Real Opportunities and Supported Employment
Andrea Wayma n
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ELITE Supported Employment Agency Ltd
Supported Employment Providers
Supported Employment Who Benefits ?
Definition of Supported Employment
“Real work, for real pay, in real work settings, with the appropriate levels of support to both the individual and the employer�
Supported Employment Services • • • • • • • • • • •
Vocational Profiling Guidance and Counselling Action Planning Travel Training Jobfinding / Jobmatching Interview Support and Advocacy Work Preparation Benefits Assistance Supported Work Placements / Jobtasters Supported Self Deterministic Jobtasters Accredited Work Awareness Courses
Supported Employment Services • Job Search Clubs • Employer Visits • Application Completion / CV Production • One to One Support within Paid Employment • Health and Safety / Risk Assessments • Social Skills and Integration Support • Monitoring • Career Development • Employment Co-ordination • Disability Awareness to Employers • Transition Services
Transition and the Importance of Employment •
Avoid the benefit trap • Finances • Personal development • Equality of opportunity • Social integration • Respect and dignity • Living a full and valued life
Key Stakeholders • Young Person • Employer • Parents / Carers • Co-workers • Others
Benefits of Supported Employment Gain experience Increased independence
Make friends
Increased Confidence
Young Person Raises career aspirations
Develop new skills
Increased self esteem
Has it made a difference to people’s lives?
Has it made a difference to people’s lives? Individual: I really enjoyed my time at Table Table, I was able to do things I wouldn’t have had an opportunity to do otherwise if it wasn’t for Elite. I’ve been able to work in a busy kitchen and learn the skills that will help me to succeed in the job of my choice.
Has it made a difference to people’s lives? Individual: I enjoyed working with Elite, it has built my confidence and it has been great meeting new people. I have been able to understand the world of work a lot better with Elite’s help. I am very happy being able to get a paid job.
Benefits of Supported Employment Meets CSR and equality duty Guidance through recruitment process
Diverse workforce
Assistance with reasonable adjustments
Employe r Fulfilling an unmet need
Trained member of staff
Up skilling of workforce
Advice on disability matters
Has it made a difference to people’s lives? Employers As an employer, you’ve got to give It is a pleasure to work with X. He is X was able to interact well with people a try; you’ve got to give a very reliable member of staff who customers and colleagues. He was them an option. Our experience is good at what he does. He now always punctual, well presented, was extremely positive as the requires no support and I feel ELITE polite and friendly and worked hard person who came to our workplace have done a great Job at his tasks had a great attitude
Has it made a difference to people’s lives? Employers: Wow, Luke is able to display such a vast knowledge of facts relating to cars. I think even I have learnt something new about supercars today! Luke developed with each visit against all objectives and problems posed to him. In this industry, each car sets its own challenges, but Luke easily adapted his duties to meet these demands
Benefits of Supported Employment Less dependency
Advocacy service
Parents / Carers Benefits advice
Full back up and support from agency
Raised expectations
Has it made a difference to people’s lives? Parents / Carers: L has benefited immensely from this course and in so many ways, in confidence mainly, but just by being amongst a work environment, being part of a team and gelling with them, having the buzz of learning a skill and meeting and being accepted by all sorts of people
Has it made a difference to people’s lives? Parents / Carers: C loved his work experience and was very animated about what he had done. It was lovely to see him proud of himself
Has it made a difference to people’s lives? Parents / Carers: This course has done so many good things for our daughter. She lights up when she comes from the salon and talks about her day. She loves everything about the place and the people and is so enthusiastic about learning everything she can to do with hairdressing. I never believed I would see her so happy with her life.
Benefits of Supported Employment Promotes equality
Health benefits of employment
Other stakeholders
Less drain on future services – cost benefits
Less dependency on state benefits Creates ‘normalisation’ and social integration
“Supported Employment operates on the belief that barriers can be reduced and people can achieve their goal of employment where there is:Joint working The correct niche is identified for the individual AND They are provided with appropriate levels of support that meets their learning need and employer’s requirements
Real Opportunities Supported Employment Achievements
Outcomes
Benefits
Integral part of a young persons transition from education to employment