Supported Employment Session 2: Supporting the customers of supported employment

Timetable – Session 2 Key Principles of supported employment The customers of supported employment The role of staff in supported employment The support needs of the supported employee BREAK The support needs of employers The support needs of families Range of supports

Definition of Supported Employment Supported Employment is paid employment with ongoing supports in the open labour market.

Why is SE different? No financial subsidies to employers No training prior to the job Support to find the job Support to learn the job Support to stay in the job The employer pays a normal wage

The key principles of supported employment 1. Zero-reject 2. Success is about providing the right support in the right environment 3. Focus on abilities – not disabilities 4. Rejection of the concept of “readiness” for work 5. Real wages and benefits 6. Individuals not groups

Clients go to professionals for their expertise, support and advice. The professional knows best. Service users make use of services that are on offer. The service decides what it will be offering. The service knows best. Customers look at what is on offer and make their own decisions about whether or not they want it. If the service wants customers, it has to make sure it meets the needs of its customers. The customer knows best.

The three main support areas for people with disabilities CHOOSING careers FINDING suitable jobs as part of the career plan KEEPING the job for as long as it is wanted

Key behaviours expected by employers: Following company rules and regulations Showing up for work on time; calling in promptly when late or sick Having good personal hygiene and dressing appropriately Relating to co-workers and customers in a professional manner Managing your moods and emotions appropriately (not getting angry or emotional on the job). Being willing to speak up when there is a problem and admit when you’ve made a mistake Being able to respond well to constructive criticism and learning from feedback

The three main support areas for employers: FINDING suitable employees TRAINING new employees MAINTAINING good employees

Supporting the employer to FIND suitable employees Identify the demands of the tasks that are required to be done, the physical work environment and the social work environment Identify the person’s skills and abilities that match the demands of the tasks, physical and social environment Access suitable job applicants Access appropriate information about the job applicant through a CV and references Conduct an interview with a job applicant

Supporting the employer to TRAIN suitable employees Induction of the new employee Task training (adaption of normal methods) Training of supervisors, mentors and trainers Information to supervisors and mentors Provision of a trainer

Supporting the employer to MAINTAIN a working relationship with a suitable employee Support to adapt to changes of tasks Adaptations of the physical environment Support to supervisors and co-workers re. social interaction Ongoing evaluation of performance Feedback on performance Disciplinary procedures

Family support to non-disabled employees Advice about careers Tips on job vacancies they have heard of Minding the children while mum and dad go to work Lifts to and from work Listen to and give advice about problems at work

Typical concerns of families Financial  Will they be paid fairly and not exploited?  Will their wages affect their disability allowance?  Will their wages affect their other disability benefits (e.g. medical card, transport pass)? Work tasks  Will they be trained properly?  Will they be able for the work?  Will they be given appropriate work that is not degrading? Social environment  Will they make friends and be included by everyone?  Will they risk being abused? Other  How will they get to work?  How many hours/days a week will they be able for?  Can they take their holidays when it suits the family?

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS 1. Agency mediated 2. Business mediated 3. Government mediated 4. Family/community mediated

Agency Mediated Support Career advice Job development Job coach assistance Assistive technology Counselling Clinical services Transport

Business Mediated Support Job carving Job restructuring Workplace accommodations Co-worker mentoring Job supervision Employee support (human resources)

Government Mediated Support Financial work incentives (flexibility around the disability allowance and benefits) Assistive technology Tax credits (not in all countries) Legislation

Family/Community Mediated Supports Family members as job developers Family members as career advisors Transport Getting ready for work each day Advising Accessing necessary documentation/tax papers