Q&A with Natalie Rae

We recently sat down with Natalie Rae, a Job Coach based in Cessnock NSW, and asked her a few questions about her life here at AimBig Employment and her own experience living with disability.

How long have you been in the industry, and when did you join AimBig Employment?

I have been in the employment industry for just over 3 years now, and I started my journey with AimBig 2 months ago. I was after a change of employment and came across the AimBig Employment website. I instantly felt AimBig were supporting of not only their clients but also their staff. I have an incredible team who have gone above and beyond to welcome me. I am truly grateful I decided to make the move to AimBig.

What has been your highlight since you joined the team?

I would have to say working hard with a client who is vision impaired to gain a childcare role. It was a goal that she had been trying to achieve for so long.

What have you learned about AimBig Employment as a DES provider?

So far, I have noticed just how much our job coaches support our clients through any barriers they may have to employment. This is something I have not previously seen, as other providers have been more focused on getting their clients straight into employment rather than assisting with reasons why a client may be unemployed. It goes to show that AimBig really cares about our clients and finding them meaningful and sustainable employment.

Can you share your own experience with disability?

I’m no stranger to having a disability as a stroke almost took my life in 2012 at the age of 31.

I was first diagnosed with Crohns disease in 1999. In 2012, due to complications from Crohns disease, I suffered a major stroke and lost the use of my legs for several months. The recovery period was long, and I needed to re-learn how to walk, talk, and perform basic daily activities. There was a period where I believed that I would be forever unable to work due to my disability.

After a long period of rehabilitation and hard work, I was able to re-join the workforce. It was then I decided I wanted to help other people with disability to do the same. I understand the frustration our participants face having a disability that limits them from enjoying the tasks they did before their injury or disability. I hope sharing my story will inspire them to never give up.

Are you interested in joining the AimBig Employment team? View our careers page.