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.

Established in 1958, Inala, a Rudolf Steiner organisation, supports individuals with intellectual disabilities through day services, supported employment and residential services.

Inala is currently seeking a Residential Care Worker to work in a Community Group Home which supports six women with an intellectual disability.

The successful person will provide support to clients in all areas of their life, including assistance with personal care, meal preparation and all other aspects of maintaining a home for people with disabilities.

The Residential Care Worker will also support clients to access the community and day programs, and other duties as indicated in the job description and as directed by the Community Group Homes Manager.

Closing date: 16 November 2011

Find out more about this Residential Care Worker job or search for more jobs in disability.

This Business Development Consultant role is a great opportunity to join a highly respected leader in the disability industry that promotes a happy, down to earth and supportive team culture. The Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides employment, training, accommodation, day program and respite services to more than 1,500 people with a disability across the greater Western Sydney area.

To be successful in this role, you will need to posses a NSW Driver's Licence, effective sales and customer service skills, excellent communication and time management skills and previous experience in an employment service or customer service role. Knowledge of current federal Government funded employment programs and services is desirable.

In return for your skills and dedication to the role, AFFORD offers on-the-job training, excellent working conditions, a competitive salary, a vehicle and generous salary packaging arrangements. AFFORD also offers continual development and the opportunity to work within a vibrant team.

Closing date: 7 November 2011

Find out more about this Business Development Consultant role in Western Sydney or search for disability jobs in Sydney.

With the predicted need for more personnel in the disability and community care sector over the next few years, competing for the workforce is now gaining a renewed momentum and becoming a greater focus for employers and hiring managers.

A job advertisement is often the first point of contact between your organisation and candidates and one of the most important things you can do is use your job adverts to differentiate your organisation and vacant roles.

A quick scan of some job ads reveals a list of standard items or highlights that are usually bullet pointed with little or no explanation, indicating that most organisations are not doing a lot to differentiate themselves. While there is a need to keep job adverts short these items shouldn’t be left to the interview for explanation.

Some examples of these job ad highlights include:

• Award or above award salary: What does this mean to school leavers or career changers and where do they find information about it?
• Salary packaging: It sounds good but it could sound even better if it was explained that the industry provides salary packaging incentives above and beyond normal packaging options.
• Certificate III required or the willingness to obtain it: Most new entrants to the sector will be excited at the prospect of obtaining a qualification, but there’s no often no explanation as to how they would go about it and be employed at the same time. This leaves candidates with plenty of questions, such as: Will I get time off work to attend Tafe? Will my new employer help with course costs? Are there minimum education requirements to attend these courses? A simple explanation in a job ad could cover these questions.

One way of further distinguishing an organisation in a job advert is by detailing the additional employment benefits. Some organisations in the sector do this but most don't. Examples include:

• Work/life balance
• Career progression and a variety of career opportunities
• Personal development opportunities
• Staff participation in the organisation’s direction and vision
• Recognition of Prior Learning
• Role specific training
• Financial bonuses
• Discounted gym memberships

While this is not an exhaustive list, it is a good example of how some organisations are being noticed by candidates. What does your organisation do to stand out from the crowd? We’d love to hear from you.