There are Disability Employment Advisers based in Jobcentres in all boroughs where CNWL has services.
If your health condition or disability affects your ability to work, you can get assistance and advice on returning to the workplace by speaking to a work coach at your local Jobcentre Plus.
A work coach is trained to be able to help you to find work or to gain new skills for a job. They can help with work preparation, recruitment, interview coaching and confidence building.
The work coach can carry out an employment assessment to find out what kind of work would suit you best. Your work coach will be able to create a plan of action to help you meet your employment goals.
To take an employment assessment, you first attend an interview with your work coach and talk to them about any previous work experience, talents, skills and your employment goals.
The amount of time an employment assessment takes varies based on your individual needs and can last half a day or longer.
After your assessment, you will agree on a plan of action with your work coach, which may include training or they could recommend you to take part in a programme such as:
- Access to Work
- Residential Training
- Work Choice
The work coach can also provide referrals to a specialist work psychologist, if needed, for a more detailed employment assessment.
When you start looking for work, keep an eye out for the 'positive about disabled people' symbol with two ticks. This symbol is awarded by Jobcentre Plus to employers who have made commitments to employ, retain and develop the abilities of disabled staff.
If you have a disability, you see this symbol on the job advert and also meet the minimum criteria for the job, you are guaranteed an interview with the company who will then consider you fairly on your abilities.
Please contact your local Jobcentre Plus to get in touch with a work coach who is trained in supporting individuals with disabilities.
To find your local Jobcentre Plus, visit the Jobcentre Plus website