Deaf Aotearoa provides a nationwide Employment Consultancy service for employers and Deaf people. 

Deaf Aotearoa Employment Consultants work with Deaf jobseekers to help them find meaningful employment and provide them with the necessary level of support needed to maintain their role.

They also:

• identify the employment needs and goals of the job seekers
• assist with the interview process and offering career/training advice.
• network with businesses and organisations to identify potential job opportunities
• work with employers and staff to ensure they understand the best ways to communicate and work with a Deaf person.

For employers   

Some think that communication can be a barrier for Deaf in the workplace, however simple discussion and an open mind is all that is needed to encourage a Deaf person to contribute to the same high standard as their hearing colleagues.

Deaf Aotearoa can offer practical guidance and advice on hiring a Deaf person.

We work with you to:

• Ensure health and safety requirements are met
• Provide Deaf Awareness training for you and your staff
• Develop effective communication strategies
• Help book interpreters and organise job subsidies through Workbridge
• Provide ongoing support to you and your employees as needed - including working through difficult situations such as disciplinary proceedings.

We'll go out of our way to ease any anxieties you may have about recruiting Deaf employees. You can always contact us if you have concerns or questions.

View the DEAFinitely Working For You DVD or [download the brochure] for more information

For Jobseekers

If you're Deaf and looking for work we are here to help you.

We can work with you to:

• Match you to the right job
• Arrange job interviews
• Help with information on employer subsidies
• Arrange New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreters for interviews and other meetings

The process

We arrange an interview with one of our employment consultants who will create a personal plan and a job search strategy that gives you the best chance of succeeding in the job market.

We can help you even before you start looking for work by working with you to create a CV, polish your interviewing skills and offering training course.   We are also available to attend job interviews as support.

We're still here to help once you have a placement.

We can:

• Work with you in the early stages of building a relationship with your new employer
• Make sure you have the equipment you need
• Arrange interpreters for staff/team meetings
• Provide Deaf Awareness training for your new colleagues

Whether it's a part-time or full-time job, our employment consultants will work with you to find work and stay in your job/career of choice.

 Please contact your local Deaf Aotearoa office to make an appointment.