My biggest disability was thinking that I couldn’t do it … The reality is I can
“Not so long ago I had no job, no money and no hope. Now I work for the government”
Daniel's story
Since January 2009, Dan (38) has worked at the Thames Work and Income Service Centre, something different from being on and off benefit for many years. “Not so long ago I had no job, no money and no hope. Now I work for the government,” he says.
Dan left school and studied to become a teacher, it all went well and he even took the opportunity to teach in Japan for seven years. Then his disability started to affect his ability to work. Unable to continue teaching, he returned to New Zealand. Back in Rotorua and unable to work, Dan had no other option but to go on to the Invalid’s Benefit.
Dan was referred by his Rotorua Work and Income Case Manager to Workbridge , an agency that supports people with disabilities to find jobs and assists them while they are working..
In the hope of finding new employment opportunities, Dan moved to Thames and continued to work with Workbridge. Dan felt that his confidence started to pick up and he was ready to return to work. Workbridge identified a vacancy advertised at Work and Income as a Case Manager, something Dan would enjoy.
Dan was referred to the Case Manager position through Mainstream, a programme that seeks to facilitate the creation of employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities within selected State Sector organisations. Following a successful interview, Dan was appointed as a Case Manager.
Working as a Case Manager now for nearly six months, Dan says “my perception of Work and Income has changed a lot. I never realised how much Case Managers did in creating a supportive environment for their clients.” He adds, “I used to come in here looking for assistance. I never thought that I would be offered a job which has proven so enriching.”
Dan says he likes being back at work, he feels that he is contributing now and making a difference in people’s lives.