YOUTH EMPLOYMENT Services

Our SLES Specialists work with a small number of participants, allowing us to focus on the key areas where each participant requires support. For example, money handling, work experience, time management skills, job-ready skills, communication skills, travel skills, discovery activities, and personal development skills. We work with our participants individually on a weekly basis for at least 52 weeks. Our goal is to assist our clients in moving towards gaining and sustaining employment either while at school or post-school.

SLES are  designed to assist young people with disabilities in transitioning from school to employment or further education and training. These programs recognise the unique challenges faced by young people with disabilities as they enter the workforce and aim to provide them with the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in their chosen career paths. Here's an overview of School Leaver Employment Supports and how they help young people with disabilities:

Transition Planning: 

SLES programs typically begin with transition planning, where participants work with Support Coordinators or Transition Planners to identify their goals, strengths, interests, and support needs. This process helps participants develop a clear vision for their future and set realistic and achievable goals for employment, further education, or vocational training.

Skills Development: 

YOU Queensland's SLES programs offer a range of skills development activities to enhance participants' employability and independence. These activities may include job readiness training, resume writing, interview preparation, communication skills development, workplace etiquette, and practical skills training relevant to specific industries or job roles.

Work Experience and Internships: 

To gain real-world work experience and explore different career options, our SLES participants are often provided opportunities for supported work experience placements or internships. These placements allow participants to develop practical skills, gain insight into different industries, build confidence in a professional setting, and establish valuable connections with employers.

Job Coaching and Support: 

Participants in our SLES programs receive ongoing job coaching and support from employment specialists or job coaches. Our staff provide individualised support tailored to the participant's needs, including on-the-job training, task instruction, problem-solving, and assistance with workplace adjustments or accommodations to ensure success in the workplace.

Transition to Open Employment: 

The ultimate goal of SLES is to support young people with a disability in transitioning to open employment or further education upon completion of the. Employment support specialists work closely with participants to explore job opportunities, assist with job applications, facilitate job interviews, and provide ongoing support after securing employment to ensure successful integration into the workforce.

Community Engagement and Social Inclusion: 

YOU Queensland's SLES also focus on fostering social inclusion and community engagement among participants. Through group activities, peer support networks, and community outings,  participants have opportunities to develop social skills, build friendships, and connect with their local community, which are essential for overall well-being and quality of life.

Collaboration with Employers and Community Partners: 

YOU Queensland collaborates with employers, industry partners, vocational training institutions, and community organisations to create inclusive and supportive environments for young people with disabilities. By working together, we can advocate for inclusive hiring practices, provide training opportunities, and establish supportive networks to facilitate the successful transition of young people with disabilities into the workforce.

Overall, School Leaver Employment Supports at YOU Queensland are vital in empowering young people with disabilities to achieve their employment and career goals, build meaningful and fulfilling lives, and contribute to their communities. By providing tailored support, skills development, work experience, and ongoing assistance, our programs help bridge the gap between school and employment for young people with disabilities, opening doors to new opportunities and a brighter future.

Our vision of Employment Supports is simple. Every person should have the same opportunity for employment regardless of disability. It is our mission to live in a community where individuals with a disability have the opportunity to be employed in the field, role, and type of employment they are interested in. 

Our team has extensive experience in Disability Employment Services and is well-qualified to understand the different supports necessary for successfully maintaining employment. Our specialists have assisted hundreds of people with disabilities into employment within the Fraser Coast and Gympie Regions. We adopt a person-centred approach to the discovery of employment opportunities through hobbies, interests, experience and skills.

YOU Queensland delivers Specialised Employment Support by providing tailored assistance and guidance to individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, or other barriers to employment, helping them achieve their vocational goals and successfully enter or retain employment. Here's how YOU Queensland typically delivers Specialised Employment Support:

Individualised Assessment and Planning:

• YOU Queensland conducts a comprehensive assessment with the client to identify their vocational interests, skills, strengths, and support needs.
• Employment Support Specialists work collaboratively with the client to develop a personalised employment plan that outlines clear goals, action steps, and timelines for achieving vocational success.

Vocational Counselling and Guidance:

• YOU Queensland provides vocational counselling and guidance to help clients explore career options, clarify their career goals, and make informed decisions about their employment pathways.
• Employment Support Specialists assist clients in identifying their transferable skills, interests, and preferences to match them with suitable job opportunities and vocational training programs.

Job Search Assistance and Placement:

• YOU Queensland supports clients in conducting effective job searches, preparing job applications, resumes, and cover letters, and practising interview skills.
• Employment Support Specialists assist clients in accessing job placement services, job fairs, and networking events and facilitate connections with potential employers to secure meaningful employment opportunities.

Skill Development and Training:

• YOU Queensland provides skill development and training opportunities to enhance clients' employability and readiness for the workforce.
• Employment Support Specialists offer workshops, seminars, and vocational training programs tailored to the client's needs, such as computer skills training, job readiness training, and workplace communication skills development.

Workplace Support and Accommodations:

• YOU Queensland assists clients in accessing workplace accommodations, modifications, and supports to facilitate their successful employment.
• Employment Support Specialists collaborate with employers to negotiate reasonable accommodations, such as flexible work schedules, assistive technologies, or workplace modifications, to address the client's specific needs and ensure their success in the workplace.

Job Retention and Career Advancement:

• YOU Queensland supports clients in retaining employment and advancing their careers through ongoing coaching, mentoring, and skill development.
• Employment Support Specialists provide post-employment support to address any challenges or barriers that arise, offer career counselling and guidance for career progression, and facilitate access to further training and professional development opportunities.

Advocacy and Community Engagement:

• YOU Queensland advocates for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and collaborates with employers, government agencies, and community organisations to promote inclusive employment practices.
• Employment Support Specialists engage with employers to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and foster partnerships to create inclusive work environments.

Overall, YOU Queensland's Specialised Employment Support Services are person-centred, goal-oriented, and holistic, aiming to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their vocational aspirations, gain meaningful employment, and thrive in the workforce. By providing tailored support, advocacy, and skill development opportunities, YOU Queensland helps clients overcome barriers to employment and build sustainable and fulfilling careers.