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Teaching aides recovery

In 2005, Esther, 48, was unemployed and suffering chronic knee pain. 

Esther previously had a successful career in aged and community care in Aboriginal communities, including special projects on dementia and continence. She was unable to continue her work due to her condition. This affected her confidence and self-esteem but not her determination to get back into the workforce.

Centrelink referred Esther to CRS Australia’s Karratha office in September 2005, where she met Carolyn, a Rehabilitation Officer.

Through a chance meeting, Carolyn heard that Pilbara TAFE had received funding to employ teachers’ aides to help disabled students in adult education classes.

Carolyn worked with Esther and Nicole Grenville, the Disability Coordination Officer at Pilbara TAFE, to ensure the job was suitable for Esther’s condition.

Within two days of first discussing the job, Esther was employed to assist students in the classroom for 18 hours a week. Carolyn conducted a worksite assessment to ensure the job would not worsen Esther’s injury.

While Esther is assisting the students, it’s clear that she is also getting something back from her students.

‘I get feedback from Carolyn that she can see how Esther has grown in confidence and it’s good to know that we’ve helped her do that,’ Nicole says.

Through her work assisting a student who was taking a radio training course, she had been sponsored to complete the course as well. She is now a volunteer on community radio with her own two-hour show every week, where she can incorporate her love of music.

Esther is hoping to complete a teacher’s aide certificate next year and says she has Carolyn to thank for her successes so far.

‘I found Carolyn to be an amazing person. I know she always tries to achieve the best for her clients,’ says Esther.

‘I wouldn’t have been able to get this job without CRS Australia.’