are-able Hamilton Finds New Health Services Roles For Elsie and Yvonne
Elsie Beale and Yvonne Moore knew that finding a new job in the middle of a pandemic was going to be challenging, but with help from are-able Hamilton, they’re both now part of the friendly team of screening attendants at Western District Health Service (WDHS).
Having recently moved to Hamilton from Darwin, Elsie approached are-able employment services Hamilton to help her find work. Employment Consultant Lise Lowe was able to assist Elsie to navigate the relevant services and register her with are-able.
“Elsie brought a lot of retail experience from Darwin and was hoping to find either retail or hospitality work in Hamilton. But she was lacking a bit of confidence and still adjusting to a life in a new town,” said Lise.
When WHDS contacted are-able looking for suitable staff to work as screening attendants, Lise immediately thought of Elsie. The attendants are responsible for screening all visitors (staff, customers, contractors) that enter WDHS facilities during COVID-19.
“Elsie is perfect for the job – she has such a lovely welcoming smile!” said Lise.
are-able helped Elsie obtain a Working with Children card and a police check, both requirements of the position at WDHS. Elsie has now completed further receptionist training and has also taken on an administration role at the COVID-19 Drive Thru clinic. WDHS Team Leader for Administration, Tahlia Homes, is thrilled to have Elsie on board.
“I think it is important to say how fantastic Elsie has been since she started with us. She created a video for our Youth program about mask protocol and has impressed everyone. She is so willing to jump in and give things a go,” Tahlia said. “She is an absolute asset and we’re so grateful to have her on board.”
Simultaneously, Yvonne Moore from Glenthompson found herself out of work, after her long career as a personal carer was cut short due to severe osteoarthritis. Prior to COVID-19 Yvonne was working as a dispatcher, but the economic impact caused by the pandemic meant there was no longer any work available. It was Yvonne’s tenacity, persistence and determination that impressed are-able Employment Consultant, Kassia Whittle.
“Yvonne has never given up. She has always worked hard and kept up a cheery disposition, which makes her so well suited to this role. Despite setbacks, I have always encouraged and believed in Yvonne and I hope that has helped give her the confidence needed to take on new challenges.” she said.
Finding suitable work proved to be a challenge, but in 2019, Yvonne took part in Access Ability Day, a government program helping employers connect with jobseekers living with a disability. As part of the program, Yvonne undertook some WDHS work experience, so when the screening attendant role became available, staff were already familiar with Yvonne and her skillset.
When the dispatching role finished, Yvonne was worried about her future, but says moving straight into the WDHS position has given her purpose and hope. are-able helped Yvonne with some work ‘essentials’ for her new role, including sourcing and purchasing shoes and a work chair to ease the impact of her disability (osteoarthritis). The role has given Yvonne the opportunity to build experience in administration and customer service.
Kassia says “Yvonne has always been a pleasure to work with and says her smiling face helps people feel at ease when they enter WHDS in this unusual COVID -19 climate.”
“I am confident that she will be successful in this job. Yvonne knows that she has the continued support of are-able.”
If you think are-able Hamilton might be able to help you please contact us!
L-R – Yvonne Moore, Lise Lowe, Elsie Beale and Tahlia Homes.