April 2018 Volume 87

KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS A NEW EMPLOYMENT SERVICE?

From 1 July 2018, there will be changes to the Disability Employment Services (DES) program. Some providers will be closing, which means some clients will need to choose a new provider. BIZLINK clients do not need to do anything, your service will continue. From July 2018, BIZLINK will provide services from 7 offices across the Perth suburbs. Importantly, some new providers are not from WA, some have lots of other services, not just employment, some are businesses that operate to make a profit.  BIZLINK is a West Australian, not-for-profit, employment service. BIZLINK is dedicated to securing and supporting inclusive employment in the Perth suburbs and has done so since 1992. Whether you already have a job or are looking for employment, BIZLINK has over 26 years experience and results to provide the best employment support for you.

BIZLINK provides:

A free service Convenience of 7 offices across the Perth suburbs Personalised job-matching Pre-employment training and skills development

BIZZYBODIES

Individual one-to-one assistance On-site training support and advice Experienced Apprenticeship and Traineeship support

 CONTACT

1300 780 789To discuss how BIZLINK could be the BEST provider for you

MANAGING DIRECTOR UPDATE

Brian Park, Managing DirectorNew Contract 2018—2023

BIZLINK is very pleased to announce we have been awarded a Grant Offer to provide Employment Support Services in the North Employment Service Area (ESA). We will be opening new offices in Joondalup, Midland and Innaloo which will be fully operational by July 2018.

We were also awarded a roll over contract to provide Employment Support Services in the Central & West ESA and will continue to provide services from our offices in East Perth, Melville, Cockburn Central and Rockingham.  This result is testament to the high quality service and performance shown throughout this current contract. The BIZLINK team has enabled us to achieve this excellent result.  

We look forward to working with more employers who recognise that with job matching and quality support employing people with disability is a sound business decision.

The Grant Offers made by the Department of Social Services across Australia can be found here https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/programs-services/disability-employment-services/des-2018-grant-offers

BIZLINK: 

Was working with 620 active clients at the end of March 2018. With Cockburn—78; East Perth—79; Melville—168 and Rockingham—301 and 197 businesses that employ 269 clients in open employment

Is the largest provider of Employment Support Services in the Central & West ESA

Has a 4 Star contract. 4 Stars means that a service is performing at 20% or better than average. The DES Star Ratings can be found here www.jobs.gov.au/disability-employment-services-star-ratings

If you want to work you are more likely to get a job that lasts when you are supported by BIZLINK.

We are very positive about our future. Our referral partners are increasing, word-of-mouth for clients and employers is growing and our staff have been incredibly supportive and loyal.

I am proud of my teams efforts and look forward to the new contract from July 2018. We will continue to work hard to improve service access and provide more opportunities for people with a disability. 

Former John Tonkin College (JCT) student Kira Briggs gained employment in January with Woolworths thanks to the help of her school and Bizlink.

The 18-year-old works morning shifts in the bakery at Woolworths Miami twice a week.

Kira completed work experience at Woolworths before gaining part-time employment with the retail giant at the end of January this year.

Woolworths manager Lynn Taylor said Kira would enjoy working with the bakery team.

MAKING THE NEWS This wonderful article was in the Mandurah Coastal Times

“She tells me she enjoys working with good friends who make her laugh,” she said.

JTC education support centre transition coordinator Jocelyn Carosin, who helped Kira produce her part-time employment proposal, said the student met the Bizlink criteria and was able to register for employment support. “We had the school find Kira a place at Woolworths to complete her workplace learning, which lead to me asking them if they could take her on for paid employment after graduation,” she said.

Bizlink job search co-ordinator Joel Duckham said the employment service would help those with special needs find paid employment in a mainstream industry.

“It’s all about creating an inclusive environment,” he said.

“Our goal is to help eligible school leavers like Kira who come through the program and help transition work into mainstream employment straight from school.”

A FOCUS on service above self has resulted in a young Baldivis woman with cerebral palsy getting a start in her dream career. Dannika Mann was concerned her condition may pose barriers to getting a foothold into the world of childcare. “The love of children, getting to teach children and help them to do the right thing is why I wanted a career in childcare,” she said.

