with a disability can foster a culture of inclusivity and teamwork among employees. It can also increase awareness and understanding of diversity, promote empathy and compassion, and create a supportive and inclusive work environment.

It’s important to everyone understands that hiring and managing employees with disabilities requires proper consideration of their unique needs, accommodations, and privacy rights. The employers TURSA work with understand these commitments and work with us to an inclusive and empowered workplace.

Disability Employment Services (DES):

Disability Employment Services are government-funded programs that provide tailored support to job seekers with disabilities or health conditions. These services may include job placement assistance, vocational training, and ongoing support to help individuals find and keep employment.

Customised Employment:

Customised employment is an approach that matches the skills, interests, and support needs of individuals with disabilities or health conditions to create unique job opportunities. This may involve job, role modification, job sharing, or flexible work arrangements and a range of planning and skills training to optimise job success.

Navigating the Employment Journey with a Disability or Health Condition

Managing a disability or health condition while seeking employment can be challenging, but some resources and strategies can help and this is an area where TURSA can be of enormous assistance. Some critical considerations for navigating the employment journey with a disability or health condition include the following:

Self-Advocacy:

TURSA Disability Employment Services can be a valuable resource in assisting participants with advocating in the workplace. They can provide assistance in various ways, including helping individuals effectively communicate their accommodation needs to their employer. This may involve giving guidance on requesting reasonable accommodations, such as physical modifications or assistive technology.

Additionally, TURSA Disability Employment Services can support participants in discussing flexible work arrangements with their employer. They can provide strategies and advice on negotiating flexible work hours if these accommodations would better align with an individual’s needs and abilities.

Furthermore, TURSA Disability Employment Services can connect individuals with disability advocacy organisations or other relevant resources in the community. These organisations can provide additional support and advocacy for individuals with disabilities in the workplace, such as addressing discrimination or unfair treatment and helping individuals navigate any challenges they may face.

By leveraging the expertise and support of TURSA Disability Employment Services, individuals with disabilities can effectively advocate for themselves in the workplace and ensure that their accommodation needs are met, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Accommodations:

Workplace modifications for individuals with disabilities are crucial for ensuring inclusivity in the workplace. TURSA Disability Employment Services offer support in advocating for reasonable accommodations, such as physical modifications, assistive technology, and flexible work arrangements. This ensures that individuals with disabilities can effectively perform their job duties and thrive in their chosen careers. TURSA Disability Employment Services also provide ongoing support and resources for managing disabilities, promoting inclusive work environments where all employees can succeed.

Career Planning:

TURSA Disability Employment Services are dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities in their employment journey, including career planning. Their team of experts can provide personalised guidance and support in identifying skills, interests, and goals and exploring career options that align with an individual’s abilities and aspirations.

With their specialised knowledge of the labour market and job trends, TURSA Disability Employment Services can offer valuable insights and resources to help individuals develop a comprehensive and effective career plan. This may include assistance with job search strategies, resume development, interview preparation, and ongoing support in navigating the unique challenges that individuals with disabilities may face in the job market.

By leveraging their expertise, TURSA Disability Employment Services can empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their career goals and thrive in the workplace.

Conclusion

Job seekers with a disability or health conditions face unique challenges in finding and keeping employment, but opportunities and resources are available to support their employment journey. Inclusive employers, disability employment services, and customised employment are some avenues that can provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities or health conditions to access meaningful employment.

Navigating the employment journey may require self-advocacy, accommodations, and career planning. Still, with the proper support and resources, job seekers with a disability or health conditions can achieve their employment goals and thrive in the workplace. Remember, you have the ability and potential to succeed in your employment journey, and services and support are available to help you along the way.

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Support

“Unleashing the Power of Determination: How it Leads to Positive Impact”

Renee’s hard work and determination had a positive impact as she found Employment with the Support of Tursa Employment & Training.

Renee, a determined job seeker, has overcome challenges and achieved success with the support of TURSA who provide Disability Employment Services at Stones Corner, including the unwavering assistance of her dedicated Disability Employment Advocate, Tracey. Renee’s journey towards employment was transformed by Tracey’s personalized approach, belief in her abilities, and unwavering support.

Taking Time to Understand

From the very beginning, Tracey took the time to fully understand Renee’s situation and formed a personal connection with her. Recognizing Renee’s intelligence and talent, Tracey focused on the positives and instilled in her the confidence that she was capable of being an excellent employee. Renee was motivated by Tracey’s belief in her potential and was determined to succeed.

Tracey’s dedication was evident as she secured multiple interviews for Renee and provided thorough preparation, going above and beyond to ensure Renee could attend the interviews and manage her stress levels. She also provided invaluable support during the debriefing process, helping Renee learn and grow from each experience built her level of positivity and confidence.

