Quality Standards for Supported Employment Wednesday 09 November 2005 NIUSE Facilitators:- Teresa Hazzard & Heather Logan

How would you define quality? Quality Activity

QUALITY Definition:- “A degree of standard or excellence” (Oxford Dictionary)

QUALITY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK Quality Standards framework for Supported Employment will:- Provide guidance to Service Providers Identify minimum standards Promote ‘best practice’ and ‘excellence’ Establish a benchmark to help providers improve their provision

Developed by 16 National Associations during 2003/2004 Agreed by EUSE Board 2004 Transferable throughout Europe Benchmarking to achieve “excellence” in the delivery of Supported Employment for all Background to development of Quality Standards

“Providing support to people with disabilities or other disadvantaged groups to secure and maintain paid employment in the open labour market.” Definition

1. Engagement 2. Vocational Profiling 3. Job Finding 4. Employer Engagement 5. On/Off Job Support 5-Stage Supported Employment Process

Individuality Respect Self-Determination Informed Choice Empowerment Confidentiality Flexibility Accessibility Supported Employment Values & Principles

Organisation Outcomes Standard PerformanceEvidence StatementIndicators Process A Framework for Quality Standards

Quality Standards Framework Organisation4 Standard Statements 29 Indicators Process8 Standard Statements 58 Indicators Outcomes3 Standard Statements 10 Indicators

Activity – Organisational Standards What groups of people make up an organisation and impact on perceptions of quality?

Organisational Quality Standards 1.The leadership and management set clear direction that leads to delivery of a high quality service. 2.The organisation recognises, promotes and values stakeholder involvement in planning and decision- making at all levels within the organisation. 3.The organisation is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of people who are disadvantaged. 4.A quality service is delivered by a range of professional and competent staff at all levels within the organisation. There are 4 EUSE standard statements in relation to Supported Employment organisations:-

THE PROCESS 5-Stage Process 1. Engagement 2. Vocational Profile 3. Job Development 4. Employer Engagement 5. ON / OFF Job Support

Stage 1 – Engagement The person with the disadvantage has received, in an appropriate manner, all the information needed to decide about using the Supported Employment Provider. The Process Quality Standards

Stage 2 – Vocational Profile 1.A Person-Centred approach is used to collect relevant information about the individual’s aspirations, interests and abilities for work. 2.Individuals are supported to make informed and realistic choices about work and future career development. 3.An individual flexible plan is developed with each job seeker.

The Process Quality Standards Stage 3 – Job Development 1.Appropriate training and support to find a job is made available to the person. 2.The individual is supported to find the best possible job.

The Process Quality Standards Stage 4 – Employer Engagement The employer is supported to find the ‘best person for the job’.

The Process Quality Standards Stage 5 – On/Off Job Support The employee’s training and support is appropriate and effective and encourages workplace independence and progression.

List some indicators to assess how each of the standards might be met? Activity - The Process Quality Standards

OUTCOMES What is an ‘outcome’ for Supported Employment?

OUTCOMES Quality StandardIndicatorsSources of Evidence “The Job Seeker finds and sustains a paid job in the ordinary labour market” There is a valid and stable contract of employment agreed by employer and employee. The contract of employment reflects the job seeker’s preferences for working days, hours, holidays, work patterns and rate of pay. The employee receives the same rate of pay and benefits as other employees doing the same job. The employee remains in the job for a minimum of six months. Service Audit User Evaluation Service Audit

OUTCOMES Quality StandardIndicatorsSources of Evidence “The employee is a valued colleague and a full member of the workplace team” The employer and colleagues provide a range of ‘natural supports’. The employee experiences a good relationship with colleagues. The employee has opportunities to be involved in ‘out of work’ activities with colleagues. Employer/User Evaluation/Audit User Evaluation

OUTCOMES Quality StandardIndicatorsSources of Evidence “The employee has opportunities for career development” As the employee’s skills develop, career development and enhancement opportunities are explored. The employee is supported to consider internal and external career development opportunities. Supports to participate in training and career development opportunities are provided. User Evaluation Employer Audit User Evaluation Service Audit User Evaluation

CONCLUSION Quality Standards developed during 2003/2004 Dissemination and implementation period National Association and Organisational level Staff training Consistency of services throughout Europe Benchmark for Supported Employment activities National and local factors of influence Transferable core values, ethics and principles

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“Thank you”