Supported Employment - Job Seeking
There are 4 stages to the job seeking process you will go through with the Poole Supported Employment Team. The team is made up of a Manager, 3 Employment Brokers and a Job Coach.
First Stage - Thinking About Work
You will have found out how your benefits (e.g. housing, income support, incapacity, countil tax) may be affected by your working (you need to call JobCentre Plus 
on 01202 333000 and ask for an 'In work benefit check').
If you want to look for paid work:
- Ask your social worker, CPN, care manager or jobcentre adviser to refer you to the service, or call 01202 261140 to self refer.
- A letter will be sent you within 48 hours of receipt of the referral.
- A member of the team will call within 4 weeks to arrange a meeting.
- At the first meeting the service will be explained to you.
- If you are accepted, a contrat will be signed between you and the service.
Second Stage - Thinking about the Right Job
- At the next meeting an 'In to Work Plan' will be started. You will need to have prepared a list of your skills, support needs and ideas for work.
- A 'Job Search Plan' will then be completed with you agreeing what jobs you should apply for and what both you and the service will do to find you work. If you already have a Record of Achievement or a CV, please have this available.
You are now ready to Job Search
Third Stage - Finding a Job
Employment Brokers will help you find a job by:
- Contacting and visiting employers
- Searching the media for vacancies
- Attending Job Fairs
- Liaising with JobCentre Plus
- Attending Employer Conferences
- Using the Supported Employment database to match current vacancies with your skills.
If you need more practical help a Job Coach will:
- Give guidance on job seeking skills
- Assist you to write your CV
- Help you fill out application forms
- Advise you on preparting for interviews
- Accompany you to interviews
- Provide travel training
- Advise on training and work experience.
Fourth Stage - You Have Been Offered a Job
An Employment Broker will be there to :
- Negotiate with employers about adjustments to working conditions.
- Provide information and training on disability and diversity issues to the employer.
- Complete Health & Safety assessments.
- Help to solve any problems at work if they arise.
- Review and monitor your progress at work until you no longer need the team's help.
A Job Coach can offer practical help by:
- Going to work with you on your first day (if appropriate).
- Helping you to learn how to do your job (if appropriate). This would be for a limited period of time.
- Giving you support at work if you need to learn something new.
The team can be contacted on 01202 261140 or pes@poole.gov.uk
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