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| NEPS Client Information Kit | |||||||||||
YOU'VE HAD YOUR INITIAL INTERVIEW AT
THE NEPS CENTRE... WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? You will have registered for attendance at 'How to Get That Job'. After the 8 weeks of group sessions have come to an end, your EC will meet with you on a regular basis and discuss in more detail, how The NEPS Centre can assist you to gain and maintain work. SO NOW YOU'VE MET YOUR EC... WHAT'S THIS "IEP" PEOPLE KEEP TALKING ABOUT? The IEP or Individual Employment Plan is a plan formulated by your EC and yourself. It outlines your overall goal and the steps that are required for you to achieve your goals, who is responsible for each step and the date for each step to start and be completed by. The IEP is reviewed every 6 to 8 weeks to ensure you are on track to achieving your goal.
WHAT OTHER THINGS MIGHT YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH?
The NEPS Centre works together with many other agencies to ensure people's needs are being met. So although The NEPS Centre's primary focus is to assist you in gaining and maintaining work, if there are other areas of your life where you feel you may need some assistance, your EC may be able to assist you in contacting relevant agencies. Here are some examples of areas you may need assistance with:
YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES AT THE NEPS CENTRE
Your rights as a client at The NEPS Centre include:
To ensure that everyone who attends The NEPS Centre is treated fairly and with respect, whether they be a client, staff member or visitor, it is important to acknowledge that along with an individual's rights also comes responsibilities.
THE AUTHORITY FORM - WHY DID YOU SIGN IT?
When you initially filled out the application form you were asked to complete an authority form. This signed form allows us to contact people, such as your doctor, case manager, previous or past employers, that you have indicated would be able to assist us with your job search program. Being able to talk to these people will ensure that we are all working together to assist you in realising your goal of employment. To guarantee we maintain up to date details of all those involved in supporting your employment goals, and to also give you the opportunity to review the list, we will ask you to complete these forms at least once every 6 months. HOW CONFIDENTIAL IS THE INFORMATION I GIVE MY EC?
As mentioned above, your EC can only speak to people to whom you have given written authority. On commencement at The NEPS Centre, your information will be stored in a file, which in turn will be kept in a locked filing cabinet. If you wish to see your file, just ask your EC and they can go through it with you. Alternatively, you may wish to view it independently. DO I HAVE TO DISCLOSE MY CONDITION TO AN EMPLOYER?
At the initial interview you will have been asked about whether you would disclose you condition to an employer. It is YOUR CHOICE and there is no right or wrong answer to this question as it differs from person to person and from job to job. The issue of disclosure is something we take very seriously at The NEPS Centre, and your EC is guided by what, if anything, YOU want to disclose. You may want to discuss this issue further with your EC. HOW ARE YOU GOING? - THE CASE REVIEW PROCESS
Every 6 to 8 weeks the Manager and your EC will meet to discuss your achievements to date. This process is to ensure that your program is progressing and that you on the road to achieving your goal of employment, as outlined in your IEP. Each client is more than welcome to participate in this discussion. To ensure that you are aware of when some of these meetings are taking place, you will receive a letter inviting you to attend. You can choose not to come, however we believe it's always nice to be asked. Examples of areas discussed at this meeting: If you are job seeking:
If you are working:
WHO'S WHO AT THE NEPS CENTRE?
