LOCAL disability support provider Bluebird Support Services offers a wonderful program called ‘Finding and Keeping a Job Services’.

This is designed to help Bluebird participants learn new skills in order for them to become job ready and work independently on the open employment market.

“We are pleased to announce over the past 6 months we have worked with two Bluebird participants to connect them with work experience in the local community,” Bluebird Support Services coordinator Olivia Noble told News Of The Area.

“Lee commenced work experience at the Macksville Ex Services Club and with support and assistance from Bluebird Support Workers to obtain job qualifications which included an RSA certificate she has now found her first paid employment in the open market at the age of 57.”

Lee isn’t the only successful Bluebird to fly into the Nambucca Valley workforce.

Bluebird Support Services have supported James with work experience at the Nambucca Valley Aquaponics farm.

His tasks include harvesting all the fresh locally grown vegetables on the farm, packaging the edible flowers and general farm hand assistant duties.

Bluebird works with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants to help them achieve their goals.

“James had an NDIS goal to secure work in mainstream employment,” Olivia said.

“Bluebird provided on-site support to ensure James felt comfortable and supported while at work and helped James test the waters to find the job that he enjoyed,” Olivia said.

The NDIS can fund support for participants who need help to pursue their goals for employment.

“The sooner we can start talking about employment goals the sooner we can start building on skills and looking for work for each individual,” Olivia said.

Bluebird Support Services is a registered NDIS provider and can offer those with NDIS packages in the Nambucca Valley support through a variety of programs.

To help individuals access the ‘Finding and Keeping a Job Services’ program, Bluebird engages local businesses to form the connections needed to enable both work experience and potential employment.

 

By Tamara MCWILLIAM