Kyriae was a client with Sureway Disability Employment Services (DES) in Adelaide SA. This is her story.
When Kyriae came to Sureway DES in 2016 she suffered low moods, high anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Having left school after completing year 10, Kyriae had held only one job as a Chemist Assistant for 2 months in Adelaide SA.
With a traumatic court case behind her, Kyriae emerged as a young, enthusiastic job seeker, determined to work in the health sector.
With limited work experience and referees, Kyriae decided to volunteer at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in September 2016. Twelve months later, the time and passion she invested into her work was rewarded with a volunteering award.
With this boost in confidence Kyriae created an action plan with her Employment Advisor and soon entered the Resume and Application Writing (RAW) Pilot Program in October 2017. The program focused on creating a resume targeted at customer service roles in the health sector.
Between her volunteering hours and job applications Kyriae was kept busy. She also started an initiative called the ‘Green Light Project’ to educate young people about sexual consent and sexual assault in local high schools.
In November 2017, SA Health called for applications and Kyriae jumped at the opportunity. In early February 2018 she secured a contract position as an ASO2 Customer Service Officer at the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. As a result of her volunteering she was also offered a paid monthly position with Yarrow Place as a Consumer Representative.
There was a setback in April when funding for her position with the Royal Adelaide Hospital was cut. At the same time Kyriae was advised that her application to study nursing was rejected… but she didn’t give up!
With the support of her Employment Advisors, she stayed focused and was reminded that her skills and employment history were still relevant to the industry. After 4 weeks of interviews Kyriae gained not one but two positions within the Women’s and Children’s Health Network.
She now works as a Consumer Representative in the Youth and Women’s Safety Wellbeing Division, and an Administration Officer with Child and Family Health Services.
Kyriae is also maintaining two voluntary positions with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Green Light Project.
The Sureway team has celebrated with Kyriae at every milestone and will continue to be there to support her growth, confidence and success.
