Employment Plus – Frankie finds her fit
BY LERISSE SMITH
When Frankie joined Employment Plus in February 2026, she brought years of professional experience, but also a familiar frustration: employers saw her conditions before they saw her skills.
Living with Fibromyalgia, chronic pain, hip dysplasia, anxiety, and depression, Frankie needed a workplace that offered flexibility, regular breaks, and the option to work from home. Previous employers had labelled her a problem rather than an asset.
Her Employment Consultant (EC) started with the discovery phase, digging into Frankie’s strengths and employment history. What they found was a highly skilled professional whose needs simply hadn’t been met. The EC brought in their area recruiter, who had a contact at a local IT company. Within the first month of joining the (IEA) program, an interview was organised.
Before the interview, the team sourced appropriate interview clothing so Frankie could walk in feeling prepared. The EC also spoke directly with the employer, outlining Frankie’s capabilities alongside her support requirements. The employer’s response was direct: they created a role specifically for her, recognising the value she would bring to the team.
To support Frankie on the job, Employment Plus provided a sit/stand desk, allowing her to manage her hip pain while working comfortably on her laptop. A wage subsidy was also arranged to support the employer through the early stages of the placement.
Frankie began working at Surashka Pty Ltd as a Social Media Assistant within the IT department. She has since hit her employment milestones and remains in the role today.
