4-Part online course

Dates: 3 March, 14 April, 12 May, 16 June

Time: 7 pm – 8.30 pm online

What is this course about?

Employment not only provides income, but it also provides purpose, independence, confidence, and a genuine sense of belonging in the community. Everyone deserves the opportunity to work in a job based on their unique talents and passions. Yet standard employment agencies and traditional hiring processes often fail job seekers with intellectual disability or autism, relying on rigid systems that don't capture their true potential.

Customised Employment changes the conversation by tailoring job roles around an individual's strengths while meeting real business needs, opening doors to meaningful, lasting work.

This 4-part online course empowers individuals, families and support workers to drive the Customised Employment process directly.

Who is this course for?

This course will be of particular interest to families and their support workers or job coaches who are interested in assisting those with intellectual disability and autism to find paid employment. It will be of particular interest to those who want to plan for school leavers but can be equally as relevant for those who have left school.

These sessions bring together job seekers, families, and support workers or job coaches to build their knowledge of Customised Employment through a collaborative, team-based approach. Participants are welcome to attend with one or more support workers or job coaches or come on their own if they prefer.

About the course

This 4-part online course helps you learn about Customised Employment principles and put your ideas into action! Each session is interactive and includes a practical activity to complete with your loved one or person you support before the next session.

Free mentoring from Belonging Matters will be available in between sessions to guide you through your planning and practical work.

To get the most out of the experience, attendance at all sessions is required. Given the interactive nature of this course, we will request that participants keep their camera on during the sessions if possible.

Information session

Free Information Session: 24 February 2027

Like to find out more? Attend our free information session on 24 February 2027 from 7 pm to 8.30 pm AEDT. You can find out more by using this link: Unlocking Potential - Creating Employment Opportunities - Information Session.

Course

Session One: Uncover a jobseeker’s potential and employment interests and strengths

Date: 3 March 2027, 7 pm – 8.30 pm AEDT

What is customised employment?
Ensuring a good match - exploring interests, passions, skills and ideal work conditions
Identifying potential tasks based on skills, interests and conditions.

Session Two: How do I identify and approach a business?

Date: 14 April 2027, 7 pm – 8.30 pm AEDT

Developing a resume
Exploring your networks and neighbourhood mapping
How do I ask for a job?
Meeting with businesses
Informational interviews.

Session Three: How do I analyse business needs and customise job roles?

Date: 12 May 2027, 7 pm – 8.30 pm AEST

How to identify business needs
Analysing workplace environments and culture
Carving job roles
Jobseekers first meeting with the workplace
Developing an employment support plan.

Session Four: The job coach's role and fostering natural workplace supports

Date: 16 June 2027, 7 pm – 8.30 pm AEST

What makes a good job coach?
Developing natural supports in the workplace
Maintaining good relationships with the workplace
Career development.

Presenters

Patricia Wilson

Patricia joined Belonging Matters in 2019 as the Community Employment Partnership (CEP) Manager, leading initiatives to help job seekers with intellectual disability and autism secure award-wage roles through a Customised Employment approach. Patricia has worked in disability for over 25 years and has a Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Diploma in Disability Studies. Her previous roles have included supporting people to transition out of traditional disability day supports to create valued roles in their local communities through customised employment or volunteering. She has also previously supported school leavers to participate in inclusive post-school education, volunteering or work opportunities.

Patricia will be joined by guest speakers—including individuals with lived experience and family members—who will share their real-life Customised Employment journeys.

Accessibility

We aim to ensure that people have equal access to our events. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable adjustments at this event, please provide details when you register your booking online.

Ticket Information

Information session: Free

4-session course: AUD$44.00 (incl GST)

This rate is for people with a disability, families and their support workers or job coaches who attend individually or as a team.

If using your NDIS plan, the ticket price is less GST.

The ticket price includes access to all sessions, handout material and mentoring.

Registrations are only available online. Please read our ticket terms and conditions and refund policy before booking your ticket.

How to Book Your Ticket

To book a ticket, please use the 'Get Tickets' button at the top of this page.

For further information, please phone 03 9739 8333 or email info@belongingmatters.org

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