Job Coaching Program

Participant Application

AV Job Coaching Program

After a successful pilot program offering complimentary coaching to our community during the COVID lockdown periods of 2020 and 2021, Aspergers Victoria (AV) has continued to refine and grow its Job Coaching Program over the past few years—making steady improvements every step of the way. We are excited to now offer fee-for-service coaching to support autistic and neurodivergent adults in navigating employment pathways.

Why Choose AV’s Job Coaching?

• Lived Experience & Peer Mentorship: All AV coaches, staff, and volunteers bring an authentic understanding of autism. Our Programs Coordinator and Programs Manager both have lived experience, ensuring that the values of acceptance, respect, and empowerment guide every aspect of our service.
• Strengths-Based Methodology: AV Job Coaching focuses on your unique strengths, helping you identify suitable career paths and develop practical strategies—rather than providing prescriptive “treatment.”
• Career & Workplace Support: From clarifying your career priorities, to improving your résumé or preparing for interviews, to talking through team or social dynamics at work, we tailor every session to meet your personal needs and goals.

Who Can Apply?

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
• Neurodivergent Focus: We welcome applications from independently capable autistic individuals, and those who identify with similar neurodivergent profiles.
• Membership: Both members and non-members can apply. If you proceed beyond the initial discovery session, a current AV membership is required to continue coaching.

What Does Coaching Involve?

Our World of Work Job Coaching empowers you to implement positive change in your life and work. Unlike counselling or therapy, which often focus on remediation and problem-solving, coaching is forward-looking—emphasizing self-insight, self- action, and skill-building.

Common coaching topics include:

• Clarifying your career direction or next steps.
• Job search essentials: résumés, cover letters, and interview practice.
• Overcoming barriers and building resilience at work (e.g., burnout, team conflicts, accommodations).
• Strategizing how to communicate your needs to managers or coworkers.
• Executive function support (e.g., organization, planning, time management).

How Our Coaching Works

1. Discovery Session: We start with a complimentary call or online meeting to ensure a good coach-participant fit.
2. Coaching Sessions: Coaching is available in blocks of three sessions (each ~45 minutes). Depending on your preference or location, sessions can be:
   • Online via Zoom (preferred method).
   • Face-to-Face in the Melbourne area.
3. Cost: AUD $450 for three sessions.
   • NDIS participants may be able to use plan funds for these sessions.
4. Continuous Improvement: Our dedicated Programs Coordinator ( peer experience )  and Programs Manager  (lived experience) work closely with AV coaches to refine the coaching approach, ensuring it remains flexible, relevant, individualized, and supportive for all participants.

How to Apply

1. Online Application:
   • Click “Register” (or the link provided) to fill out the Coaching Program Application Form.
   • Upon successful submission, you will receive an automatic confirmation email and we’ll add your name to our coaching database.
2. Await Contact:
   • When a coaching space becomes available, we’ll be in touch to schedule your discovery session.
   • Please note: We often receive a high volume of interest, so there may be a waiting period.
3. Next Steps & Membership:
   • If you decide to continue beyond the discovery session, you’ll need to hold a current AV membership.

More Information

• Coaching Details & FAQs:
  • Visit our AV website for additional resources, FAQs, and program details.
• Mailing List:
  • Not quite ready to apply but want updates on job coaching opportunities? Join our AV mailing list specifically for coaching.
• Questions or Feedback:
  • Phone: 0480 385 710 (9am–5pm, Mon–Thu)
  • Email: AV admin team

We look forward to working alongside you and leveraging our peer-led, lived-experience expertise to help you discover and thrive in the world of work. If you have any questions about coaching or your eligibility, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Teens Work Know-How Program
Our program runs on the financial year, in which case, we are now taking Expressions for round 1 (2026)
Timetables Below!

