Best Practice Case Study

Name of Initiative

Disability Employment Program

Purpose

As the largest employer in the region, Hunter New England Health deems that they have a responsibility to provide opportunities for people with disabilities.

The aim of the Disability Employment Program is to acknowledge the contributions people can make and the individual challenges they face. We provide a supportive environment in which we can place, train and appoint candidates with a physical/intellectual disability. Hunter New England Health is committed to and actively encourages all units across the organisation to actively participate in this program.

The Disability Employment Program has been developed based our Values of Teamwork, Respect, Honesty, Ethics, Excellence, Caring, Courage and Commitment.

Brief Description

Over the past 15 years, the number of employees with a disability has steadily risen with staff working in a variety of careers and professions.

Hunter New England Health has a strong commitment to the employment of trainees and apprentices with a disability and runs a comprehensive “Apprenticeships for People with Disabilities” Program across a number of trades and speciality areas.

The success of the Area Health Service’s has resulted from:

• Partnership with disability employment service providers, to assist with support and placement of staff
• Close working relationship with an Australian Apprenticeship Centre with strong, people-centred values.
• Regular communication with Training provider
• Commitment by line managers and mentors to support the Disabled Employment Programs and take ownership of the “Apprenticeships for People with Disabilities” Program.
• Use of Government Funding to establish the Apprenticeship Program for People with a Disability.

Hunter New England Area Health Service also supports and provides suitable duties to employees who have been employed with disabilities or who acquire disabilities during the course of their employment.

The organizations EEO Management Plan plays an important role ensuring that any Needs Based Programs for People with Disabilities are regularly monitored and reviewed.

Key Results

The support demonstrated by the staff and management of Hunter New England Area Health Service has earned the organisation the Prime Minister’s Employer of the Year Award in 2006 and 2007. The Prime Minister’s Employer of the Year Award acknowledges employers who have demonstrated commitment to the ongoing employment of people with disabilities. An awards booklet and highlights brochure can be accessed at the 2007 Prime Ministers Employer of the Year Awards website.

For your information.

1. Over 80% of the trainees and apprentices are retained after the completion of their traineeship/apprenticeship or the departing trainees/apprentices gain permanent employment with other organisations.
2. Job seekers with a disability in the community are assisted to gain employment
3. The Area Health Service has access to highly motivated and reliable members of our workforce
4. The program improves the profile of the Health Service, which ultimately increases morale of staff and attracts other people with a disability to work with Hunter New England Health.

Challenges

(how challenges were overcome)

The program has been developed to help break down barriers, stigma and misconceptions that people with a disability are not able to contribute to mainstream employment.

Person to Contact

Julie Smith
Manager, Aboriginal Employment Strategy & Equity
Julie.Smith@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
02 4985 3286

Rebecca Martin
EEO Coordinator
Rebecca.Martin@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
02 4985 3284

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