Geneva Healthcare’s Free Supported Employment Services Expand to the Northland Region

Geneva Healthcare’s supported employment services under the Ministry of Social Development contract are now available to serve the Northland community. These services are free for employers and candidates.

The 2013 New Zealand Disability Survey estimates that a total of 1.1 million (24%) New Zealanders have a disability, of which the employment rate is only 22%.

“Looking for a job can be an incredibly challenging and isolating experience for people with disabilities. We will be working with eligible disabled people or those with health concerns, to support their journey into employment. We want our candidates to feel a sense of purpose and recognise their self-value,”

says Vikki Perana, Employment Services Manager, Geneva Healthcare.

Geneva’s free Supported Employment Services find the best match between candidates with their employers.

“From lawyers to computer technicians, machine operators to shop assistants, our candidates are enthusiastic, hard-working and resourceful,”

Vikki highlighted.

Geneva Supported Employment Services make the employment process as easy as possible for both the candidates and employers.

Employing people with disabilities or health conditions is a great way to create equal opportunities to become a more diverse workplace.

“Our Employment Specialists will answer any questions about disability, health and safety, exploring wage subsidies, or funding options for any specialised equipment the candidate might need so they can reach their full potential,”

Vikki said.

“We work within the local communities to have a great understanding of the labour market in the Northland region. Our service offers career planning, interview preparation skills and techniques, employer engagement and education, job matching for our candidates to the right employers. We also offer in work support for a minimum of 12 months to ensure that our candidates are successful in their roles and have the tools and supports in place to sustain employment,”

says Vikki.

Vikki and her team will also be engaging with local community groups to improve overall wellbeing for their candidates, including budgeting services, navigating Ministry of Social Development entitlements, health and wellbeing support and childcare support funding for people with disability.

“We are excited to expand our services to the Northland region so that so all New Zealanders regardless of disability can have the chance to showcase their talents and skills, contribute to their communities and live their best lives,”

Vikki concludes.

To find out more about Geneva’s Supported Employment Services, whether you’re a candidate or an employer, please contact Vikki and her team at:

Freephone: 0508 353 828

[email protected]