No two days are ever the same for Inclusive Employment Supports Coach Jess. Whether she’s helping participants practice their communication skills, gain work experience, or learn photography, there’s always something new to explore.

Tell us a little about your background

My background and interests are quite varied. I was a musician for a while. Then I studied Political Science and Gender Studies and became very passionate about academia and research. Learning about large institutions made me want to support people in my local community who I could personally connect with and learn from.

What led you to join the HELP team?

I wanted to work in the inclusion and diversity space and felt that HELP shared my values. People with disability have so much to offer the workforce. I wanted to help participants achieve their goals whilst also seeing the rest of the world benefit from their skills.

What are you most passionate about? What inspires you?

Helping create space for people to be heard.

On the weekend you’ll find me…

Jumping between art projects, trying to keep my plants alive (I get all my gardening tips from the HELP team), and being with family.

What’s the best part of the job?

Spending time with our participants and helping them share their amazing selves with the community. I like being around people who put in extra effort to communicate with those who may otherwise be overlooked. They take the time to stop, listen and understand even though it can sometimes be challenging.

What kind of jobs do you do as a Coach– what does a typical day in the life of Jess look like at HELP?

Each day is different and it depends on what our participant’s goals are. I may be helping someone to write their resume, apply for jobs, learn photography skills, work on their communication skills, or build their own business from scratch.

3 fun facts about me

I make very small haunted and fantasy villages. I startle easily. I only just learned that the game ‘pass the parcel’ is not called ‘parcel parcel.’

If you could invite any three people to dinner living or dead who would they be?

My significant other, my best friend, and David Attenborough.

What’s your secret talent?

I write songs.

Favourite place in the world?

Brisbane! Best city in the world. Sweden is also very magical.

Favourite quote?

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”- Nelson Mandela

Looking for a job with purpose?

Join the HELP team and experience a rewarding career as a disability support worker. Visit our careers page to view current vacancies at HELP.