Employment Plus – James stays the course

Since launching in November last year, The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) specialist program has become a powerful driver of change helping people whose disability, injury or illness is impacting their capacity to work find sustainable employment. (Image: Nathan Anderson – Unsplash)

BY LERISSE SMITH

When James commenced with Employment Plus in 2025, he was living with cerebral palsy and managing anxiety around workplace discussions, alongside communication and physical barriers at work.

He had found his own role as a Tribunal Officer in the government industry, starting on 26 January, which was a significant achievement in itself.

Shortly after starting, a workplace incident put his job at risk. A colleague complained to the manager that James had asked overly personal questions. When the manager raised this, James became defensive and angry, and demanded to know who had made the complaint. Fearing he was about to lose his job, the situation quickly escalated.

His Employment Consultant (EC) stepped in. The EC spoke directly with the manager, who confirmed the meeting was routine, focused on available supports and team boundaries, not a disciplinary matter.

With this clarity, the EC coached James on how to approach the meeting constructively: what questions to ask, how to listen without jumping to conclusions, how to be mindful of colleagues' personal space and team dynamics, and how not to take workplace feedback personally.

James attended the meeting, heard the manager out, and kept his job.

He remains employed today. Richard says his employer is considerate of his barriers and committed to working with him to ensure a positive experience at work.