Some of Our Parts

2021 Graduate Program – pathway for people with a disability

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is currently recruiting for their 2021 Graduate Program for people with disability.

To be eligible for the program you must:

• identify as a person with a disability
• have completed your undergraduate or postgraduate degree or the same as level 7 and above of the Australian Qualifications Framework between 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2021
• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have unrestricted working rights for ongoing work
• not be on a temporary graduate visa
• not have taken a voluntary redundancy from the Victorian public sector in the three years up to the program start date of 25 January 2021.

The graduate recruitment process:

Stage 1: Complete the application form and upload resume.

Stage 2: Behaviour interview and work sample.

Stage 3: Pre-employment checks – the successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

Stage 4: Job offer.

Applications close at midnight, Sunday 5 April 2020

*For more information see the 2021 Graduate Program website.

The Path from Mentee to Mentor

Christian Almeida has been supported by some incredible mentors throughout his career, something he says has been of enormous benefit to him in his journey to become Senior Financial Analyst at global technology leader, Cummins South Pacific. So, when the opportunity arose to become a mentor himself, through Australian Network on Disability’s PACE program, Christian jumped at the chance.

PACE Mentoring

Australian Network on Disability’s Positive Action towards Career Engagement, or PACE Mentoring, connects jobseekers with disability to mentors from leading Australian businesses. The purpose of PACE is two-fold: to improve employability for job seekers and students with disability, as well as to increase disability confidence in employees and mentors.

Christian was matched with student Benjamin Lung who was looking to learn more about how the finance function operates in large companies, as well as how to tackle interview situations, in preparation for when he completes his studies and begins his job search.

The pair immediately hit if off. At first, they used a questions and agenda sheet provided by the PACE team, but soon they were running their own race.

“After a couple of meetings, Benjamin had plenty of questions as well as some real-life scenarios to discuss,” said Christian.

“My mentor guided me in how to lead a team, giving me advice on how to negotiate and get the best outcomes,” said Benjamin. “I used my learnings in a group assignment at university where I was nominated leader, and we got full marks! It was great to be able to put his advice in to action and enjoy the rewards.”

• Read more about Christian’s experience and the PACE Mentoring program at Australian Network on Disability’s website

Are You Over 18 with Epilepsy?

The School of Psychological Sciences at Monash University are interested in the views of individuals over 18 years of age who have epilepsy.

This study aims to understand your interests, expectations, and decision-making around a brain-machine interface that may be a potential treatment for epilepsy.

• You will receive a $30 gift card to compensate for your time.

Your participation will involve:

• A 90 minute focus group (much like a conversation) and a short demographic questionnaire.
• Participation will involve travelling to 770 Blackburn Road, Clayton, and travel expenses will be covered.

For more information please contact:

• Adrian Carter, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University
• adrian.carter@monash.edu; 9902 9431
• Human Ethics Approval: 19968

Are You Over 18 with a Vision Impairment?

The School of Psychological Sciences at Monash University are interested in the views of individuals over 18 years of age who have a vision impairment.

They are seeking participants for a study which aims to understand your interests, expectations, and decision-making around a brain-machine interface that may potentially assist in visual navigation.

• You will receive a $30 gift card to compensate for your time.

Your participation will involve:

• A 90 minute focus group (much like a conversation) and a short demographic questionnaire.
• Participation will involve travelling to 770 Blackburn Road, Clayton, and travel expenses will be covered.

For more information please contact:

• Adrian Carter, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University
• adrian.carter@monash.edu; 9902 9431
• Human Ethics Approval: 19968

The Centre for Higher Education Equity and Diversity Research is seeking people who have studied at an Australian university while providing unpaid care and support to family members (of origin or choice) and/or friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue, or an older person with care needs.

The survey takes about 15-20 minutes.

This research is being conducted by La Trobe University’s Centre for Higher Education Equity and Diversity Research in collaboration with Carers Victoria.

The purpose of the study is to improve our understanding of the experiences of carers in higher education and to inform university policies and practices to better support carers to succeed at university.

Please click on this link to complete the survey: http://bit.ly/carersHE.

For more information please contact the researchers

• Lisa Andrewartha, Manager, Centre for Higher Education Equity and Diversity Research, l.andrewartha@latrobe.edu.au, (03) 9479 3447
• Giovanna Szalkowicz, Senior Research Officer, Centre for Higher Education Equity and Diversity Research, g.szalkowicz@latrobe.edu.au, (03) 9479 1869.

