Employment Consultants (Disability Services)

Job No: 16396

Location: Ryde, NSW

About the Organisation

New Horizons is a progressive not-for-profit community based organisation, which has been operating since 1981.

The organisation provides services in supported accommodation, supported employment and aged care for over 1200 people. New Horizons' non-profit commercial packaging service specialises in providing solutions for commercial clients while providing employment for people with a disability.

The organisation's head office is in North Ryde, however services are provided in the Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter, Mid North Coast, Blue Mountains and Northern Rivers regions. New Horizons is growing rapidly, with approximately 520 employees in NSW.

About the Opportunity

New Horizons has been successful to deliver Disability Employment Services (DES) to the regions of Ryde, Port Macquarie and Tweed Heads as specialised mental health provider. This compliments the organisation's existing Disability Employment Network (DEN) which has successfully operated in Newcastle over the past three years.

Commencing 1 March, 2010, Disability Employment Services will provide individual, flexible, tailor-made support to people who have a diagnosed mental health issue, with a holistic focus to improve the person's existing circumstances and barriers through sustainable education and/or employment opportunities.

New Horizons is seeking highly motivated Employment Consultants to establish a new team in Ryde. You will also be responsible for enhancing the abilities of people to develop sustainable and positive outcomes.

More specifically, some of your key duties and responsibilities will be to:

• Deliver the program in manner which provides holistic support to improve the persons existing circumstances and barriers;
• Assist and enable people to maximise their independence and participation in the community by achieving meaningful education and/or employment outcomes;
• Maintain a high level of contract and operational knowledge;
• Manage a caseload;
• Maintain accurate and timely records to achieve required outcomes;
• Identify, in partnership with all stakeholders, employers and mental health providers, opportunities that lead to improved outcomes for each person;
• Provide extensive post placement support using strong negotiation techniques to ensure continued education and/or employment outcomes; and
• Develop and promote New Horizons services to the local community to achieve expansion of service delivery.

To be successful in the role, you will have a sound knowledge and understanding of case management principles in providing services to people with a disability and/or mental health issue. You will either hold tertiary qualifications in Community Welfare, Counselling, Disability, Human Resources, Mental Health, Social Science or Social Welfare. A comprehensive understanding of the Disability Service Standards and Mental Health Standards will be desirable.

New Horizons is seeking individuals who are outcome focused with experience in employment services (disability or job network), vocational rehabilitation, personal support, social welfare or similar. A pivotal part of the role will be to build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with key individuals, stakeholders employers and mental health providers in the community.

To succeed you will possess an excellent ability to prioritise and manage your time efficiently, will be highly skilled in administration, and will demonstrate intermediate computer literacy. A current NSW Drivers Licence with reliable vehicle is essential. An enthusiasm for working with people with a disability and a genuine desire to help others and improve the quality of life will be paramount to your success! Employment in this position is subject to a satisfactory Criminal Record check.

The successful candidates will be rewarded with above award wages circa $53,000 - $54,000 p.a. and salary packaging options are available. You will also receive a car allowance and a rostered day off each month! New Horizons offers a family friendly workplace, with fantastic working conditions. The organisation truly values its employees, and actively encourages training and further study.

These pivotal, rewarding roles will provide immense job satisfaction, and you will finish each working day knowing you have improved the lives of others and truly made a difference within the community!

Please note: Applications must be received by 5pm Wednesday 17th March 2010.