20 May 2020 posted by Recovery Partners

When a redundancy left this sales executive out of work during COVID-19, Recovery Partners Rehabilitation Consultant Ali Hamdan stepped in to help him get back in the game by conducting a vocational assessment and providing regular support.

Patrick was made redundant while receiving workers’ compensation

*Patrick (NSW) was employed as a sales executive when an equipment failure left him with a hernia injury. While he was off work and recovering from surgery, he received no contact from his employers. Just when he was ready to go back, he got a phone call informing him that his role had been made redundant. Though he was now fit for work, Patrick now had no job to go back to. Not long after this, coronavirus arrived in Australia and the job market plummeted. Patrick was stressed, anxious and worried about his future job prospects. ‘Patrick was the breadwinner of the family and had a wife and two kids to look after,’ says Ali. ‘The part that he really struggled with was the uncertainty – not knowing what was ahead for him.’

Patrick had a good work history, but it was a tough job market

Patrick had a great work history and had already updated his resume, Ali says. ‘When I completed a vocational assessment, I realised Patrick was very employable and didn’t necessarily require assistance with job applications. The barriers to him finding work were his low motivation and the possible impact of coronavirus on the market.’ While Ali couldn’t do anything about the pandemic, he could offer Patrick ongoing support while he looked for a new job, so that’s what he did. ‘What Patrick seemed to really appreciate was the fact that I called him regularly,’ says Ali. ‘I asked him about his kids, and we talked about tennis, as we both play. We didn’t just talk about his situation, although we did discuss any vacancies that came up in his industry. When there were positions vacant, I encouraged him to apply and followed up when we chatted next.’

Ali’s consistent contact helped Patrick secure a new job

Only one week after Ali completed Patrick’s vocational assessment, Patrick secured a new job as a Business Development Manager. ‘Patrick found the job on his own, but I’m glad I was able to help him get to a better place mentally,’ Ali says. ‘Making the time for those conversations can really make a difference.’ Clearly, Patrick agreed, as the insurer on his case wrote to Recovery Partners specifically to pass on Patrick’s praise of Ali. ‘Patrick could not be more thankful for all the effort Ali invested in his claim. He considers that the great outcome would not have been possible without Ali’s assistance and encouragement.’ We don’t want to make Ali blush, but Patrick’s not the only one who appreciates him – we’re proud to have Ali on the Recovery Partners team.  

If you’d like the assistance of Ali or another Rehabilitation Consultant to help your client or employee return to work or find their next opportunity, get in touch.

Our services are available nationwide. For more information about our services contact us.

Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au

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Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/Â