Health Services Step Up Group Program Case Studies

Our Step Up program is on offer in either a 3 or 5 day format. During this group workshop Job Seekers will be presented with a range of evidence based psychological interventions assisting them in overcoming personal and physical barriers including: Stress; Low motivation; Poor physical health; and Limited goal setting skills. Individually they will have a counselling session to assist them in developing personal strategies to overcome issues they feel about returning to or sustaining employment.

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Case Study 1:

In July 2009, a stream 4 client presented to our Tuggeranong site and was identified by our Employment Consultant as facing a number of barriers including: being delusional; having personal hygiene issues; literacy problems; poor work history; housing and financial problems; and lack of communication skills.

The client was referred to the Step Up program where we worked with him on his personal grooming and presentation, motivation, work and communication skills and how to best manage his literacy issues with potential employers. The client was referred to two positions that matched his interests and experience at the end of the Step Up program and was successful in gaining permanent employment from one of those interviews.

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Case Study 2:

A Job Seeker was recently released from incarceration for good behaviour after serving 4 years for assault. He is indigenous and disclosed difficulties he experienced growing up in a remote community due to neglect and abandonment. He presented as shy, very reserved, lacked self esteem and had trust issues. We were able to negotiate with him to attend our Step Up program to overcome these barriers and assist him with setting life goals.

At first he had difficulties in working in a group environment, yet he participated fully, engaged well and demonstrated bravery and openness during the group. He soon bonded with his colleagues and we all saw the transformation whereby he grew in self esteem, assertiveness, positive outlook and motivation. He spoke of how good he found the program and how beneficial it was, even referring other Job Seekers to attend. A week following the program he went for his drivers licence, obtained a push bike for transportation and successfully gained employment in a landscaping position within a Government department. He is still employed and regular contact is maintained with the client.