Defining Supported Employment

Defining SUPPORT

Individual Focus

The emphasis is on finding out what each person wants to do and where his or her talents lie. The person is then introduced to an employment opportunity which matches his or her work profile.The assumption is that personal qualities which are assessed as problematic in one setting are often advantageous in another, more individually suited setting.

eg 'One applicant enjoyed the music of the Rolling Stones and wanted a job as a roadie with them. We found him a job in the Social Services post room. He lasted two days on the job. His tendency to sing and dance on the job was seen as embarrassing. Although we never found him work with the Rolling Stones, he is now happily employed as a roadie with a local rock band. Everyone is expected to sing and dance while they work.'

Long term Commitment

Ongoing support is provided to help each person get and keep a job to the employers satisfaction. The focus is on exploring all options until success is achieved. This support is not time limited and should include assistance for job advancement or job change as well as an initial induction into the workplace and its culture.

eg 'We've supported a man who is deaf and does not speak for about four years now. This looks set to continue for quite sometime. So far he has been employed in two jobs, as painter and a recreation assistant. Now his eyesight is going, his job trainer will be assisting him in finding another job, probably in assembly work, where he will continue to be supported full time.'

Full Participation

The assumption is that all persons have the capacity to work if appropriate, ongoing support can be provided. Anyone who is old enough and wants to work can. People who have labels of severe disability are not excluded.

eg 'Sylvia is a young woman who attended a special care unit for several years. For the last two years she has worked part time as an administrative assistant in an office. Although she has difficulty talking and knowing what she should do at work, she is appreciated by her colleagues for the job she does, her strength of character and her smile. Her job trainer has assisted her in joining the friendly social scene at work as well as teaching her to do her job tasks successfully. She regularly goes out with colleagues to the local pub for lunch and her job trainer has been asked to help several individuals meet Sylvia outside work'.

Variety and Flexibility

Support should be creative, flexible and shared with employers. In short, whatever works! Support can come from service professionals, self advocacy groups, co-workers, managers, supervisors and/or home networks. It can cover Induction training, co-worker and employer support, transport, career guidance, home liaison etc. The emphasis is ultimately on the provision of support by colleagues and other natural networks with, if necessary, support service back up. Support is available to gain a relevant qualification if desired and/or necessary.

eg 'Most of the employees at company X are asked to have GCSE's in order to work in the office, but the manager agreed that the most important thing was having jobs done their way. Although she hasn't any formal qualifications, Janet was employed to do a job which included parts of peoples existing work. Her new colleagues provided most of the induction training, with back up from a job trainer and her family and supervisor keep in touch regularly.'

'Alan wanted to be a lifeguard. Although he is a keen and efficient swimmer he needed to gain his bronze life saving award. With support, he joined a 10 week evening session with 10 non-disabled adults to take the exam. His job trainer provided extra training one afternoon a week. Alan passed the practical and theoretical parts of his exam and now works as a pool lifeguard earning £4.10an hour.'

Social Inclusion

Supported employment takes place in integrated settings. Contacts and relationships with people without disabilities who are not paid carers are emphasised. Emphasis is placed on introductions to work colleagues and their involvement in people's lives. This can occur at work with co-workers, supervisors and others; near work during lunchtimes or breaks; and during non-work hours as a result of relationships made and wages earned.

eg 'One of the people we support was quickly included in the work team but remained isolated during breaks. We noticed whilst work was in progress, the team had a common objective and everyone could cope and communicate but in the breaks, everyone lost their confidence. Since Jim had a wonderful knowledge of football we chose an appropriate moment to introduce that topic then, when Jim was holding his own, made an excuse to leave the group to it. Employees are now talking about forming a team in the local pub quiz competition and Jim has little need for the support of his trainer.'

Defining EMPLOYMENT

Real Jobs

The purpose of supported employment is to secure jobs in businesses with all the regular out comes of being employed. Employment should only be considered if the job is a real one, ie would other wise be done by a non-disabled worker, and is valued by colleagues. Employers must operate going concerns. Their main purpose must be to offer goods and/or services (not simulated employment). Wages, pay intervals, and methods of payment at the going rate for the job: safe working conditions; hours similar to other employees: and job security and opportunities for advancement are key considerations. If the job is unpaid, then it must be time limited with a commitment from the employer to provide a fair wage at a set date. Employee exploitation is unacceptable.

eg A high tech electronic firm wanted to employ someone with a disability, but wasn't sure they had a real job available. We consulted with the company and concluded that their document shredding was being done by upper management at a substantial cost to the firm. A job description was designed and our applicant got the job. Both he and the electronics firm are well satisfied with the arrangement. Andrew began his job with an up-market clothing catalogue business limited by his benefits to £15 per week. His support organisation had given every encouragement to him and his family, but they had decided not to do anything to jeopardise his benefits. His employer was very uncomfortable with this, particularly as it precludes Andrew from gaining access to the merit pay rises offered to every employee. Andrew's support organisation is providing ongoing consultation to Andrew, his family and his employer to ensure the fairest remuneration possible and to make sure that everyone understands that Andrew is not limited by his abilities in this instance but by government regulations. In addition, they are actively involved with other employment support organisations trying to bring these inequalities to the attention of the Benefits Agency.

Not Services

The focus is on creating opportunities to work and training on the job rather than preparation for a job sometime in the future. Separate skill development services do not meet this definition.

eg 'Paul made six or seven job applications through a Job Centre. Although the personnel there were helpful, all the employers considered him too disabled because he has extremely limited speech. Since formal interviews were a requirement, he became very nervous which severely undermined his confidence. It was recommended that Paul work on his speech at a day centre before seeking employment again. However, with interview and ongoing support from the employment unit of his day centre, Paul is now working full-time at a bakerya few miles from his flat.'

Variety and Flexibility

Supported employment represents a wide range of jobs in the community and opportunities to leave one job for another. Job advancement opportunities are available. Individuals and their families are given informed choices about job conditions and creative alternatives to loss of essential benefits where necessary.

eg 'One applicant would, for no obvious reason, refuse to work on certain days. There would be no warning. To accommodate this he gained a job cleaning windows. This job required him to clean the windows regularly, but on no specific day. Therefore if he did not work on a Monday, but felt like it on a Thursday, it did not cause any difficulties.