This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 1 S.T.S.E.P. South Tipperary Supported Employment Project Limited

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 2 S.T.S.E.P.

3 Exclusion  People with disabilities are 2 – 3 times more likely to be unemployed than the rest of the population

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 4 Background Background The Programme is Government funded through the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. It is implemented nationally by FAS through 24 separate legal entities each with a defined geographic area.

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 5 Mission Statement Mission Statement To assist the integration of persons with a disability into a job in the open labour market leading to independence and career progression.

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 6 Supported Employment Supported Employment The Supported Employment Programme is an open labour market initiative which aims to assist people with disabilities, who traditionally have had difficulty getting into paid employment, by providing supports on the job. A job coach, who assists both the job seeker and the employer, provides the support.

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 7 Definition of Job Ready Definition of Job Ready A person who has the necessary training, education, motivation and ability to pursue work/career in the open labour market

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 8 Four key strands of Supported Employment  Needs Assessment  Job Search/Job Development  Job Coach Support in Employment  After Care/Mentoring

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 9 Job Coaches Job Coaches The Job Coach provides direct support to individuals with disabilities by:  Helping the job seekers identify their skills and interests;  Assisting the job seeker in finding suitable employment, where skills and interests will match the demands of the job;

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 10 Job Coaches Job Coaches  Analysing the tasks involved in the job and using this to plan the supports to be provided;  Developing, with the employee, the technical and social skills required to do the job, at the worksite.

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 11 Services to Employers Services to Employers  Free employment agency service –Find employees for vacancies  On-going support –Provide on-the-job support for the new employee  Provide support and information to co-workers

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 12 Benefits to Employers Benefits to Employers  Employers get committed employees  Increase customer loyalty  Enhanced public image  Disability awareness among employees  Enhanced morale among employees

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 13 Supports available through FAS  Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS)  Employee Retention Grant Scheme (ERGS)  Disability Awareness Training Support Scheme (DATSS)  Workplace Equipment/Adaptation Grant (WEAG)  Job Interview Interpreter Grant  Personal Reader Grant  Department of Social and Family Affairs Back to Work Enterprise Allowance

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 14 Conclusion  Assessment of client’s needs/abilities  Assisting in sourcing suitable employment  Providing on-going support to employer, co-workers & clients

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 15 ExperiencetoDate

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 16 Improving the employment prospects  Job Choice – Ground work done – vocational exploration  Work experience in the job choice area  Vocational skills to carry out the job  Work related social skills  Work ethic – strong personal commitment to working in mainstream setting e.g. punctuality, break schedules etc.

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 17 Work Related Social Skills  Inappropriate comments  Work boundaries – relationships  Impatient behaviour  Taking/following instruction  Accepting orders/criticism from supervisors  Requesting help when needed

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 18 Challenges  Overcoming employer apathy  Employer fatigue – work experience  Lack of real incentives for employers  Benefit trap – e.g. loss of medical card  Motivation to work in the open labour market  D.A. – part-time work

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 19 Challenges cont’d Challenges cont’d  More relevant training  Transport  More use of natural supports in the job search stage  Overcoming the selection process (period of trial)  3% Civil/Public service target

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 20 Challenges cont’d Challenges cont’d  More occupational/behavioural information  Use of C.E. places for people with disabilities – stepping stone to open labour market  A number of clients want a work environment which is less pressurised, more flexible and supportive

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 21 Route to Open Labour Market V.T./E.B.T. Sheltered Open Labour Market R.T.

This Programme is supported by FAS, EU and funded under the National Development Plan. 22 S.T.S.E.P. 11 Nelson Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Telephone