Elliott Norrish is receiving valuable job seeking assistance.
Camera IconElliott Norrish is receiving valuable job seeking assistance. Credit: Supplied/Marcelo Palacios

Help for happy worker

Staff ReporterComment News

Mr Norrish, who has a learning disability, said he had difficulty finding jobs that suited him.

He said that though he sometimes took longer than others to learn processes and complete tasks, he was capable and had a good attitude.

‘If I have to work weekends, I don’t mind,’ Mr Norrish said.

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‘I’m happy all day and I have a laugh to make the day go faster.’

He said during the past 12 years he had landed jobs ranging from boat maintenance to working with the Fremantle Dockers to cleaning at Adventure World, with the help of South Metropolitan Personnel (SMP) consultants.

The not-for-profit group helps south-eastern suburbs residents find jobs that suit and send a support worker on visits until they settle in.

‘They come out and see how I’m going and if it’s well they go, if not they stay around and help,’ Mr Norrish said.

SMP, a free service, sends new clients for a Centrelink assessment to identify suitable workloads, but apart from that it is independent of Centrelink and clients can self-refer.

‘I just want to get paid and have money,’ Mr Norrish said.

‘It’s important for everyone to be part of the workforce so they can earn money and pay their bills.’

SMP Life Skills 2 Work lets clients deal with the same person for every appointment after the first.

It gives interview help and helps transport clients to work.

It also allows clients to access work experience and volunteering roles.

The service includes school visit and provides employers with incentives and services

SMP also makes home appointments for clients who cannot get to the Gosnells office.