Why Finding Work Feels Impossible with a Health Condition
For a long time, going back to work felt out of reach for Jacqui.
As a single mum in Glenorchy, Tasmania raising two sons who also live with health challenges of their own, Jacqui had been out of work for an extended period. Like many people living with a disability, injury or health condition, Jacqui needed to find the right type of work that wouldn’t undo the progress she’d made managing her own health.
What Happens When Your Job Coach Changes? A Smooth Handover From Peta to Danielle
When Jacqui first connected with our Inclusive Employment Australia team, she was paired with Job Coach Peta. Partway through their work together, Peta moved into a new role within AKG.
If you’ve ever had a support person change mid-process, you know the anxiety that comes with it — will the next person understand what I need? Peta made sure that didn’t happen to Jacqui. She handed things over properly to Jacqui’s new coach, Danielle, so nothing was lost. Jacqui was apprehensive at first, but the transition was seamless enough that her progress never stalled.
Why the “Right Fit” Job Matters More Than Any Job
Danielle’s priority for Jacqui was fit over speed. Because Jacqui had been out of work for so long, placing her into just any available role risked setting her up to fail before she’d even started.
Jacqui had solid cleaning experience, and she was specific about what she needed: no house cleaning, no long shifts. She wanted bond or office cleaning work, in shifts of 3–4 hours — something that would work around her health condition and around raising two boys with their own health needs.
Danielle listened to that. Instead of pushing Jacqui toward the first available job, she held out for a role that matched what Jacqui could sustain.
How AKG’s Employer Partnerships Opened the Door to an Interview
Knowing what kind of job you need is one thing. Getting an employer to say yes is another.
That’s where Andrew, AKG’s Partnership Manager, made the difference. His existing relationships with local employers meant Jacqui wasn’t sending applications into a void and hoping for a response. Andrew connected her directly with an employer already open to the right candidate — and Jacqui nailed the interview.
The Practical Support That Made Starting Work Possible
AKG provided Jacqui with the following support:
- Applying for a Working With Vulnerable People Card
- Paying for her uniform and work shoes
- Fuel vouchers for her to get to work
By covering these essentials, we removed obstacles that make sure Jacqui’s opportunity translated into a sustained start.
The Result: 15 Hours a Week and “A Great Christmas”
Today, Jacqui is working 15 hours a week in a role that respects her health and fits around her life as a parent.
As she puts it: “Now me and the boys can have a great Christmas.”
Support that’s built around you
That’s what the right kind of support looks like. At AKG, we don’t just find you any job. We help you find the right job because our team take the time to understand exactly what you need to make it work.
If you are a person living with disability, injury or a health condition and want support with finding employment, connect with our Inclusive Employment Australia team today.
