How MAX helped Cruiz find his Drive

Cruiz had been caught in a frustrating cycle—job applications, interviews, and rejections. Despite finishing Year 12 and gaining some experience in his family’s food business, he couldn’t seem to land a job. Each "no" chipped away at his confidence, leaving him unsure of where to turn next.

Cruiz faced unique challenges. His hearing impairment made it difficult to communicate in noisy environments, and his intellectual disability meant that focusing, following instructions, or learning new tasks at the pace expected in most workplaces was especially tough. He needed a role that not only suited his skills but also came with a supportive environment to help him succeed.

Recognizing that Cruiz needed tailored support, his occupational therapist turned to MAX for help. With experience in assisting people to overcome barriers to employment, MAX is well-positioned to provide the personalised approach Cruiz needed to achieve his goals. 

At MAX, our first step is always understanding the person behind the résumé. Cruiz’s Job Coach Nikki took the time to get to know him—not just as a job seeker but as a person. That’s when she discovered his passion: cars. Cruiz loved everything about them—driving, cleaning, and caring for them. His enthusiasm sparked an idea. 

Nikki updated his résumé to highlight his strengths: motivated, hardworking, and physically fit. Together, they focused on finding roles that matched his skills and interests. Twice a week, they worked on job search strategies, refined his interview skills, and practiced clear communication techniques.

Nikki proactively reached out to a local business, a car detailing company, and arranged an interview for Cruiz. But she didn’t stop there. Knowing that interviews had been a hurdle in the past, she prepared Cruiz with mock interviews and helped him choose professional clothing for the big day.

During the interview, Nikki played a pivotal role. She attended with Cruiz and helped bridge communication gaps. When questions seemed unclear to him, she rephrased them in ways he could understand, enabling him to shine and express his genuine enthusiasm for the role.

Cruiz got the job! As a car detailer, he found a role that aligned perfectly with his interests and gave him the sense of accomplishment he had been searching for. His confidence blossomed. He felt valued and capable for the first time in years. 

Nikki continued to support him even after he started. Knowing that time management and following instructions were challenges for Cruiz, she came up with practical strategies. She encouraged him to practice car cleaning at home with a timer, simulating the time constraints of his job. She also visited his workplace to learn his responsibilities firsthand, breaking them into manageable steps that Cruiz could memorize and rehearse.

The collaboration didn’t stop there. Nikki worked closely with Cruiz’s occupational therapist to ensure he had a strong support network in place. This tailored, hands-on approach made all the difference—not just for Cruiz but for his employer, who gained a motivated and dedicated team member.

At MAX, this is what we do best: we don’t just help people find jobs—we advocate for them, understand their unique strengths, and set them up for long-term success. Cruiz’s journey reminds us that with the right support, people can overcome barriers and find roles where they truly thrive.