Register here: 

https://aspergersvic.org.au/event-6210684/Registration

Join Our Teens Work Know-How Program: Your Opportunity to Shine

Are you or someone you know a student, and ready to be supported in taking the next step towards transitioning from School into the Workforce? We’re thrilled to invite you to express your early interest in our Teens Work Know-How Program, running in 2026. This will allow us to showcase community need.

This early application will help us in proactively managing our program to ensure its the best it can be for all, and in our grant applications and advocacy work. Your early efforts are supporting us to keep this program funded, and our community supported. 

Please see below possible dates for the 2026 program!

Why This Program Matters

Our Teens Work Know-How Program is more than just a series of workshops—it’s a community-driven initiative designed to empower neurodiverse teens with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the workplace. Here’s why this program is crucial:

• Empowering Futures: We provide the tools and support to help neurodiverse teens navigate the professional world with confidence. This program is tailored to highlight and harness their unique strengths. 
  
  
• Building Stronger Communities: By focusing on individual abilities and fostering an inclusive environment, we are building a community where everyone can contribute and succeed.  Jacob, our Program Manager, knows firsthand, "a lot of learning for our cohort is helping them cut through the jargon, explaining the first principles, the Why behind the actions taken, and being able to understand and mentor their curiosity".
  
  
• Advocating for Change: Your involvement helps us collect valuable data that showcases the impact and ROI of neurodiverse talent, how educators and employers can best support, harness and train your talents, and helping all parties understand how the spectrum may speak in a place of work. 
  
  This evidence is critical for securing future funding and expanding our reach and services to community, and more importantly, employers are businesses, this helps us showcase with tangible data, supported by our industry stakeholders, the long-term results of employing our community. The earlier our cohort understand themselves, their place on the spectrum, only then can they support, or be supported
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the Teens Work Know-How Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Must be within the legal working age of 15- 18 by the time the program round starts.
• School Enrollment: Must be enrolled in secondary school or through the Home Schooling Network (HEN).
• Commitment: Must be able to meet the scheduled requirements of the program.
• School Support: Must have the school’s knowledge and signature for work experience placement to be included as part of the participant's school VET (Vocational Education and Training) learning.

How Your Participation Makes a Difference

1. Early Access: By expressing your interest now, you’ll be prioritized for onboarding in our final round of the current grant extension in 2025.
2. Future Notifications: You’ll be among the first to hear about additional funding and new programs from 2025-2026 if we receive further funding.
3. Program Development: Your early application helps us understand community needs and develop diverse program options, including school curriculum integration, holiday programs, and/ or online courses.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Our program isn’t just about skills; it’s about changing lives. Here is a story from our Team that highlight the social value of our work:

• Community Voices: One of our participants, "Emma", shared how the program helped her build confidence in a way that traditional approaches in school didn’t. She learned to speak to her unique strengths to feel more confident in job interviews and the transition process, understanding that what made her a leader in her basket ball team, and her love for sport, is why she is fit for the role; not because of her Resume. This participant then went off to work in a sports store at DFO.
  
  Another student, "Samantha" also suffered from stress related/undiagnosed tics, something that Jacob, due to his Tourette Syndrome understood the self consciousness of. Both of them, not being around many other "Tickers" connected, this report, this shared understanding, allowed for Sam to take of the mask, to transition from the timid shy girl who came in, feeling like her ticks would make her unable to achieve her goals, to one of the stand out students in our cohort. This preconceived mindset was brought to a halt; when she saw someone, doing exactly what she felted would never be possible. That reprograming of her believes, through seeing it with their own eyes, and being understood, was shared to be more impactful then any information, and a deeply impactful moment for both, and our program so far.  
  

Our ILC Commitment

Since 2019, supported by an ILC grant, we’ve faced challenges but remain dedicated to our mission; to deliver the Teens Work Know-How Program.

Despite the hurdles, including those from COVID-19, we’ve persevered, and pivoted through these challenges with the support of our community and stakeholders.
We continued to focus on leading by example, employing more lived experience team members, and exceeding past outcomes. 

