At just 19 years old, Jorja has already achieved a major milestone: she’s working in her dream role at childcare centre Hippo’s Friends. Her days are filled with caring for children, helping with meals, and teaching tiny tots valuable life lessons through play. However, Jorja wasn’t always the confident, capable childcare worker she is today – it took a helping hand to set her on her path to success.
A new beginning with Scope’s DES program
Jorja joined Scope’s Disability Employment Services (DES) program with her sister, seeking support in finding meaningful employment.
“My dad helped us get into Scope, and that’s when we met Talia,” Jorja recalls.
Talia, her DES employment consultant, worked closely with Jorja, providing guidance on job-seeking tools like SEEK, and coaching her to search for local roles that aligned with her skills and interests.
Jorja says one of the best parts of joining the DES program was learning that she wasn’t alone in her struggles in finding work as a person with a disability.
“I learned in DES that there are other people like me who have a difficult time finding a job. Without Scope, I couldn’t have found one.”
And while many job-seeking skills were taught through DES, Jorja notes that her favourite part of the program was simply coming in to see her Scope employment consultant Talia!
Talia: A mentor and cheerleader
For Talia, helping Jorja land her role at Hippo’s Friends has been one of her proudest moments as an employment consultant.
“Jorja was very shy when we first met,” Talia recalls. “It took time, patience, and regular check-ins to build her confidence. But we worked together, pinpointed her goals, and now she’s landed her dream job.”
Talia says that from the moment Jorja mentioned her interest in working with children, they set out to make it happen.
Together, they researched local childcare centres, attended interviews, and eventually found a centre that would not only give Jorja a fair go, but also allow her to grow.
“Now she’s doing her Certificate III in Childcare through Hippo’s Friends, and she’s acing it. I couldn’t be prouder!” says Talia.
“Watching her go from being a shy young lady to becoming independent, confident, and open has been incredible. She’s blossomed into her own person.”
A supportive manager in Heike
Heike, the owner of Hippo’s Friends, has been equally impressed with Jorja’s growth and contribution to the team.
“Jorja’s role is all about putting the children first,” she explains. “She’s responsible for making sure they feel a sense of belonging, that they love coming to the centre, and that she’s implementing our program and keeping everything clean and safe.”
Heike sees herself as a mentor to Jorja, guiding her to perform her role to the best of her ability.
“We’re a good team. I enjoy watching Jorja with the children; she’s calm, and it’s clear that she loves what she’s doing. She’s gone from being shy and unsure of herself to someone who’s confident in what she’s learned and is putting those skills into action.”
Heike has no doubt that Jorja will continue to flourish in the industry and hopes she stays on to support the team further.
“I see so much potential in her. Her dedication, proficiency, and determination make her a valuable asset to our team.”
Jorja’s dreams for the future
Jorja’s passion for working with children doesn’t end with her current role. “Later on in my career, my goal is to be a primary school teacher,” she says.
Her current position is laying a strong foundation for that dream, as she continues to build her skills, confidence, and experience in childcare.
When asked what advice she would give to others considering joining Scope’s DES program, Jorja’s answer is simple: “They should be lucky because they are wonderful, and they will do anything to help you find a job.”
A bright future awaits
With Talia and Scope’s DES program by her side, Jorja’s grown into a confident, capable young woman who is making a difference in the lives of children every day. And with her sights set on even bigger dreams, there’s no doubt that Jorja’s story is just getting started.
Reflecting on her hopes for Jorja’s future, Talia says, “She’s gone from a shy girl to someone who’s confident in herself and her abilities. I know she’ll continue to thrive. And I’m so proud to have been part of her journey.”
Emily Longbottom, a proud Aboriginal woman with Autism from the Yuin Mob down south, has faced a unique set of challenges in her journey toward independence. However, with the support of the Disability Employment Services (DES) program, she has found a fulfilling career and a newfound sense of independence.
A new opportunity opens with DES
Boyd Slade, an 18-year-old with an intellectual disability, was at risk of falling through the cracks after finishing school. Without the support of his parents, both of whom had passed away, Boyd faced the challenges of transitioning to adulthood largely on his own.
At 19, Ben took a bold step toward independence by landing his first job at Natural Floorcoverings Australia through Scope’s Disability Employment Services (DES) program. But this milestone didn’t happen overnight—Ben’s journey began when he made the life-changing decision to join Scope’s School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program.
