Advice from a disability employment specialist

This is an edited summary Talking Tips interview with Thomas Lee, CEO Job Solve, a Disability Employment Specialist serving the ACT and Queanbeyan areas.

What is a Disability Employment Specialist?

As a disability employment specialist Job Solve's clients comprise people with disability who need assistance in finding work and remaining employed in the community. The service we offer is personalised and customised to individual needs based on abilities, skills and choice of the client. This can range from writing resumes to accompanying the client to job interviews. After a job is found we provide ongoing post placement support which may include on the job training, education of co-workers on disability awareness and workplace modifications.

What are the main concerns of applicants with disabilities when applying for jobs in the open market place?

The main concern is whether they should disclose their disability to the employer. From our experience it is generally better in the long run for applicants to inform the employer upfront. As the primary concern of employers is an applicant's ability to do the job, applicants should explain how their disability, symptoms or side effects of medication, if any, do not prevent them from doing the job. Employers tend to be more supportive if they are fully aware of the person's disability in the first place. Non-disclosure can limit the amount of post placement support the person can otherwise receive.

What help do you offer clients?

Our services include preparing resumes, writing job applications, preparing for interview, sitting in on interviews, and supporting employers once they have employed a person with disability.

What do employers need to do better when considering applicants with disability?

Applicants short listed for interviews can be asked to inform the employer of any special needs they have such as hearing loop, large print, wheel chair access so they can be catered for at the interview.
Ask applicants at interview to explain fully the nature of their disability and how it may impact on their ability to perform the job applied for, so as to address concerns of the selection panel.
Employers can enlist the service of Disability Employment Specialists in their areas or the Australian Employment Network on Disability.

What tips do you have on interview etiquette for employers?

Treat the applicant as an individual, focus on the person rather than the disability of the person.
If the applicant is accompanied by another person, remember to look and speak directly at the applicant even if he or she is vision or hearing impaired.
Be patient and allow more time for an applicant with intellectual disability to respond.
Do not patronise the applicant.
Use a normal tone of voice.

You can contact Job Solve on 02 6280 6032 or visit www.jobsolve.org.au.

Dr Ann Villiers, learning guide, professional speaker and author, is Australia's only Mental NutritionistŽ specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com to learn more about Mental Nutrition. Visit www.selectioncriteria.com.au for free resources unlocking the mysteries of public service jobs.

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