How people who suffer chronic pain and can’t get a pension can get a job

Many jobseekers who suffer from chronic pain don’t qualify for the disability support pension, but can’t seem to get work either. Recruiters reveal their advice to get hired.

CAREERS’ panel of expert recruiters answers a reader’s question each week. Have a question? Email [e-mail]

What jobs would you recommend for people with chronic pain?

Lisa Morris

Director,

Hays

Without knowing the specific details of your particular situation, we can only provide a general answer. People with chronic pain can generally continue in their chosen career, however they require flexibility from their employer to manage their condition when there are flare ups or periods of incapacity. White-collar positions are recommended for those with chronic pain to ensure body stressing is kept to a minimum. Jobs such as administration, copywriting, marketing and IT enable people to continue to work, adapt to their condition and manage their pain levels.

Chronic pain sufferers may need to look at a change in career by moving into an entry-level role, then progressing over time. Of course, consult your health practitioner so you can live and work to your full ability using proactive pain management strategies. Workplace engagement can have a positive effect on recovery and enables a person with chronic pain to continue to contribute and increase their own wellbeing.

Remember, a health management plan can be created collaboratively with your employer, which provides flexibility in hours. This enables a person with chronic pain to rest and recover when needed and add in additional hours to meet the requirements of the position. When applying for roles, be transparent about your condition while also providing solutions on how you will meet the outcomes of the job, such as regular breaks or working from home when needed.

Lisa Morris says sufferers should be able to explain to potential employers how they can manage their condition but still meet requirements of the job.

Megan Nicholson

General manager

Entree Recruitment

The first thing to note is that everyone is different and the approach taken should match the individual’s capacity to the right job. In the first instance, the candidate should speak to their doctor and work out what restrictions they have that may impact the type of work they are able to perform. It may be a good idea to seek assistance from government agencies and disability service providers, who will have experience in this space and will be able to assist them further.

Megan Nicholson says disability service providers have a lot of experience in this area and can help jobseekers.

Andrew Sullivan

Managing director,

Sullivan Consulting

Arguably, what’s more important is the company you apply to, as some companies offer flexibility regarding work conditions, offering part-time hours or assisting by putting in appropriate support systems, which may include offering autonomy so that you can complete your work over a period of time. Researching company profiles and employee feedback can help narrow down your options, and contacting businesses directly may provide further clarity. If you’re consistently being knocked back because of your condition(s), it may be worthwhile engaging with employment agencies that specialise in finding employment for people with pre-existing health conditions and emphasising the skills/experiences you have that you can offer an employer.

Andrew Sullivan says to look at the jobs offered by good employers, rather than finding an employer to suit the job.

Alexandra Rosser

Head of Organisational Psychology Consulting,

Stillwell Management Consultants

I am sorry to hear about your pain and employment challenges. It is hard to be definitive about suitable and available jobs for any jobseeker in this situation without expert analysis of how their pain specifically affects them physically and psychologically when working. A comprehensive vocational assessment involving an organisational psychologist, occupational physician and pain specialist may be helpful and there are also specific Disability Employment Services providers who can assist those with pain to find work even if they do not qualify for government benefits. Many employers are also willing to provide stand-up desks, ergonomic seating and other aids to support people in these circumstances.

Alexandra Rosser says a vocational assessment by an organisational psychologist or occupational physician may identify suitable roles.

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