Your participation is key to our success. It allows us to:

• Showcase Unique Talents: Highlight the skills and abilities of neurodiverse teens.
• Secure Essential Funding: Use collected data to advocate for extended or new grants.
• Expand Our Offerings: Create more programs tailored to various needs and preferences.

Register here: 

https://aspergersvic.org.au/event-6210684/Registration

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AV - Empowering and connecting Neurodiverse Individuals for 33 Year!

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event Terms & Conditions

D&D Term 4 2025
Friday 6.00pm, 18+ (Group 7)

The AV D&D program continues this term, and your DMs and DMAs are excited for you to join them on more adventures with your questing group, while also making friends, exploring your creativity, connecting with others in our community, and having fun.

Each session runs for three hours, providing fun and social connection for our players and meaningful ongoing employment opportunities for our community. 

(For further information about the AV D&D program, please visit the D&D page on the AV website.)

Register on this page for: Term 4, Friday 6.00pm, 18+ (Group 7)

First session date: Friday 17 October

Last session date: Friday 5 December

Each session: 3 hours (with breaks)

Player eligibility: AV members aged 18 and older

Dungeon Master: Tarquin

DM email address: dnd7@aspergersvic.org.au

DM Bio - Tarquin.pdf

Campaign Profile - Group 7

Please take the time to read through the DM bio and campaign profile. These documents help you get to know your DM and contain important information if you are creating your own character.

Cost

$320 for 8 sessions. If cost is a barrier, please email our AV admin team. If you are not yet an AV member, join as an AV member today to access this members-only program and so much more.

• For other D&D groups this term, please visit the D&D program page on the AV website to view all group days and times for this term.
• NB: D&D sessions do not run on weekends, on public holidays, on Fridays leading into long weekends, or on the Monday before Cup Day.
• Please choose your group carefully as we cannot accommodate player requests to change groups after registration.

AV Player Registration Information: please read this before registering

• The AV D&D Player Registration Information includes important information about registering, changing groups, allowed character types, adult supervision for younger players, and a trial of Discord for all groups in Term 1 2023.
• All players (and parents / carers where applicable) will need to agree to this as part of the registration process.
• NB: By registering for this group, you confirm that you and / or your player have read, understood, and agree to the Player Registration Information.

About character sheets

• Players will be asked in registration if they would like to upload a character sheet / email a character sheet to the DM, if they need some help to create a character sheet, or if they need the DM to provide a pre-set character sheet.
• Returning players need to provide an updated character sheet at least one week before the first session.
• If a player has indicated that they need help, the DM will contact them via email before the first session.
• For a list of accepted character source materials, please read the Campaign Profile for this group.
• Homebrew / custom characters or monster-race characters cannot be accommodated in AV's D&D program.

Important Player Documents

• Safety in D&D: Off-limits topics. This allows players to tell us if there are any topics that they are not comfortable to have included in their D&D game.
  
• AV D&D Frequently Asked Questions: includes answers to common questions about the AV D&D program
• AV's D&D Program Rules and Guidelines: these rules and guidelines set expectations for our D&D sessions and includes important information on our Child Safe policy.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• How to register for an AV activity

• How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to view your registration details or cancel a registration

• How to access an AV Zoom Activity (includes tips on Zoom etiquette)

• AV Zoom Guide (includes details of in-Zoom features)

For more information

If you have questions or if you need assistance, please contact our AV admin team.

• Call 0480 385 710, or email us.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

• Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity start time and for the first hour of the activity.

• The AV email inbox is not monitored outside business hours. 

AV Groups Way

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event Terms & Conditions

Young Adults Group: December

- In-Person Meeting (Pancake Parlour)

About the Young Adults Group

Our Young Adults Group is a great place for Aspergers, autistic and other similar neurodivergent profile adults aged 18 years - 35 years (approx.) to meet, chat, and play games with no social pressure. As this is a parent/carer-free zone, we invite any parents or carers to attend our separate Parents & Carers group.