The NEPS Centre was established in Melbourne in 1992, and specialises in employment assistance for people who have a mental illness. It is funded by the Department of Family & Community Services. The NEPS Centre began operating in Brisbane in July 1998 and staff have interviewed over 200 people interested in receiving employment services from the agency. Over the past 8 years, The NEPS Centre has assisted hundreds of people who have a mental illness find and maintain employment. When you compare the outcomes of the NEPS Centre to other employment agencies working with people who have a psychiatric disability in 1996/1997 year, The NEPS Centre provided:
As The NEPS Centre is a non-profit agency, it is overseen by a Board of Management, which has a chairperson, deputy chair, treasurer, secretary and ordinary members. This Board has members in both Melbourne and Brisbane and meets via telephone conferencing once a month. The general day to day running of The NEPS Centre is conducted by the Executive Officer, Ms Erica Ruck. Here's a flow chart to give you an idea of what the organisation looks like: STAFF PROFILES
The staff of The NEPS Centre Brisbane have come together from diverse backgrounds. We believe this diversity is a significant strength of our team and the services we offer to the clients of our agency. The team is introduced below: The Manager:
Ms Marty Golding
The Intake Coordinator:
Ms Maria Conroy
Ms Conroy has many years' experience in the administration and personnel fields both in Australia and overseas. Her experience includes job evaluations and advertising vacancies, research and preparation of reports, co-ordination of personnel services, and data collection and recording. Ms Conroy's most recent experience was with the Victorian Accident Rehabilitation Council (VARC). In this position, she worked with service providers, case managers and clients with a disability. Ms Conroy's previous experience included working in a government department as a Special Placement Recruitment Officer where her duties included recommending applicants with a disability certain positions. Both these positions have provided Ms Conroy with the opportunity to increase her awareness of the real challenges faced by people with a disability in gaining and maintaining employment. Ms Conroy moved to Queensland from Melbourne and speaks Greek fluently. The Employment Consultants:
Ms Christine Randall Ms Randall graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. For the past ten years she has been employed as a Physiotherapist working with adults with various disabilities in several different settings both in Australia and Europe. In Switzerland her experience included working with gainfully employed adults with disability. This involved adapting workstations and work techniques, liaising with workers, supervisor and employers, as well as providing training for specific tasks, among other things. Ms Randall is currently studying for a Master of Human Services majoring in Rehabilitation Counselling at Griffith University. Her particular fields of interest include a variety of disability issues, as well as the connection between physical and mental health. Ms Randall had developed a firm belief in holistic health as a result of working with many people with various pain syndromes, postural problems and movement deficits. Ms Randall believes people should not be treated as a set of symptoms. [TOP]Mr Staskia Wiatrowski Mr Wiatrowski has recently commenced as an Employment Consultant at The NEPS Centre. Prior to this he worked for some years at the Mental health Association of Queensland as Information Services Coordinator, education and informing the general public about a variety of issues, in mental health, and working directly with consumers, promoting self-help strategies and dealing is issues of stigma and acceptance. Prior to this he has worked a Team Leader for an Alcohol Treatment Clinic in the United Kingdom, which involved group work and goals-setting for clients. Mr Wiatrowski also managed a SkillShare Project through the changeover from the old Community Youth Support Scheme, back in the late 1980's. His aim is to combine his strong personal interest in mental health issues with a practical response to job-search and mob maintenance. Mr Wiatrowski works form the philosophy that all people have personal strengths that can be developed to assist them in finding meaning and fulfillment in their lives. Mr Wiatrowksi holds a Bachelor of Arts with a double (almost triple) major in psychology from the University of Queensland. He also has a Diploma in Education from the same University and a Masters Qualifying in History. [TOP]Ms Nerida Sturges Ms Sturges holds an Honours degree in Psychology and is currently studying for her Ph.D. in Organisational Psychology. She is registered as a Psychologist within the state of Queensland, and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and The Australian Human Resource Institute. Ms Sturges has worked for 18 months as part of the teaching team in Griffith University's School of Applied Psychology. She has also worked as a psychological test administrator, using personality tests, intelligence tests, interest inventories and vocational tests for recruitment and selection purposes. She is a registered Harassment Contact Officer for Griffith University. Ms Sturges has also worked for two separate programs in a tutoring/mentoring capacity for students with a vocational disadvantage - firstly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander University students, and secondly with Year Twelve students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Ms Sturges has been with The NEPS Centre since it opened, where she initially worked as a part-time Employment Consultant. She then changed roles to focus on developing The NEPS Centre's marketing material. Her role currently involves writing and implementing group-training programs, to prepare clients for the job search process. [TOP]Mr Terry Symonds Mr Symonds has worked as a full-time Employment Consultant with The NEPS Centre since 1998. Prior to joining The NEPS Centre, Mr Symonds worked in another disability employment service and has an understanding of the issues and challenges faced by individuals with various disabilities in their search for meaningful employment. Mr Symonds holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland, majoring in Sociology and Government. He is currently undertaking post-graduate study in Mental Health Promotion at the University of Queensland. Jamie Lee Ms Lee graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Social Work. She has worked with adults in a wide variety of fields, including employment and counselling services, physical disability, mental health and intellectual disability. This has also provided her with the opportunity to pursue an interest in health policy development.
