[Sub ID 4449] Navigators for school leavers with a disability (Western District Employment Access)

Submission ID: 4449
Organisation name: WDEA
Contact name: Mr Barrie Elvish
State: VIC
Contact email: barrieelvish@wdea.org.au
Contact number: 0403466629

Which priority group of the Try, Test and Learn Fund does your idea support?
Young parents, Young students at risk of long-term unemployment

What need or issue are you trying to address?
The issue that WDEA has identified is the transition to work for at risk school leavers and/or students with special needs. School leavers, (and/or their carer/s) in this situation are often not sure a). what employment entry options may be available, b). the best option for their immediate needs or c). the option that enables potential/future transition to increased employment options.
This scenario may also have applicability for unemployed and/or at risk young parents or those with special needs.

What is your idea?
Using an employment continuum model, facilitated by one “navigator” and with multiple entry points, relevant school leavers will be assessed for their initial employment capabilities. At mutually agreed regular intervals, and with input from all key stakeholders, a clients employment status will be measured against jointly agreed outcomes to identify their preparedness to transition to alternative employment options. For example a client may join WDEA as a part time ADE employee, then transition to full time ADE and later part time mainstream employment and so on. BY engaging the client, employer, carer and any other stakeholders the navigator can steward the client through the continuum.