Property management assistant Kayla isn’t one to complain about the “daily grind”. Rather, she looks forward with anticipation and excitement to each new day of work at Merrifield Real Estate.
Kayla’s journey from job seeker to established, long-term employee has been made much smoother thanks to the involvement of headspace Albany – specifically, vocational specialist Connie Ruffo.
Around 2.5 years ago, Kayla discovered the Individual Placement and Support program at headspace Albany, which exists specifically to assist young people in pursuing their employment and training goals.
With Connie’s assistance, Kayla interviewed for a receptionist role, which she was then offered.
“Connie Ruffo and the vocational team at headspace are fabulous,” Kayla explains. “They are so helpful and were determined to help me find my dream job in a supportive workplace. They also continued their support, even after they found me my dream job, so they could help with any queries or questions while navigating the new job and workplace.”
Over the next couple of years, Connie stayed in touch with Kayla. “Connie maintained her contact with me throughout the whole IPS process. We caught up often, either for coffee or for lunch, whether I had anything I needed help with or not.
“We would chat about how I could improve at work or what strategies I could implement in my workplace at Merrifield Real Estate. Connie would follow up with me even between meetings to see how I was tracking month to month; her support was never restricted, and she was always open to having a chat.”
Kayla has now progressed to a property management assistant role, which she relishes.
“I highly recommend sitting down with Connie and taking advantage of the vocational services headspace Albany has on offer. I was sceptical at first, but after that first meeting with Connie I was hooked, and I was so excited to go back the following week to see what we would cover in our next meeting.
“Connie and the IPS team were a wonderful help, they made me feel welcome and very supported, plus they helped me find my dream job!
“I highly recommend Connie and the whole IPS team to assist anyone who could be looking at finding a new job or even a new career.
“The whole team at headspace Albany also can’t go unnoticed, they do a fantastic job. They all work so closely together and it really creates a family feel when you visit the centre.
“I can’t thank them all enough for their hard work and determination, I love my job at Merrifield Real Estate!”