Ms Lee has the belief that all people have their own set of unique strengths and that they can be utilised to fulfill not only their own lives, but enrich the lives of those around them. Currently finishing her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy Studies, she is looking to be able to combine and apply her knowledge obtained from both professions. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE NEPS CENTRE
An Employer
"From the outset NEPS..was readily available for support,
re-assessment and suggestions to make the employment at Padua
worthwhile for this employee and the school..I know that working
with this employee has given me a greater appreciation of
the difficulties and discrimination suffered by people with
mental illness. This appreciation was only possible through
the support, skill and expertise of the NEPS Centre."
Mark Taylor Faculty Head of Business and Technology, Padua
College.
A Client
"Before I got my job, I was pretty low. I wasn't sure
if I would get a job, or the number of hours that I wanted.
It stressed me out to think that I might be on the pension
for the rest of my life. I started using the internet seriously,
and sorting out in my mind how I was going to get a job.
I discussed job hunting with my EC. We picked a telephone
number out of the phone book and decided to cal them as
practice for canvassing. It was pot-luck that there was
an opportunity for a job with the first number we tried.
We managed to get an interview and I was offered the job
almost as soon as I walked through the door. Since getting
the job, things have only got better. I'm finally working
in a safe stable and pleasant environment...focus on the
positive things, not negativity.realising that people do
accept you even if you have an illness " or a disability,
getting the gratification of work-mates asking how you are
and checking on how you are going - it makes it easier to
get in and do your job each day"... Luke
PROGRAMS OFFERED AT THE NEPS CENTRE
The NEPS Centre Brisbane offers specialised programs for both job seekers & workers to assist clients in developing the skills essential to both obtaining and maintaining employment. Job Club
Job Club is held once a week on a Monday Morning (9.30am
to 11.30am) at The NEPS Centre. Everyone interested in finding
employment is invited to attend. Remember persistence and
routine is essential to be successful in job-search! "You've
got to be in it to win it"...is a very appropriate
slogan for job hunting.
So if you are having difficulty in establishing a job search routine, feel you could benefit from extra assistance or find independent job search uninspiring and would prefer to look for work with others - then come along. All the resources central to looking for work are available - computers, telephones and telephone books, employment sections, the Internet and a very helpful employment consultant. And most importantly coffee, tea and biscuits. The NEPS Centre also has job search skills groups that
are specifically designed to assist clients with job related
activities such as writing canvassing letters, how to cold
canvass, what to say at interviews, how to answer "tricky"
questions and how to prepare for interviews. These groups
run throughout the year so let your EC know if you are interested.
These sessions will give you the skills and confidence to
be successful in gaining work. Once every quarter, on a Saturday, The NEPS Centre Brisbane
hosts a workers event. All clients of the agency who have
worked, or who are currently working are invited to join
us. This is an opportunity for people to come together,
meet others in a similar situation, and share experiences
and resources that contribute to enjoyable living and working
in a relaxed environment. A range of topics are discussed
with each evening focusing on a particular theme. Topics
to date have included "how to say NO", "employees
rights and responsibilities" and "financial planning".
