employment consultant

support worker

consultant

disability support worker

account manager

Ability Options

Firstly, there are some fantastic people working there who truly want to enrich lives. 
Initially the support and staff engagement was there but over the last 12 months there has been some seismic shifts in culture and strategy. Strange things happened in employment services when COVID struck, the most eerie being a total restructure at a time when staff were most worried about their futures and at their least resistant. New job descriptions, new contracts, cancellation of allowances and a very non-transparent "consultation" by a faceless HR team. A whole process that appeared rushed whilst people were being paid Jobkeeper. They also moved to an end to end service model which has already sent more that one job provider to the wall - it is a cost based exercise that does NOT improve service to the clients. Overall they have tried to fix what wasn't broken in the name of revenue.
The damaging effect of all this posturing was a loss of staff trust, morale and an even higher staff turnover, including resignation of several at the top of the chain.
Unfortunately although AO is a NFP, it is the bottom line that looks in trouble and appears to be driving this change. And it is such a great shame.
By all means if you need a job quickly in the 60k range you will probably succeed but be prepared to move on within 12 months.

* Extremely low pay.
* No real opportunities for career progression unless you would like to move horizontally.
* The job is mostly focused on bringing in outcomes rather than providing real support to those in need.
* Ineffective staff training.
* Depending on who you dealt with at head office when submitting outcomes it felt like they made it unnecessarily difficult to submit any outcomes... in my first week I was told to my face from one particular staff member at head office that they get a kick out of harassing Job Support Consultants for outcomes.
* The high levels of unnecessary stress from being a Job Support Consultant was extreme.
* It felt like Ability Options didn't really care to employ quality staff, any person willing to apply for the job would often get hired.
* Very low morale among ground level staff.
* Constantly changing rules and criteria set by head office meant that you were always having to read lengthy and often pointless emails and learn new modules.
* It felt like managers and head office treated EA's and JSC's like children with very little trust shown.
* This is not a job for anyone wanting long term employment because it has such high burn out rates that staff often leave within a couple of years.

Bottom of the barrel remuneration gives little reward for effort. Industry attracts some sincere people but high caseload means the most conscientious burn out quickly, working all hours and weekends to keep up with compliance requirements. Poor culture pits site against site in achieving placements, and lack of collaboration creates silos.

Training is almost non-existent and any query from new staff on any procedure is generally met with "it's in the Guidelines". Relentless drive for outcomes (service fees) gives rise to a bullying culture. Incredibly high turnover of staff, unprecedented in my working life.

This should be a satisfying role where you are able to help someone every day. It isn't.


Constant high-pressure & a minefield of Compliance & Regulation make this impossible.


Management has a disconnect with the front line & no allowance of the vagaries of working with a client base that in many cases if not the majority, will actively work against you & doesn't have an interest in buying into the assistance you can provide.


A flawed service delivery mode & constantly shifting strategy & priorities along with a massive workload make this a role that seems impossible to get on top of.

In spite of massive staff turnover, senior management will not acknowledge any issue.

A typical day is very quiet and limited direction from management. While they promote excellent training and development they do not follow through. 
The Executive Team was disjointed and rather toxic, speaking poorly about each other to staff. If you are a hard worker do not expect to be recognised for the work that you have done. Rather you will expect to be victimised and bullied for having a voice. 
The staff are the highlight of the workplace with some genuine and hard working individuals who are not recognised.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Nothing they are very unsupportive and management are bullies

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The management and staff display more behaviours than the participants 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Toxic and unpleasant to enjoy going to work 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Very stressful and filled with anxiety

Managers have procured the culture of hitting targets and not truly focusing on the community’s vulnerable. Unhealthy tactics are not a legitimate method for achieving results in general and should be investigated. 
Understanding, co-operation and support were very rarely demonstrated. 
Luckily for those in need of genuine guidance and assistance there are other providers to chose from.

The company does not provide any opportunity for career progression. Management micromanages. Double standards within the workplace where they have their own set of rules. DO NOT RECOMMEND WORKING HERE. 
During my time, I saw 10,15years employee leaving as new management does not have an understanding of the business and culture. 
Pay and perks are horrible. Rub salt to the wound, management makes life difficult.

Lots of work to begin with then slowly tapers off to maybe 1-2 shifts a week if you’re lucky. Shifts get cancelled without notice or cancelled after you have turned up to work. Group activities lack direction and purpose and not suitable for all clients. Poor communication between administration and workers. Needs to be more consultation with clients and families when planning activities so clients needs and goals can be met.

It was a nice experience to work in that company. All team members were very helpful and had a sound knowledge of their field of job. They were very transparent with their employees which indicated their positivity and honesty.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Employment consultant 17 salaries reported	$65,734 per year
Support worker 35 salaries reported	$34.58 per hour
Consultant 1 salary reported	$65,866 per year
Disability support worker 16 salaries reported	$34.58 per hour
Account manager 1 salary reported	$76,270 per year

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