What is Work and Study Support?
Mental health challenges can be a potential barrier to employment for young people, yet finding meaningful employment can be one of the most effective preventative factors in staying mentally well.
We provide young people with tailored, one-on-one support to help them reach their work and study goals, giving them the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to do what they want to do.
Our Work and Study Support program, based on the internationally recognised Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, is delivered by qualified and experienced specialists at four locations across Western Australia.
How does Work and Study Support help?
Our Work and Study Support specialists help young people figure out their goals, build their confidence and skills, and connect them with other professionals. The goal is to secure meaningful placements based on what a young person wants to do. This may include:
- Identifying career options
- Looking for and applying for jobs
- Exploring study options
- Transitioning into a new job or course
We have successfully secured employment for hundreds of young people in diverse roles including Art Curator, Pool Technician, Disability Support Worker, Personal Assistant, Parts Dismantler, Party Host, Apprentice Mechanic, Parcel Sorter, and Therapeutic Care.
Our Youth Counsellors and Work and Study Support specialists work closely together to support the young person.
Our Work and Study Support is available to young people aged between 15 and 25 who are currently accessing our Youth Counselling services.
- Identifying career options
- Looking for, and applying for jobs
- Writing a resume and cover letter
- Preparing for a job interview
- Exploring study options
- Enrolling in study
- Navigating community support services such as the Centrelink system
- Providing financial counselling
- Understanding workplace rights
- Transitioning into a new job or course
- Supporting the young person to maintain work when there may be some challenges
- Helping young people to talk with their employer about their mental health needs
- Balancing their mental health and wellbeing with work or study
If a young person is interested in accessing this service, they can speak to their Youth Counsellor who can submit a referral to the Work and Study program.
The Youth Counsellor will arrange an introduction with a member of our Work and Study team, and alongside our Youth Counsellor, they will discuss the program and the range of vocational supports available, to see how we can best support the young person’s goals.
Regular meetings are held in the community, at locations agreed between the young person and their Work and Study Support specialist.
We tailor our support to each young person, recognising that everyone has different needs, and different goals. We will continue to support the young person for as long as they need.
We have a network of employers across all industries who have indicated a willingness to be involved in our Work and Study Support program. We also reach out directly to employers in specific organisations or sectors based on where a young person would like to work.
We have successfully secured employment for hundreds of young people in diverse roles including Art Curator, Pool Technician, Disability Support Worker, Personal Assistant, Parts Dismantler, Party Host, Apprentice Mechanic, Parcel Sorter, and Therapeutic Care.
While we can’t guarantee you will secure your dream job, we’ll do all we can to support you to reach your goals.
Locations
Our Work and Study Support program is provided at Youth Focus Perth Metro, and at headspace Albany, headspace Geraldton, and headspace Midland.
Where we don’t run a dedicated Work and Study Support program, we utilise other vocational services, recognising the importance of employment and study options for a young person’s mental health.
Work and Study Support experiences
Work and Study Support Reflection
headspace Albany’s passion and proactivity in assisting young individuals in preparing for and finding employment is nothing short of inspiring. Their comprehensive approach, which encompasses work experience, labour hire, and providing support in the application process to the City, is making a significant impact on the lives of our youth.
What sets headspace Albany apart is their dedication to collaboration. They work hand in hand with the City, ensuring that young people have access to the resources and opportunities they need to enter the workforce successfully. This collaborative spirit not only maximises the support available to our youth but also creates a seamless transition into the job market.
Andrew Sharp, CEO City of Albany
Information for Prospective Employers
Our Work and Study program is designed to support the young people accessing our services to find employment that aligns with their goals. We work closely with the young people to develop a tailored vocations support plan, helping them to find the right job and supporting them to succeed in the role.
We are not an employment agency and do not receive funding to place someone in employment.
For prospective employers, there is no cost to being involved in our Work and Study Support program. You will be introduced to a young person who is willing and motivated to learn and grow within your business, saving time and money on recruitment and advertising fees.
At the same time, you’ll be giving back to the community by giving a young person an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience. Young people participating in our Work and Study Support program are fully supported by our team at all stages, and we will work closely with prospective employers to facilitate a smooth transition to the workforce.
If you are an employer and you’d like to know more: