Bridging the Gap in Vocational Services: A Call to Action
BY PURPLE CO
Navigating the world of vocational services can be challenging, and it's evident that there's a gap when it comes to assisting individuals in entering or re-entering the workforce. Rather than merely identifying the problem, we've taken the initiative to be part of the solution.
With three decades of experience as a Rehabilitation Counselor, I've observed specific areas that could benefit from increased attention:
- Work trial placements
- Job brokerage
- On-the-job coaching
Having explored the Disability Employment Service (DES) route, we encountered challenges. It can be akin to finding a needle in a haystack to locate DES employees who truly comprehend the unique needs of the individuals we serve. The bureaucratic hurdles with Centrelink only add to the complexities.
Clients often find themselves unintentionally educating their service providers, leading to understandable frustration for all parties involved.
While not everyone requires work trial placements or job brokerage, some individuals greatly benefit from the additional support. The current system has its flaws, often causing motivated individuals to face unnecessary delays in their hard-earned progress.
I'm not here to criticize other providers; we're all united in our shared goal of doing more with less.
Securing employment isn't an overnight process, and job opportunities can't magically materialize. It's a systemic issue.
At Purple Co, we've discovered our niche in making work trials highly effective. When executed correctly, with participant engagement, they can yield fantastic results. We believe in collaboration, leveraging our connections and expertise to identify suitable placements and keeping clients engaged and utilizing their strengths during inevitable waiting periods.
While I can't promise instant job placement, I can assure you that we're committed to keeping clients active on their rehabilitation journey.
Do you know someone who could benefit from our approach to vocational rehabilitation? If so, reach out, and we’ll work out if and how we can help.
Who is Jo Muirhead?
Jo is all about connecting people to purpose through inspiration and innovation. Author of The Entrepreneurial Clinician and creator of The Book of Evidence, she is also the Founder and CEO of PurpleCo - a team of specialist allied health consultants dedicated to helping people who experience injury, illness and trauma reclaim their lives through work.
Jo graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Health Science, Rehabilitation Counselling in 1994.
Jo is passionate about the health benefits of work and truly believes that everyone has the right to meaningful and rewarding employment, including health professionals who choose to work in private practice. She is a much sought after international coach, mentor, consultant, and speaker on how private practice, when done effectively will be the change to health care that we are all seeking.
Share On: