Coaching jobless parents back to work: a volunteer-led social initiative

1. Coaching jobless parents back to work:a volunteer-led social initiative Tracey Fay, Occupational Therapist

2. Who we are • We are Australia’s first charity • We are an independent, non-religious organisation established in 1813 • We have been a catalyst for social change for 200 years, tackling some of Australia’s most difficult issues • eg. Lobbying to abolish child labour and campaigning for the introduction of the old age pension • Through our work we help people to change their lives • Through our advocacy work we influence policy to fight for a fairer Australia

3. Cognitive and social – emotional competence Parental employment (SES) is linked to child outcome2 epidemiological hypotheses Shonkoff, Boyce & Mc Ewen, 2009. JAMA 301,2252- 2259

4. Return To Work Course- Aims & Content Foster confidence, communication and stress management skills. Provide job readiness skills & mentoring

5. Participants’ needs Substance abuse Parental mental health Domestic violence + PARENT CHILD Lack of family/social supports Parenting difficulties

6. Marketing the Course Benefits of this course: • Incremental “step by step”, goal setting. • Builds on parenting skills e.g. time management, budgeting. • Mentoring in small, cohesive & supportive groups. • Hands-on approach e.g. résumé writing, interview skills, body language, dress sense. • Emphasis on self confidence & stress management. Return to Work Course

7. Participants’ demographics Average 2 children in family Ages 4-7 yrs 95% not working 40% on welfare payments Average age 39 yrs Average education 14.2 years Semi skilled work 5 years unemployed 41% single parent families 59% CALD (only 1 ATSI) Based on demographic data N=17

8. Self reported top 3 barriers to employment Based on demographic data N=17

9. Return to Work Outcomes • 38 women completed courses in Northern Sydney, Rosebery & Bankstown • Program was funded by volunteers’ own fund raising efforts (Friends for Scarba) • 27% women found paid employment (1 mth post course) • 14% started volunteer work • 9% enrolled in further training • 50% remained unemployed

10. Course increased job readiness (self-rated) very ready not ready

11. Participant satisfaction ratingswere high (N=21) I have a better idea of suitable jobs 1 2 3 4 5 I have more confidence to job seek 1 2 3 4 5 I can manage my stress better 1 2 3 4 5 I know how to write my resume 1 2 3 4 5 I feel more competent in interviews 1 2 3 4 5

12. What participants liked? • Facilitators: friendly, understanding, helpful, one-on-one support. • Stress management • Practical skills: e.g.resume • “Still a bit nervous, but determined to overcome that feeling” • “Very practical advice that will enable me to prepare well for an interview”

13. Feedback from volunteers • What they liked most? • making a difference in peoples lives • active involvement (driving the course), sharing experiences, using their skills/expertise. • What they liked least? • limitations in reducing clients’ stressors • absenteeism

14. Program coordinator - architect rather than builder • coordinates & evaluates, but does not lead the program; • ensure policies, procedures and regulations are adhered to (e.g. OHS), • provides the scaffolding (evidence based practice) for effective implementation

15. Future Steps • Business plan • Extend the course within TBS • Men’s course 2013 • Increase volunteers • Modify course , include “booster” sessions.

16. Thank you traceyf@bensoc.org.au www.bensoc.org.au