Our EEO & Diversity Forums provide an opportunity for those who share an interest in workplace diversity to come together and hear about relevant issues and to network with colleagues. While the role of the Office of EEO is to work with the State and local government sectors, the Forums are open to anyone from State, Federal, local government and the private sector.

‘Breaking-in to the Public Sector’ Disability Employment Forum – Equipping Case Managers with the resources to assist and support their clients in applying for public sector positions.

This Forum was conducted by the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (OEEO) in partnership with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC). The morning’s program was aimed at ‘de-mystifying’ the processes and procedures associated with gaining employment in the public sector for people with a disability. Rebecca Rossi from DPC gave a presentation on the current programs available for people with a disability, such as the Business Traineeship Program and the School-based Traineeship Program. Rebecca also provided the audience with an insight into the jobs board website and how it can be used by people with disabilities to identify their position of choice and commence the application process . Rebecca’s presentation.

Silvana Gaglia from DPC presented on the Disability Employment Program – focussing on the services provided by DPC such as the recruitment database for Level 1 contracts, the Entry Level Recruitment Program providing disability employment providers with the opportunity to market their client and the Public Sector Recruitment Test for people with disabilities. Silvana’s presentation sparked some great interest and enthusiasm from the audience. Silvana’s presentation.

Alan Barrett and John O’Brien from the OEEO provided a practical session on the Tips and Tricks of breaking-in to the public sector – highlighting the importance of the Coach as a mentor and supporter of individuals trying to win public sector jobs and the Advocate as promoting improved employment outcomes for people with disabilities in public employment. Both Alan and John also emphasised the need for employment providers to establish networking relationships with relevant people within the public sector and the importance of maintaining contact to keep abreast of potential opportunities on the horizon. Alan and John’s presentation.

The Forum concluded with a Wrap-up from Alan Barrett about the range of employment programs on offer for people with disabilities together with the critical success factors required for disability employment agencies to work closely with employing authorities across the public sector.

OEEO presentation.