This activity is likely to be fully booked with a waiting list. We're very much looking forward to seeing everyone, however if something comes up and you can no longer attend, please make sure you cancel your registration so someone else can attend.

Important Information

All attendees will be required to pay for their own food online via the QR codes at the table. 

About our Group Leaders

The session is facilitated by the Young Adults Group team:

• Matthew - YA Group Leader
• Cal, Brooklyn, Tim, Todd, Corey - YA Mentors

All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check.

Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, FREE for +Groups membership holders and first-time attendees.

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for activities, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team does for our community. If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team or fill out our Hardship Fund application form. 

Venue Information 

Pancake Parlour Malvern East - 682 Warrigal Road, Malvern East, 3145

Pancake Parlour menu online

Pancake Parlour - Malvern East in Google Maps

Transport: Buses 623, 624, 767 903 stops approx. 250m. On-site undercover parking.

Accessibility: accessible parking, ramp access, accessible toilet.

You will be able to order from the full menu (including savoury, sweet and vegan options) and pay individually at the bar as you order or via QR codes at the table. There is no minimum spend requirement. 

Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• How to register for an AV activity

• How to make a payment for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to view your registration details or cancel a registration

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

• Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

• Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity and for the first hour of the activity. 

• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs

Rainbow Spectrum Group: December - In-Person End of Year Picnic

About the Rainbow Spectrum Group

Our Rainbow Spectrum Group is a great place to connect with other autistic adults who are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community to chat about your experiences, share ideas, exchange advice, and support each other. You are also welcome to attend our Adults Group, our Women & Non-Binary Folk Group, our Young Adults Group, or all three!

As a celebration of the end of the year and all the achievements we have made this year, we are holding an end of year picnic. So, dust off your picnic blanket, fill your baskets with your favourite snacks and gather your friends or come along ready to make them. 

About our Group Leaders

This session is facilitated by Mark, our Rainbow Spectrum Group Leader and supported by Brooklyn, Micheala and Amelia.

All AV volunteer group leaders are peers of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV volunteers have a Working with Children Check.

Cost: This event is free to register for everyone, as a special thank you to the AV Community. Attendees must still register ahead of time. 

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for groups and events, members-only programs, and to support the work our volunteers and staff team do for our community.

Venue information

• Smith Reserve Park (Next to Fitzroy Swimming Pool)
• Smith Reserve Website
• Smith Reserve on Google Maps
• Public Transport: Tram 11, Stop 18 Alexandra Parade/Brunswick St - 300m, Tram 86, Stop 21 Alexandra Parade/Smith St - 350m
• Accessibility: Smith Reserve is wheelchair accessible. 

Anyone wanting to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10. Please note that first-time attendee tickets must be requested before the meeting and are not available at the door.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• Community Guide: How to register for an AV activity, view details of an existing registration, or cancel a registration
  

• Community Guide: How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)
  

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.
  

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

If you have further questions about the event, about AV, or need assistance with registering, please contact our AV admin team.

• Call 0480 385 710 or email us.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday.

• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs

Adults Group: December

- Online Meeting (Social Night)

About the Adults Group

Our Adults Group is for older members of the Aspergers autistic community and those with other similar neurodivergent profiles. It is more suitable for those who are aged 35 years and over, although younger adults are welcome to join in. (Young adults may prefer to attend our Young Adults group meetings as well as or instead of this group.) 

The Adults Group is a parent/carer free zone - parents / carers of attendees are invited to join our separate Parents & Carers Group instead. (Autistic adults who are also parents or carers are most welcome.)

This meeting will be online via Zoom. We have included more information about Zoom and how to access the meeting below.

Volunteers needed

We’re looking for a volunteer Group Assistant to support our Group Leader and help to run the group. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.

About our Group Leaders

All AV volunteer group leaders are peers of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check.

Cost: $5 for AV members, $10 for non-members. FREE for holders of a +Groups Membership and first-time attendees.

