coaching jobless parents back to work: a volunteer-led social initiative tracey fay, occupational...
TRANSCRIPT
Coaching jobless parents back to work:a volunteer-led social initiativeTracey Fay, Occupational Therapist
Who we are
• We are Australia’s first charity • We are an independent, non-religious organisation
established in 1813• We have been a catalyst for social change for 200 years,
tackling some of Australia’s most difficult issues– eg. Lobbying to abolish child labour and campaigning for the introduction
of the old age pension
• Through our work we help people to change their lives• Through our advocacy work we influence policy to fight
for a fairer Australia
Parental employment (SES) is linked to child outcome2 epidemiological hypotheses
• Child language effects on achievement & self-regulation
• Limited resources• Lack of opportunities
Enrichment
• Increased exposure to early life stress physiological stress
• Parental coping strategies• Parent-child relationship• Parenting quality
Exposure to stress & adversity
Shonkoff, Boyce & Mc Ewen, 2009. JAMA 301,2252- 2259
Cognitive and
social – emotional
competence
Return To Work Course- Aims & Content
Week 1
Job reality Check
Addressing boundaries
Coping with stress
Week 2
Career & goal planning
Job searching
Cover letter & Resume writing
Week 3
Communication &
Interview skills
Week 4
Simulated job interview
Week 5
Individual Coaching
Visit to Dressed for
Success
Foster confidence, communication and stress management skills.
Provide job readiness skills & mentoring
5
Participants’ needs
PARENT CHILD+Parenting difficulties
Substance abuse
Lack of family/social supports
Domestic violence
Parental mental health
6
Marketing the Course
Benefits of this course:
• Incremental “step by step”, goal setting.
• Builds on parenting skills e.g. time management, budgeting.
• Mentoring in small, cohesive & supportive groups.
• Hands-on approach e.g. résumé writing, interview skills, body language, dress sense.
• Emphasis on self confidence & stress management.
Return to Work Course
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Participants’ demographics
95% not working
40% on welfare payments
Average age
39 yrs
59% CALD
(only 1 ATSI)
41% single parent families
Average education
14.2 years
Semi skilled work
5 years unemployed
Based on demographic data N=17
Average 2 children in family
Ages 4-7 yrs
8
Self reported top 3 barriers to employment
0 2 4 6 8 10
lack skills/experience
no childcare
lack self confidence
children
lack motivation
mental health
transport
lack social support
Based on demographic data N=17
Return to Work Outcomes
• 38 women completed courses in Northern Sydney, Rosebery & Bankstown
• Program was funded by volunteers’ own fund raising efforts (Friends for Scarba)
• 27% women found paid employment (1 mth post course)
• 14% started volunteer work• 9% enrolled in further training• 50% remained unemployed
Course increased job readiness (self-rated)
very ready
not ready
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Participant satisfaction ratingswere high (N=21)I have a better idea of suitable jobs 1 2 3 4
5
I have more confidence to job seek 1 2 3 45
I can manage my stress better 1 2 34 5
I know how to write my resume 1 2 34 5
I feel more competent in interviews 1 2 3 4 5
12
What participants liked?
• Facilitators: friendly, understanding, helpful, one-on-one support.
• Stress management• Practical skills:
e.g.resume
• “Still a bit nervous, but determined to overcome that feeling”
• “Very practical advice that will enable me to prepare well for an interview”
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Feedback from volunteers
• What they liked most?– making a difference in
peoples lives– active involvement (driving
the course), sharing experiences, using their skills/expertise.
• What they liked least?– limitations in reducing
clients’ stressors– absenteeism
14
Program coordinator - architect rather than builder
• coordinates & evaluates, but does not lead the program;
• ensure policies, procedures and regulations are adhered to (e.g. OHS),
• provides the scaffolding (evidence based practice) for effective implementation
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Future Steps
• Business plan• Extend the course within
TBS• Men’s course 2013• Increase volunteers• Modify course , include
“booster” sessions.
