An important part of the rehabilitation process is to prepare the client for the job search process. This reflects the need to ensure all efforts are taken to address any barriers that a client may experience in securing meaningful and sustainable employment (see also 9.4 Managing vocational rehabilitation plans). An assessment of a client's individual circumstances should inform any initial and further job-seeking activities to be undertaken over the course of their vocational rehabilitation plan. These may include, but are not limited to:
- developing a professional standard resume;
- tailoring job applications to the requirements of a particular job;
- developing interview skills;
- preparing for discussion and disclosure about their disability, where this issue may arise;
- developing employer networking;
- attempting cold canvassing for employment opportunities; and
- applying for advertised vacancies.
Work Trials
If assessed as appropriate for the client, a work trial is a valuable opportunity for a person participating in a rehabilitation program to gain experience and confidence in attempting re-entry to the workforce or in a new field of employment. See 9.9 Work Trials in this library for more information about the arrangements and duration of work trials.
Use of job-placement agencies
The use of a specialist job placement agency is an additional job-seeking activity that may be considered to help the client secure paid employment. Refer to 9.12.2 Using Job Placement or Employment Agencies for further information.
Amendments or additions to a client's rehabilitation plan should consider the factors outlined in 3.8.4 Changes to a rehabilitation plan in this library. For example, if the timeframes to complete activities of the plan need to be adjusted or extended, and/or additional rehabilitation activities need to be included.