Two dedicated disability support workers, Tony Wrobluskie and James Hamilton, picked up on Dannika’s passion. With their support she gained work at Wellard Early Learning and OSHC Centre. “I had a contact in childcare, who I knew would be supportive, Pastor Carolann (Kelleher),” Mr Wrobluskie said. “Dannika attended an interview and was successful due to her work experience and determination. “Dannika has worked hard every shift and has

MAKING THE NEWS This fantastic article was published in the Weekend Courier

risen above the challenges faced and has gone on to secure a traineeship. “This will give her a Childcare qualification and a career. “Dannika is a testament to overcoming barriers to employment – many of which are based on stereotypes and misconceptions.”

Mr Hamilton worked closely with Dannika and Pastor Kelleher to ensure practical support was provided over the past nine months. He gave advice on tailoring tasks to suit Dannika’s needs while ensuring the employer’s quality and quantity expectations were met.

It was a positive experience for employer Pastor Kelleher. “It’s about Dannika – she has an aptitude with children but its also about how we have supported her,” she said.

“My vision is to employ young girls so they can have a future and get a job. “I take on trainees. I believe you should look for the ability and lose the disability.”

Mr Wrobluskie and Mr Hamilton work for not-for-profit disability employment service, Bizlink in Rockingham.

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (DES) REFORMS FROM JULY 2018Following community consultation involving people with disability, disability peak organisations, disability service providers and employers, the DES program will be changing. Under the changes to the program, DES participants will have greater choice about their service.

From 1 July 2018, the changes to the DES program will include: Improved participant choice and control; increased competition that will hopefully improve service quality; improved incentives for providers to place job seekers in employment;

The changes aim to improve the overall performance of DES to help more people with disability, injury or a health condition find and maintain employment.

DES Provider Panel 2018

A new panel of DES providers has been established through a grant application process. The new DES providers will support people with disability to find and keep work with a greater emphasis on providers achieving outcomes.

Whilst participants will have greater choice of providers it is important they consider which provider will give them the best opportunity to secure and maintain employment.

The Department has chosen to close some service providers in the Perth region and opted for large national providers who do not have a base in Perth, including for-profits.

BIZLINK is wholly West Australian, not-for-profit and has been providing a service to the Perth suburbs since 1992. Our only purpose is Employment Support Services. Some providers are just a small part of a conglomerate of services under larger companies.

Our commitment to Employment Support Services as our only focus has ensured we are committed to quality employment for people with disability.  The picture below shows the Perth Labour Market Region which is divided up in to Employment Service Areas (ESAs) of North, Central & West, East and Dale. From July 2018, BIZLINK will have a contract in the North and will operate from Joondalup, Innaloo and Midland. We will continue to operate in the Central & West from Cockburn Central, East Perth, Melville and Rockingham

Importantly, if you don’t live in the Central & West or North ESA, you can still have a BIZLINK service if we are the best provider to meet your needs. So for instance, if you live in Armadale (which is the East) you could access our Cockburn Central site. If you live in Mandurah (which is Dale) you could access our Rockingham site. This is all about client choice and control and is a welcome change to the guidelines.  

NEW BIZLINK OFFICES IN JOONDALUP, INNALOO & MIDLANDThe maps below show existing BIZLINK office locations in the Central & West ESA at East Perth, Melville, Cockburn Central and Rockingham.

From July 2018, in the North ESA, we will be located at Joondalup, Innaloo and Midland.

We chose these locations based on population density, Centrelink locations and existing provider locations. We have aimed to provide a BIZLINK location to ensure ease of access by public transport. 