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for activities, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team does for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team.

Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For online events, you need to register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• How to register for an AV activity, view registration details, or cancel a registration

• How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to access an AV Zoom Activity (includes tips on Zoom etiquette)

• AV Zoom Guide(includes details of in-Zoom features)

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

• Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

• Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity and for the first hour of the activity.

• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs

Adults Group: December

- In-Person Social Night (Picnic)

About the Adults Group

Our Adults Group is for older members of the Aspergers autistic community and those with other similar neurodivergent profiles. It is more suitable for those who are aged 35 years and over, although younger adults are welcome to join in. (Young adults may prefer to attend our Young Adults group meetings as well as or instead of this group.)

The Adults Group is a parent/carer free zone - parents/carers of attendees are invited to join our separate Parents & Carers Group instead.

(Autistic adults who are also parents or carers are most welcome.)

This month, we are going to the Central Park. We will be meeting towards the NE (North East) corner of the park near the corner of Burke Rd and Wattletree Rd.

Volunteers needed

We’re looking for a volunteer Group Assistant to support our Group Leader and help to run the group. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.

About our Group Leaders

All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check.

Cost: $5 for AV members, $10 for non-members, FREE for holders of a +Groups Membership and for first-time attendees

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for groups and events, members-only programs, and to support the work our volunteers and staff team do for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact Jack.

Venue information

Central Park - 148 Burke Rd, Malvern East VIC 3145

Central Park web page

Central Park on Google maps 

Public transport: Gardiner station 1.4km, bus 624 130m, 5 tram stop Burke Rd/Wattletree Rd (stops right outside), no parking information.

Accessibility: no information available.

Anyone wanting to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10. Please note that first-time attendee tickets must be requested before the meeting and are not available at the door.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• Community Guide: How to register for an AV activity, view details of an existing registration, or cancel a registration
  

• Community Guide: How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs

Expression of Interest:

AO26 All Abilities Day – Kids & Families Session 

AV is thrilled that our Members have been invited to participate in the All Abilities Day at the Australian Open Tennis ('AO'). This event aims to showcase and celebrate inclusivity with an accessible environment, through offering a diverse range of opportunities for all community members to experience tennis and enjoy the Australian Open Tennis. 

As part of our vision towards Member inclusion, AV are inviting AV Members and their allies to attend this event and experience the atmosphere of the Australian Open. The free ticket gives attendees early access to the AO Ballpark and outer courts for the day and the Sensory Session, which is aimed at 5-14 year olds and runs from 8:00am to 9:45am. Attendees are welcome to explore the rest of the ballpark for the rest of the day. This ticket does not include the main tennis arenas. 

Our Expression of interest is open now and must close on Monday 8 December. We recommend you respond ASAP to secure your ticket!

How will this happen?

• If you are interested in attending, please add your name to the expression of interest by clicking 'Register' on this email
• After registrations have closed and we have confirmed numbers with the organisers through Amaze, you then will be notified the next steps

Notes

• This event is not being directly managed by AV, therefore we may not be able to answer all your questions about this event. For more information and the available social story please go to the AO website and its accessibility page
• This Expression of Interest ('EOI') is open to AV Members, their allies and associated non-members. However tickets are limited. 
• Individuals aged under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult organised by their parent or carer. The person under 18 and the adult must register independently / separately. AV will not be responsible for attendees or their experience.  
• This event is located at the AO Ballpark which is on the edge of the Melbourne CBD near Birrarung Park.

• Completing this EOI form indicates that you are interested in attending the event, but it does not guarantee a ticket. 

What happens next?

• This EOI will close on Monday 8 December
• The event will happen on Tuesday 27 January starting 8am
• After registrations have closed and we have confirmed numbers with the organisers, you will be notified the next steps

For more information

If you have further questions or feedback about this activity, please contact our AV admin team:

• Call 0480 385 710, or email us.
• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday.
• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event Terms & Conditions