are-able Employment COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update!

As a community not-for-profit organisation are-able provides Disability Employment Services (DES), jobactive programmes, Training (RTO), Social Enterprises, NDIS programs and activities.

With the landscape around the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continually evolving we need to adapt accordingly and have done so to protect our staff and those most vulnerable in our communities.

Although are-able Employment is classed as an ‘essential service’ and had just recently returned to its offices it is important that we follow the advice from the State Government, so as of Thursday 6th August, all are-able Employment sites will move back to ‘working from home’.

are-able prioritises the health and safety of are-able staff, clients, employers, their families and the wider community. As a result, over 400 staff across 17 sites will return to working remotely.

are-able Employment staff can be contacted by phone, email or video conferencing. Thanks to technology, we’re able to continue offering employment services to jobseekers without compromising safety with face-to-face contact.

Director of Employment Services Brett Orr is reassuring the community that are-able is still there to help.

“Although our offices are open in a limited capacity, our service remains at full strength,” he said.

Throughout the COVID-19 event, are-able staff have been busy supporting clients and employers and preparing jobseekers for any upcoming opportunities. Jobseekers have continued to find employment; and as employers diversify their businesses, new opportunities are emerging.

The are-able Employment team continues to support those who have lost their jobs and we’re working with them to prepare resumes and update interview skills. We have a workforce ready to support local businesses once the demand for staff returns.

“Now, more than ever, we are here to support our local communities,” said Brett.

“Employers can still access our services to receive their wage subsidy payments and for support with staffing needs. So, while it’s not ‘business as usual’, our business is open via technology to support the needs of jobseekers, employers, the unemployed and the wider community in these uncertain times,” he said.

are-able also understands the wider implications that COVID-19 is having on our communities and the labour force.

“On the other side of this crisis there will be many people faced with having to find employment either through Disability Employment Services or jobactive. We make sure we respond to people with compassion and empathy, and we’re here to assist individuals to find that employment as quickly as possible. We are part of the community and will be offering as much assistance as possible to support people through this crisis,” said Brett

are-able services can be accessed by calling us on 1800 566 066, and a customer service officer will direct the call to the appropriate consultant or department.

are-able is determined to be a source of strength within our community during the pandemic. Our staff are ready to talk to businesses who have new needs in response to COVID-19 circumstances, and look to create opportunities for employment wherever possible.

are-able will continue to monitor and respond to official advice from the State Government and the Department of Health and Human Services. We’ll continue our open communication with staff, employers, clients and providers to make sure everyone feels included, valued and supported.