CLIENT ANNUAL SURVEY  BIZLINK clients are invited to give feedback on our service via Survey Monkey.  Most clients will receive an email from BIZLINK to complete the online survey. You can otherwise use this link to do the survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Bizlinkclient2017 Please only do the survey once, either by this link or from the email.  Didn’t get an email?If you didn't get an email we may not have your details—please give your current email to your Coordinator and be sure to keep it up-to-date. Surveys entered by 27 April 2018 go in a prize draw for a chance to win a gift voucher from either Bunnings, Coles/Myer or Woolworths 

Win a $100 gift voucher Each year we look at how well we meet the National Standards for Disability Services. To do this we ask for the opinions of people who use our service. This feedback helps us to improve. Other Survey OptionsIf you would prefer to do the survey over the phone or want a paper copy to post back, please let us know and we’ll arrange that. Questions?Please call 1300 780 789 or email bizlink@bizlink.asn.au to be directed to the best person to answer any queries. You can also ask your Coordinator. Who should answer the questions?These questions ask people who use BIZLINK services what they think. Family members or friends can help to complete the survey. Do I have to complete the survey?The survey is voluntary and you are under no obligation to complete it, but we

appreciate your input.

JOB START EMPLOYER SURVEY Congratulations Carolyne of Independent Grain Handlers

Carolyne won the final $100 gift voucher for participating in the 2017 Job Start Employer Survey. Employers who complete our Job Start Survey go in a prize draw, won quarterly over the year. BIZLINK appreciates the time taken to give us feedback. We use this information to improve our service to employers and clients.

 

Carolyne receiving voucher fromJob Search Coordinator, Tony Wrobluskie

ANNUAL EMPLOYER SURVEYAs part of our commitment to continuous quality improvement, BIZLINK seeks the feedback of employers who have recruited employees with our assistance. Surveys returned by the due date will go into a prize draw for a chance to win a $100 voucher from a choice of Bunnings, Coles/Myer or Woolworths. Employers that have provided an email contact will be emailed the survey. Otherwise the link is www.surveymonkey.com/r/BIZEmployer2017

 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE 

Congratulations Lindsey Rutherford, Rachel Scales, Charlie Lenzo, Telka Elliott and David Campbell.  BIZLINK staff are nominated for this award for demonstrating service excellence and Making A Difference.

Lindsey, Team Coordinator, was awarded for providing an outstanding level of support, going above and beyond the normal expectations of support, resulting in a positive outcome for the client and job retention.

Rachel, Support Coordinator, receiving award from Tina Zemzars, Site Manager Cockburn. Rachel was recognised for assisting with a complex industrial relations issue resulting in a good outcome for the client, employer and BIZLINK.

Charlie, Job Search Coordinator, receiving award from Trevor Paterson, Operations Manager/Site Manager Melville. Charlie was awarded for his bravery—removing a snake from the Cockburn office when no external services were available which allowed appointments to go ahead as scheduled so that service delivery was not disrupted.

Telka Elliott, Site Manager Rockingham, receiving award from Brian Park, Managing Director.

David, Team Coordinator, receiving award from Telka Elliott, Site Manager Rockingham. Telka and David were recognised for their combined efforts to handle the flood damage at the Rockingham office. Ensuring there was

minimal disruption to service delivery by having the office operational within the week of the storm damage occurring.

From Sunday 25 February

 

Back to this by Thursday 1 March

 

PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS ALL

Long-time supporter of BIZLINK and people with disabilities, Youngs WA, is pleased to extend their support through to all BIZLINK staff and clients. Simply mention BIZLINK and Youngs WA will look after you and do what they can to make life easy when it comes to your vehicle’s service and repairs. Along with the service special (pictured below) Youngs WA are happy to offer discounted service and repairs to any make/model vehicle.

Whilst BIZLINK can’t endorse this offer, we can support this business as they have supported us. Youngs WA were nominated for the 2017 BIZLINK Employer of the Year Award.

Since January 2015, Youngs WA in Victoria Park and BIZLINK have worked together to achieve great results. A key part of the BIZLINK service is to job match clients with supportive, quality employers. Troy Sabetta, Support Coordinator, with over 20 years’ experience, said of Youngs, “Ray Boni and Youngs has to be one of the most compassionate, friendly and supportive employers I have worked with. Working with Youngs, I have been able to trial innovative support strategies to ensure that Youngs quality and quantity expectations are achieved and that customer satisfaction is met, if not exceeded.”

About Youngs WA

Youngs WA Pty Ltd has been selling and servicing cars in Victoria Park, Perth for nearly 60 years. They are a West Australian family owned and operated company that previously traded under the name Youngs Holden, but now are simply called Youngs WA.

With this change they have been able to shake things up a bit (a lot actually) and this new-found freedom has given them the opportunity to make some changes to provide even better service.

As a large independent used car and service business with a massive range of used cars for sale and a lot of added benefits to boot, Youngs WA are creating a new generation of car servicing in Perth. They have spent a lot of time working on their services to give customers the best quality service at the best price possible. Plus, they are making maintaining your car a whole lot easier and much more fun. The way it should be.

Youngs WA can give customers a number of extra benefits. They have qualified and experienced technicians to carry out log book servicing on all makes and models. The latest equipment to streamline diagnosis, saving customers time and money. Last but not least, access to all the high quality genuine and after-market parts, oils and major brand tyres.

Finally, and this is important. They want all customers to know; Youngs is still in Victoria Park and able to help with all your past, present and future motoring needs. Drop in or call us about anything. You can easily find our car service centre on Albany Highway, Victoria Park, just a short distance from the Causeway—9449 9449.

OUTSTANDING EMPLOYER SUPPORT—5 YEARS & COUNTING…Dusty is coming up to completing his 5th year on the job with Ronley Holdings. Dusty has skills in welding and general metal work and the friendly people down at Ronley gave Dusty a work trial which was a good enough opportunity to prove Dusty had the skills required for a job start.

The 5 years have not been without issues and challenges for Dusty who is open to sharing that he has mental health issues, including paranoia and anxiety. Dusty and Ronley Holdings want to show that a supportive work environment can change people’s lives and help them stay well.

In this time Dusty has been admitted to hospital twice, had many medication changes and other challenges. However, what keeps Dusty employed 5 years on is his excellent attitude to wanting and needing to work including

punctuality, reliability and flexibility, friendly co-worker support and initiative. The same can be said about Dusty's employer and managers.

They have always been supportive and compassionate to Dusty in challenging times. Importantly they have been flexible, working around the challenges of his mental health and his work hours. Without this understanding and compassion Dusty would not have achieved this excellent outcome, and on top of all of that, Dusty is a real top quality bloke, you won’t meet better!!

Thanks to Troy Sabetta, Senior Support Coordinator, for this contribution. Troy has over 20 years Disability Employment Support experience, he knows a great employer when he works with one!

If you want to know the services provided by Ronley go to their informative website

www.ronley.com.auIf you need sheet metal work done consider supporting an inclusive employer.

Ronley HoldingsProudly West Australian owned since 1976.

Staff Updates

Joel Duckham, Job Search Coordinator, Rockingham

After finishing year 12, Joel went on to study events management. After completing his Diploma in Events, Joel joined Community Newspaper Group where he was a New Business Account Manager for five years. Growing up locally and being part of a circus company teaching and coaching people of all different walks of life, Joel has found his passion in giving back and seeing people reach their full potential, so he is very excited to be part of the BIZLINK team.

Tamara Leslie, Job Search Coordinator, Rockingham

Tamara Joined BIZLINK in November 2017. Prior to this, she worked as a Commercial Ceiling Fixer for seven years. Whilst working in construction Tamara has been studying her Diploma in Building and Construction to obtain her builders ticket. Tamara grew up in Kalbarri and moved down to Perth after graduating high school to accommodate her career in construction. Tamara is looking forward to the challenge of following a completely different career path and learning a new industry.

Steve Britton, Job Search Coordinator, Melville

Born in Caerleon in Wales, Steve graduated from University in Leicester with a BA (Hons) in History and Politics. Until arriving in Australia he worked with specialist housing associations developing and providing supported and transitional accommodation for a broad range of disadvantaged groups. Upon

arriving in Australia Steve was a Project Manager in the office fit-out industry. He then undertook a research and development consultancy project in the West Pilbara addressing indigenous community responses to the issue of domestic violence. Following on Steve was Senior Policy and Research Officer at the Youth Affairs Council of WA for about nine years before entering the then Job Network based in Busselton. He spent nearly seven years supervising vineyards in the Margaret River area. Returning to Perth, Steve began participating in examination supervision at Curtin University and moved to supervising Alternative Education Assessment for students with exceptional requirements. Shortly after he re-entered employment services through DES in the belief that he had something positive to contribute; and hence to BIZLINK where he hopes to make a difference to our clients employment experiences

and opportunities.