Global Campaign Combats Disability Stereotypes and Stigma

ILO Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN) has launched a global campaign called #InvalidOpinions, to combat the stereotypes and stigma experienced by people with disability in the labour market.

Every day, people make generalisations and assumptions about people with disability. Most of these assumptions are wrong. The campaign highlights individuals who are defying these ‘invalid opinions’ every day. It asks the viewer to confront their own beliefs and misconceptions that might be inadvertently contributing to individuals being held back in the world of work.

A campaign ‘Pitch Package’ is available from the ILO website, including key messages, videos, suggested social media posts and other engagement ideas. Organisations are encouraged to localise and amplify the campaign through their own channels and networks.

“Together we can encourage everyone to think differently about disability, we can influence hiring decisions, and we can break the cycle.” (Excerpt from the #InvalidOpinions Pitch Package)

To read more and view the video, go to the Australian Network on Disability webpage.

Applications opening soon for Graduate Programs in 2021!

GradWISE has partnered with industry leaders, Telstra and PWC to help even the graduate employability outcomes for students living with a disability.

If you are a recent graduate or graduating in 2020, we have opportunities with Telstra and PWC that we can assist and support you with.

Applications Open February 2020

If you are interested in any of the below fields, this opportunity could be for you!

• Engineering
• Cyber Security
• Technology Consulting
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Data Analytics
• Information Technology
• Consulting
• Tax
• Legal
• Infrastructure

GradWISE complements existing support provided by Monash by offering a customised coaching program in a one-on-one setting. Its aim is to give you the skills and experience you need to find the perfect graduate role.

GradWISE will work with you, and its pool of employers, to make the perfect match and provide all the support you need before and during your employment.

Please get in contact with Ed Osano, Head of GradWISE, at edward.osano@wiseemployment.com.au if you are interested to apply!

Hearing Help for Bushfire Affected Communities across Australia

Hearing Australia has established an emergency hearing help service to support its clients and members of the community in bushfire affected areas across Australia.

Hearing Australia will help all people with hearing loss to have access to support during the bushfire crisis.

The service is available to anyone needing hearing help and includes:

• An emergency Helpline 1800 826 500 available 8.30am to 5.00pm AEST, seven days a week
• Access to emergency appointments to see a qualified audiologist at the nearest Hearing Australia centre
• Priority support services including hearing checks, replacement hearing aids and batteries
• Hearing Australia bus will visit communities in bushfire impacted areas when it is safe to provide hearing healthcare

Hearing Australia will work with government services like Centrelink and local organisations so that people living in bushfire affected areas know how to get help from Hearing Australia if and when they need it.

More information here.

A Comprehensive Guide to Making Your Conference Accessible

Zero Project has released a comprehensive guide that supports organisations to plan and deliver conferences that are accessible and inclusive of people with disability.

The Zero Project Conference Accessibility Guidelines provides detailed, practical advice on:

1. Preparing for your conference;
2. Making written and video material accessible;
3. Orientation at the conference venue;
4. Creating participatory and inclusive conference sessions; and
5. Communication after the conference.

To read more and get a copy of the guidelines, visit the Australian Network on Disability website.

Applications Open NOW for Mentoring Positions!

Please note that applications for Australian Network on Disability’s mentoring program, PACE Autumn 2020 are now open, and are closing at the end of February 2020.

Another Paid Internship Opportunity Available

AND has another paid internship opportunity available! The position is for 3 months with commencement in late-January 2020.

• Latrobe City Council (Morwell) – Organisational Development Officer Intern

The intern will provide professional and administrative support and assistance to the Organisational Development team. Main tasks would include:

• Sourcing and scheduling training
• Set up and pack up of training venue
• Ordering catering, purchase orders and general administration
• Administration of performance appraisal system
• Administration of learning management system
• Facilitate some training (i.e. corporate induction)
• Some travel required

The role is open to current University students in their penultimate or final year of study, and TAFE students studying a Cert IV or above. The role is also open to those who have recently graduated. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, please apply here or you can visit the Students page of the Connect50 website to apply or download the Position Description. Applications for the role are open until Sunday January 12^th 2020.

*P.S. From all of us at DSS, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. Our office will re-open on 2 January 2020.