Supported employment service

R has a diagnosis of Autism, which manifests in extreme anxiety and mental health issues.

His work coach at the local job centre informed him about a possible cleaning vacancy. I supported R to attend his appointments and I then supported R to make contact with the employer for an informal chat. This went well so we booked a room at the office to complete the application. R was then called for an interview, which he was very anxious which about, again I supported him to the interview where he performed very well and was successful.

On being offered the post, R’s anxiety increased as we approached his first day, so I went along with him to offer support. Once this passed without any issues, R attended work independently, travelling on the bus with his bus pass that I had previously supported him to claim.

(Chris, Supported Employment Co-ordinator)

J was referred to the supported employment service in June 2020 when he had been out of work for 8 months. He was struggling with his mental health, suffering with anxiety and depression, which in turn affected his confidence and self-esteem

J struggled within his previous job, which had led to his exit; he felt this contributed to his long stint without work, which also affected his wellbeing. J wanted to find paid work in either engineering or labouring. He recognised the importance of employment and how it would help him regain his independence, confidence and be a part of his recovery.

J and I worked on his supported employment plan, identifying that CV, job search & job retention would be the main areas of support for him. J committed to the work alongside myself and we completed his new CV with it being uploaded to various job sites. From there we applied for a variety of roles with J obtaining a paid part-time labouring role. I supported J for a further 6 weeks in order to ensure a smooth transition into paid work. After this period, J felt confident in his new role and I agreed to end my support.

(John, Supported Employment Co-ordinator)

Mr. N had a varied employment record, work placements and jobs that have been more short term than long. Mr N, hadn’t been in any secured paid work for the best part of three to four years. He wanted to return to some paid employment, part-time. He did not know where to look for work, hadn’t an up to date CV and required more one to one support with searching, applying for work and being prepared for any eventual job interview.

I created an action plan following discussions held with Mr. N. Updated and strengthened his CV presentation, assisted him with job searching, encouraged Mr. N to actively and independently try to search for local and suitable part time job vacancies himself.

In the time, over the course of a few months, Mr. N would gain a small number of job interviews and assessments. Having disclosed his disability and so under reasonable adjustments, Mr. N was supported in these face-to-face job interviews by the supported employment co-ordinator, having discussed a simple strategy of interview preparation, prior to each interview.

Eventually, by February 2020, he attended a job interview for a part-time assistant grounds maintenance worker. Because of the national Covid19 pandemic, Mr. N would not start his return to paid employment until late Sept 2020. Within the previous 6 months to this date, I would keep regular contact, telephone calls and emails with both Mr. N and the employer.

In September 2020, Mr. N started his induction to work, health and safety training, forms to be completed, plus other information to be supplied. I was involved, assisting with the transition back into employment. I supported Mr. N to notify the Job Centre housing department about their change in circumstances, for the purposes of their joint Universal Credit and housing benefit claims.

I have stayed involved with Mr. N to monitor is commitment to a new weekly working schedule, support him and his employer with any explanation of duties and adjustments during his first 2-3 months within his probationary period.

By December 2020, Mr. N had excelled in the role and really enjoys the challenges and opportunities it has given him. The employer is delighted with his effort, commitment and attitude. He is developing his skills set, learning new tasks and working successfully with his grounds maintenance supervisor.

(Eamonn, Supported Employment Coordinator)

J was working for a large store in their warehouse before becoming ill. He had physical health issues, which affected his mental health. J was not feeling physically well enough to return to work, but work wanted to discuss his return. This was causing J great anxiety and I agreed to support him at his work meetings and negotiate a phased return to work for J when he was ready.

I discussed J’s situation with his supervisor and discussed his possible return to work. I advised J that he could give a start date, which would be in the future because I felt that as long as the supervisor was informed of a new start date for J he would accommodate this. I suggested a start date in 6 weeks’ time and J agreed this would help him to prepare for his return to work.

The employer accepted this, and then I negotiated a phased return to work date for J. It was agreed that he would start back for 6 hours per week over 2 days and gradually build back up to 18 hours over a 6-week period.

I kept in contact with J and he successfully returned to work on his start date and worked well through his phased return.

J is now working independently and no longer requires my support.

(Alison, supported employment coordinator)