Vocational Support Services (MSD) and Transition from School

(Services are provided throughout Hamilton, Huntly, Ngaruawahia and Taupo)

Community participation
Employment
Transition from School service

Entry Criteria: You can use this service if you are:

currently living in New Zealand as a NZ citizen or permanent resident (or hold an appropriate work permit);
are aged between 16 and 65;
have a disability that is likely to continue for more than 6 months that presents a barrier to employment; and
you need support to address that barrier.

Community Participation:
We support you to access and take part in activities in the community and/or support you to develop skills so you can participate in your community.

This can include:

Voluntary work;
Active participation in activities, services and facilities that are part of your daily life;
Supporting you to achieve valued roles in the community e.g. student, team mate, colleague, teacher, parent;
Activities that develop skills for daily living and participating in the community.

Our service is delivered in accordance with your aspirations and needs by providing opportunities for you to interact with and develop relationships with the wider community. These activities are not segregated and have meaning to the wider community too.

Employment:
The aim of this service is to support you to gain and/or retain employment; and support you to acquire skills needed to obtain employment.

Employment placement
Supported employment
Development of job search skills and work confident
Support to access careers information and guidance
Time-limited work experience or skills training for the purpose of gaining employment.

Transition from School Service:
(Services are provided throughout Hamilton, Huntly and Ngaruawahia only)

We aim for an uninterrupted movement of students in their last year of school into further education, employment and/or community services and activities that assists with achieving their goals.

Entry Criteria: As for the other parts of this service, plus:

you are aged between 16 and 21;
funded by ORRS (Ongoing and Renewal Resource Scheme); and
in your final year of school or tertiary education.

The Team ready to support you are:

Community Support Facilitators; and
Transition from School Co-ordinators

Access: We welcome referrals from family / whanau, GP's, other health professionals, community mental health services, or community support services.

Cultural support can be available e.g. access to Kaumatua or interpreters.