Alex Finney, Administration Assistant, Rockingham

Originally from the UK, Alex travelled to Australia in 2012 on a Working Holiday visa and after falling in love with the laid back lifestyle made the decision to settle here permanently, spending five years in Bunbury before moving to Perth in 2017. Alex holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and Post Graduate Certificate in Welfare from UCLAN and is currently studying part-time towards a Diploma in Human Resources Management and Business Administration to further expand her skills and experience. Alex has worked in various roles in Administration, Customer Service and Hospitality in a number of industries. Volunteering is passion and she has worked with Barnardos as a mentor for young people in foster care. Alex is excited to work with BIZLINK and be part of a positive team dedicated to making a difference.

Sharleis Roxburgh, Employment Coordinator, Cockburn Central

Originally from New Zealand, Sharleis moved to WA in 2015 to seek new opportunities. She worked for the Ministry of Social Development, specifically,

Work and Income which provides employment services and financial assistance throughout New Zealand. Sharleis has worked as a Case Manager, assisting clients to secure employment, undertake training and ensure they were receiving the correct financial assistance and entitlements. From 2012 to 2015, she had a part time role as a Crisis Line Responder. Upon arriving in WA in 2015, she commenced work in JobActive with The Salvation Army Employment Plus as a Job Coach, preparing and supporting job seekers for

and into employment. In her spare time, you will often find Sharleis with her family, grandson and dog at the beach, she loves the Perth lifestyle.

Rosemarie Horsley, Support Coordinator, Cockburn Central

Rosemarie grew up in Durban, South Africa. She began her career in Human Resources. One of her greatest achievements was being a trustee and Board member on the Engen Medical Benefit Fund. She moved to Perth in 2002 and began working in Human Resources at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Rosemarie has worked in the disability sector for 13 years which has given her a great sense of accomplishment. She worked at Options (2004-2017) and Forrest Personnel (2017), she has qualifications in Business Management and Cert III & IV in Disability (Employment Services). Rosemarie has a passion for assisting job seekers with a disability to secure and maintain meaningful employment and she is very excited about working with BIZLINK and its amazing team.

Help save paper—use EmailBIZLINK wants to save time and money – whilst helping the environment - by emailing whenever possible. To get BIZZYBODIES emailed, please email bizlink@bizlink.asn.au Your personal information is protected by the Australian Privacy Principles. Let your Coordinator know if you change your email.

Got a Story to Share?We love sharing client’s stories about their career and other achievements. Let your Coordinator know if you have something you would like published in BIZZYBODIES and/or posted on our Facebook page.

www.facebook.com/bizlinkqualityemployment

Getting Information How You Need ItBIZLINK assists people with a range of abilities. Staff can read and explain this information, or we can provide the information in different ways, such as in large print, another language or electronically, as needed.

Please discuss with your Coordinator or contact BIZLINK.

Refer a FriendIf you have a friend or know of someone who may like to register with BIZLINK ask them to give us a call:

1300 780 789BIZLINK provides Employment Support Services from our offices in East Perth, Melville, Cockburn Central, Rockingham, Joondalup, Innaloo and Midland. Disability Employment Services are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS).

BIZLINK has been dedicated to securing and supporting quality open employment since 1992 and has the experience and results to provide the best employment support service.

We provide:

A free service Personalised job-matching Job training and skills development Individualised assistance On-site support

If you do not wish to receive further copies of BIZZYBODIES please contact BIZLINK

Tel: 1300 780 789 Post: PO Box 284 Joondalup 6919 ABN: 28 473 809 505East Perth Melville Cockburn Central Rockingham Joondalup

Innaloo MidlandJob-matching | Training | Support | Careers |

www.bizlink.asn.au