Flinders University Student Finds Valued Role in the Disability Sector
Patrick (Pat) Ozonwa, first heard about the benefits and potential to work in the disability sector when he attended an Information Session at Flinders University.
Currently studying in his 1st year of a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Pat was keen to explore casual work in a field which had synergy with health and social assistance. He obtained work in the aged care sector after completing a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged) earlier in 2018, however was really keen to continue learning and challenging himself in other areas.
“Knowing that I needed casual work to sustain me during my study, I thought what better way than to find work which was meaningful and what’s more, would work in well with my Uni timetable. The on-job experiences I’ve had including my experience in a health centre previously in Nigeria, have enriched my life and I thoroughly enjoy improving and updating my skills, so I can provide better person-centred support and care for residents.”
With many students studying in allied health courses at University, considering support worker roles within the disability care sector could be a perfect match.
“Lots of my study friends have worked in retail or hospitality casual jobs which are often good hours and well paid but require skills and experiences. I contacted the Disability Workforce Hub following the Flinders event to see how they could help support me to move into an organisation providing services to people with disabilities.”
“I applied to Minda Inc for Disability Support Worker roles on evening shifts and went through their staged process of recruitment and started induction the first week in November which is a great outcome for me and my future career.”
The Hub is working closely with Flinders Uni (Careers & Employability Service) to attract students studying allied health careers and giving them information about pathways (and careers) in the disability sector. The nature of the hours and work available, particularly as support workers can provide invaluable on-job experience, paid remuneration and transferable skills, while they complete their studies.
A preparation workshop for students focusing on strengths and values, elevator pitch and professional boundaries will be held in late February 2019. This will be followed by an event where students will introduce themselves to employers specifically looking to fill positions in their workforce and will be particularly targeted to students in social work, nursing and psychology.
More details available from Hilary at Career Partners Plus P 7231 5067 or by contacting Nalini at Flinders University 8201 5247