Many of us are drawn to the not-for-profit sector because we are looking for a more rewarding job, but moving from a corporate role to a position in the not-for-profit sector can be a big change.

For career changers this means working with a very different business model and the possible new reality of a higher staff turnover, less resources and lower wages. These kind of changes can be somewhat of a culture shock as working for a not-for-profit can involve as much hard work and as many challenges as a corporate role.

Why make the change?

There are rewards for your hard work - showing dedication in your role will help you climb the not so corporate ladder and changing sectors does not always mean changing role types.

Not-for-profit organisations need staff in administration, accounting, marketing, transport and facilities just like any other business. Find out more about role types in disability and community care in The sector's roles.

A definite perk of the not-for-profit sector is working with people who want to achieve common social goals, not financial. This can mean surrounding yourself with people who are passionate about why they do what they do, and if you’re enjoying your role type, but not the business culture in which you work, this can be a welcome change.

While decreased wages are a reality of sector hopping, salary sacrifice is a definite perk. To read more about salary sacrificing visit AccessPay.

Not-for-profit organisations will also typically be more flexible in their approach to your day-to-day routine, though this often comes with more responsibility too.

Volunteering may be a good first step

If you’re thinking about making a bigger change and stepping into a completely different role type, volunteering can give you an insider's view and will often get your foot in the door. Remember though that your experience contributing unpaid work will be different to contributing your time as a paid employee.

When making applications for paid roles, employers like to see some experience within not-for-profit organisations. Be sure to mention any volunteering or pro bono experience you have had. For example, you may have managed the accounts of a not-for-profit business in a previous corporate finance role.

Through your volunteering or pro bono work your potential employer will value your sense of work culture that is their reality.

Find out if you are right for the disability and community care sector

If you’re looking for a new and rewarding challenge but aren’t entirely sure if the disability and community care sector is for you and your career choice, why not take our Career Quiz - it’s a fun and easy way to see if you’re the right person for the sector.

Chris' story - a career changer

Chris is the Operations Manager at Illawarra Vocational Services and is a good example of a career changer who has moved from the corporate sector to the disability and community care sector.

"For 7 years I travelled from Wollongong to Sydney for my job. On a good day it took me 1 hour and 20 minutes to get through the 91 sets of traffic lights, but these days it takes me 2 minutes and two sets of lights to get to work!

"I was working in a marketing role for a large company in Sydney and was being paid well - but I paid for it. My job took up a lot of my time and I sacrificed a lot. I had a young family and was looking to change careers paths. Fortunately, just at the right time, I saw an ad in the local paper for my current job."

Read Chris' full story on the caecareers website.

These Permanent Full Time positions are responsible for coordinating the day to day running of Benevolent Society's Revitalise program.

Benevolent Society’s goal is to help people to overcome the barriers preventing them from participating fully in society.

Successful applicants will be responsible for intake, assessment, coordination and planning of respite and social support services to older people, younger people with disabilities and their carers.

The majority of the programs cover Kogarah, Rockdale, Hurstville and Sutherland.

Benevolent Society offers salary packaging, ongoing professional development, a supportive working environment and great flexibility including a monthly accrued day off for Full Time employees.

The Benevolent Society has been caring for Australians and their communities for nearly 200 years. They are a non-religious, not-for-profit organisation working to bring about positive social change in response to community needs.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are encouraged to apply.

Closing date: 9 December 2011

Find out more about roles as Respite Coordinators at Benevolent Society or search for jobs in disability.

When I tell people where I work, some people say, “Where?”

Most people in Wagga Wagga know about Kurrajong Waratah as it’s the largest not-for-profit organisation in the area, but generally, people haven’t heard of Skills Options. It’s not until I talk about some of the activities we do that people raise their eyebrows – I mean, in what other job can you go to a music concert, lunch in the park and have an art session in the afternoon. People are genuinely interested in the work I do and they ask a lot of questions. People enquire about the hours, job description and training.

I tell them that our Manager usually employs casual staff to fill rosters as it gives them a chance to see if they like working with people with disability. Some of the casual staff now have permanent positions.

Once, a woman said to me that I must be a “special type of person” to work with adults with disability. I think she was referring to having lots of patience and being very understanding. However, I don’t believe that you need to be “special” to work with people with disability; it’s an enjoyable, rewarding job! Of course, it’s handy to have a great sense of humour!

The staff at Skills Options come from all areas of the community, and are all different types of people. I think this is why our service works. Although reactions to my work are mixed, attitudes in the community are changing as people learn more about the disability and community care sector. If you want to know more, ask someone you know who works with people with disability, or get in touch with the carecareers Careers Centre.

Are you a Personal Assistant looking for a new role in an organisation that turns lives around for good? Wesley Mission needs a PA to work in Carlingford, Sydney.

The ideal candidate will have several years experience working at a senior level, a friendly outgoing personality and a willingness to attempt any task.

Wesley Mission actively seeks to work in communities which have real needs. Their community includes the vulnerable and marginalised, the lonely, hurt and fragile, the homeless, people who are mentally ill, aged, have a disability or are unemployed.

Essential criteria

• Demonstrated experience as a Personal Assistant
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple tasks
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
• Advanced and accurate skills in MS Office
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Highly developed logical and systematic thinking
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
• A professional manner and presentation

Desirable criteria

• Experience in community ageing and disabilities sector or the not-for-profit sector

Closing date: 18 March 2011

Learn more about the Personal Assistant position at Wesley Mission or search for more corporate and management roles in Sydney.

I created a video this year to introduce everyone to my employer, Greenacres Disability Services, and so you can meet my friends and supervisors at work.