Renee’s hard work and determination paid off as she secured a Christmas casual position at Myer, and her talent and personality shone through, earning her a permanent position as a highly-regarded team member. She overcame her anxiety and became a valued member of the team, building friendships and gaining a sense of structure, responsibility, and self-worth.

Resilience and Determination

Renee’s success is a testament to her resilience and determination, as well as the support she received from TURSA at Stones Corner and Tracey. Renee and her family express their heartfelt gratitude to Tracey for her integral contribution to Renee’s journey towards employment and improved well-being.

Inspiration

Renee’s story is an inspiring example of how hard work, determination, and supportive guidance can lead to success, and serves as a reminder of the positive impact that dedicated Employment Consultants and mentors can have on individuals seeking employment. With the right support and belief in their abilities, individuals like Renee can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

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Support

Many people turn to traditional job agencies for assistance when finding a job. While these agencies can help connect job seekers with potential employers, those who have been long term unemployed, manage a disability or face other barriers to employment often need more support, beyond basic job search assistance.

The Solution

TURSA offers 360-degree support to job seekers, providing comprehensive service throughout the job search process. In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between traditional job agencies and TURSA’s 360-degree support, as well as some tips and hints to land a job that needs more attention.

What traditional job agencies offer

Traditional job agencies typically offer job listings, resume and cover letter reviews, and interview coaching. While these services can be helpful, they often only scratch the surface of what job seekers need to succeed in their search.

What TURSA offer

In contrast, TURSA provides comprehensive 360-degree support to job seekers, including job search assistance, resume and cover letter review, interview coaching, training and education opportunities, and even ongoing support after job placement. This holistic approach addresses all job seekers’ challenges, from finding job opportunities to developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace. In addition to this there is excellent practical support for both job seeker and Employer to access the resources needed to ensure sustainable employment. This includes things like wage subsidies for example.

Tips and hints

When it comes to landing a job, here are some tips and hints that will help:

Network:

As mentioned earlier, networking is one of the most effective ways to land a job. Attend industry events, join professional organisations, and connect with people on LinkedIn to expand your network and increase your chances of finding job opportunities.

Customise your application:

Don’t just send the same generic resume and cover letter to every job you apply for. Take the time to tailor your application to each position, highlighting how your skills and experience match the requirements.

Follow up after an interview:

Don’t just send a thank-you email and wait for a response. Follow up with the hiring manager to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the position.

Prepare thoroughly:

Research the company, practice common interview questions, and prepare your own questions to ask the interviewer to show that you’re genuinely interested in the job.

Use social media to your advantage:

Follow companies you’re interested in, connect with industry leaders on LinkedIn, and even reach out to hiring managers directly through social media to stand out from other applicants.

By following these tips and seeking comprehensive 360-degree support from TURSA, job seekers can increase their chances of landing the job they want and achieve their potential. If you need support to gain confidence and prepare – aim for a more comprehensive approach that addresses all of your needs as a job seeker.

To access comprehensive 360-degree job support from TURSA, you must be registered with Workforce Australia, Disability Employment Services (DES), Transition to Work or another relevant program. These programs provide funding and support to job seekers who face barriers to employment, such as disability, injury, or a lack of experience or skills.

By registering with these programs and working with TURSA, you can receive the support and guidance you need to overcome these barriers and succeed in your job search. Feel free to contact your local TURSA office to learn more about the registration process and the services available to you.

Reach Your Potential

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360 Degree Support - Job Service Provider

TEL 1800 670 914

A Journey of Hope and Transformation with TURSA

Think Jobs...Trust TURSA

A Story of Growth, Goals, and Dancing Dreams

Stephanie’s Journey:

A Supportive Network

The Journey Begins

Dancing Towards Her Dreams

A Mother’s Pride

The Importance of Collaboration

TURSA IS HERE TO HELP

Think Jobs...Trust TURSA

Navigating the Employment Journey:

How Job Seekers with Disability can Empower their Job Ability.

Employment Ability for Job Seekers Managing a Disability

Inclusive Employers:

Disability Employment Services (DES):

Customised Employment:

Navigating the Employment Journey with a Disability or Health Condition

Self-Advocacy:

Accommodations:

Career Planning:

Conclusion

Contact TURSA today

“Unleashing the Power of Determination: How it Leads to Positive Impact”

Taking Time to Understand

Resilience and Determination

Inspiration

Contact TURSA today

The Solution

What traditional job agencies offer

What TURSA offer

Tips and hints

Network:

Customise your application:

Follow up after an interview:

Prepare thoroughly:

Use social media to your advantage:

Reach Your Potential

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