Reilly first walked into Jobfind Prahran on September 9, 2024, referred by Centrelink for the Workforce Australia program. He hadn’t been employed since 2018, and the journey ahead seemed daunting. Reilly was apprehensive, unsure of what to expect but all of that quickly changed when he met his Employment Consultant Maree. Her warm heart and straight-talking approach put him at ease, and from that moment, the path forward began to unfold.
Reilly was open and honest with Maree about the struggles that had defined his life. At 31, he had little work experience, having battled substance abuse since he was 16. A prescription for pain medication following an accident spiraled into dependency, leading to addiction, homelessness, crime, and family separation. Despite the hardships he had faced, Reilly was determined to change his life. He wanted a fresh start but felt unsure of how to overcome the obstacles in his way, especially with a criminal record.
Barriers to Employment
Reilly’s journey to employment was marked by numerous barriers. At the time of his first appointment with Maree, he had been clean for over nine weeks, but his recovery was still ongoing. He had no stable accommodation, a criminal record, and ongoing anxiety about his future. With no access to technology and limited knowledge of how to navigate job search websites like SEEK and Indeed, Reilly felt overwhelmed. His fear of relapsing into substance abuse lingered, and he struggled to even imagine himself as someone ready for employment.
Maree understood the complexity of Reilly’s situation. She reassured him that they would move at his pace, offering support at every step. Together, they began to work through the challenges, one at a time.
Taking Small Steps
Recognising that Reilly’s self-esteem was low, Maree knew he needed to rebuild his confidence before diving into a formal job application process. She arranged a group session with Jims Mowing on September 24, 2024. It wasn’t a one-on-one interaction, and Maree believed that the group setting would be less intimidating. While Reilly was initially nervous, he was engaged, asked lots of questions, and made a positive impression. However, he wasn’t yet ready for a job, and Maree respected that.
Instead of pushing Reilly too hard, Maree continued to support him where needed. When Reilly expressed a desire to obtain a police check, Maree noticed he was missing some key documents. Undeterred, Reilly went about gathering what he needed. He shared with Maree that securing a job was his main motivation to stay clean, and this reinforced Maree’s belief in his determination.
A Breakthrough Opportunity
Maree’s relationship with Hertz Car Rental, which she had cultivated over five years, proved invaluable when an opportunity arose for a car detailer position at Hertz’s Glen Iris branch. Reilly, though hesitant, was interested in the role, despite his limited experience in car detailing. Maree worked with him to refine his resume, and within a day, Hertz reached out for an interview.
Reilly was ecstatic, but the nerves quickly set in. Unsure of what to wear and how to get to the interview, he was overwhelmed with doubt. Maree was there every step of the way—helping him choose interview-appropriate attire, coaching him on interview techniques, and even arranging and funding an Uber to ensure he made it to the interview.
When Reilly finished the interview, he called Maree, excited but unsure. He’d done his best, but he wasn’t convinced it was enough. A day later, Maree received an email from Hertz expressing some hesitation but also acknowledging Reilly’s potential. Maree advocated for Reilly, urging them to give him a chance. Hertz agreed—and sent Reilly an offer. He got the job!
Facing Challenges and Moving Forward
After starting the role on October 2, 2024, Reilly was faced with another challenge. Three weeks in, he called Maree, unsure how to handle a court date that conflicted with work. He was afraid that his employer would judge him negatively or, worse, fire him. Maree reassured him, urging him to be honest with his manager and explain the situation. Reilly followed her advice, and everything worked out.
Soon after, Reilly shared with Maree that he was trying to reconnect with his family who had relocated to Darwin. He explained that they had come to Melbourne to visit a sick family member so he reached out to meet with them. Reilly was nervous about their reaction but wanted to make amends. A week later, Maree received a phone call from Reilly’s mother, who thanked her for helping Reilly find a way forward.
With his job and family relationships beginning to heal, Reilly’s next goal was to secure stable accommodation. However, just as things were looking up, Hertz called Maree to say that Reilly had missed work and was now on his final warning. Maree wasted no time reaching out to Reilly, advising him to speak openly with his manager. She encouraged him to share his story: how he was working hard to stay clean, rebuild his life, and why this job meant so much to him.
A New Beginning
Reilly’s conversation with his manager proved to be a turning point. Hertz saw his commitment, and Reilly’s performance improved dramatically. He began arriving early and staying late, putting in extra effort over the holiday period. By the time Maree last spoke with him, Reilly had exceeded expectations and was now a full-time employee. He was no longer reliant on Centrelink and had achieved his 12-week employment outcome, a key step towards securing permanent housing.
Today, Reilly is excelling. He’s confident, committed, and determined never to return to his past. The entire team at Jobfind Prahran is incredibly proud of Reilly’s journey and the hard work he’s put in to transform his life. He is living proof that, with the right support and determination, anyone can overcome their past and build a brighter future.