Letters of invitation are sent out before the day to let
you know the topic under discussion. "How to Get That Job" has been developed for people commencing a program at The NEPS Centre Brisbane. The program is designed to assist you in developing and enhancing the skills essential to successful job search. The program runs for two days per week, 10.00 to 1.00 for 8 weeks. This program is based on the belief that people are more likely to be successful if they are 'doing' and enjoying themselves. There will be guest speakers such as employers, clients currently employed and all the staff of The NEPS Centre will also be involved. We'll see you there!!! TRANSFER OF EC
Once you commence your NEPS Program you will be linked with an EC who will assist you with your program. It is possible to transfer to another EC. This sometimes happens due to people feeling more comfortable working with someone else or the focus of your program may have changed. If you wish to do this please contact Marty Golding, so she can discuss your needs and arrange a meeting with another EC. CLOSING YOUR PROGRAM WITH THE NEPS CENTRE
As there are no set timeframes for programs with the agency, it is possible for you or your EC (after consultation with yourself) to close your program at any time. This may happen for a variety of reasons including ill health, changes to your living arrangement or goals, or you may wish to transfer to another agency. If you wish to close your NEPS program you are encouraged to discuss this with your EC or Marty Golding. CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT IN THE NEPS CENTRE
Since its inception, The NEPS Centre has been determined to ensure an extremely strong focus on consumer participation in service planning and operation. In 1996, The NEPS Centre's expertise in this area was highlighted by the preparation and presentation of a paper on this very subject: "Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Developing Non-Tokenistic Consumer Participation Practices in Employment Services". This Paper, developed by Caroline Morris at NEPS Melbourne, demonstrates our commitment to genuine consumer participation and has been presented by staff and consumers at a number of conferences. Some of the internal mechanisms for encouraging consumer participation at The NEPS Centre are outlined below. CLIENT FEEDBACK FORMS
Clients at The NEPS Centre receive questionnaires regarding service delivery quality. These forms are returned anonymously to the manager and clients are invited to discuss any concerns they may have directly with the manager. Information from the feedback forms is acted upon promptly by Marty Golding, either by discussions with individual EC's or at fortnightly staff meetings. CONSUMERS ON THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
Three consumers currently hold positions on The NEPS Board of Management, including the president's role. These consumers receive support for their role from one of the members of the BOM and The NEPS Executive Officer. In addition, several members of the Board of Management have either personal or immediate family experience of psychiatric disability. DISABILITY SERVICE STANDARDS SELF-ASSESSMENT
In the most recent Standards Self-Assessment Process, consumers of NEPS Brisbane were asked to participate through (1) the NEPS NEWS letter, (2) an individual letter to each client of the service, and (3) poster advertising within The NEPS Centre itself. The letter offered clients 3 ways in which they may wish to participate in the assessment through: attending a group evaluation session run at NEPS by an independent advocate; filling in the Standards Self-Assessment Questionnaire; and individual discussions with an independent advocate. CLIENT INVOLVEMENT IN NEPS FUNCTIONS
The NEPS Centre Brisbane has run a number of client focussed functions, including barbecues, Melbourne Cup luncheons, and breakfasts. The intent of these functions is to encourage clients to resource each other, to help clients gain confidence when they meet past clients who have gained and maintained work, and to provide NEPS with a mechanism for informal feedback on our service provision. If you would like to assist with organising these functions or have some ideas please let us know. HOW CAN YOU HELP US TO IMPROVE WHAT WE DO?
The NEPS Centre Brisbane is always keen to hear your ideas and feedback. Telling us about your ideas & giving us your feedback (including complaints) will help us to further develop and build on the services we offer at the agency. If you decide to do this, then anything you say or write will be kept confidential. Importantly the quality of service you receive from NEPS will not change as a result of your feedback & comments. Some clients worry that if they give negative feedback or make a compliant then they will not be given a good service in the future - this will not happen! You can tell us what you think in a number of ways:
We look forward to hearing from you - please help us to run a great service! COMPLAINTS & GRIEVANCES - WHO TO CONTACT
If you believe that you have a complaint or grievance about The NEPS Centre, there are several ways that it can be resolved.
THE NEPS CENTRE, BRISBANE - EXTERNAL AGENCIES
CONTACT DETAILS FOR COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES
REGISTRY AT ONE AGENCY ONLY
Guidelines laid down by The NEPS Centre's funding body, The Department of Family and Community Services, advises that clients seeking employment related services can only receive a service from one similarly funded agency. Individuals who are receiving a service from Flex 3 - intensive case management services are not eligible to receive a service from The NEPS Centre at the same time. However, individuals are eligible to receive job-matching services from the Job Network providers at the same time as attending The NEPS Centre. If you would like further clarification on this matter, please contact us. [TOP]
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