Job Coaching

 

Switch Now follows the BASE supported employment model, to offer a route into employment for individuals that have learning difficulties, additional needs and / or disabilities. What that employment looks like will depend on the individual needs and wants of the person we are supporting, and rather than having a rigid programme, we take a more bespoke approach and tailor the route into employment to meet each individual’s needs and ideally in an industry that interests them.

The work can be paid (full or part time) or voluntary. We will assist in anyway we can as we know the difference that employment can make. The level of support and how we introduce someone to work is dependent on what is right for them, and we will focus on the core skills required.

We also offer relevant work-related qualifications. The job coaching team will help the co-worker through the whole process, starting with travel training, job interview skills, CV writing, employability skills, whilst building confidence and social skills required to be ready for employment.

What sets us apart is our vision of changing opportunities and not looking at what someone can not do. We focus on what each individual co-worker can they do and how we can support them to overcome the barriers and challenges that they may have, to give them a chance to showcase their skills in a supported and safe environment.

 

Routes to Employment

(All of this takes place supported by Switch Now staff and the Job Coaching team)

  1. Group work experience at one of our partnership employers (there is a variety of types of work to enhance overall employability skills and confidence)
  2. Smaller group work experience
  3. Individual work experience (within their field of employment)
  4. Work trial
  5. Supported Internship / Supported employment
  6. Paid or voluntary employment

The employer also gets to see the co-worker in their working environment, doing actual roles within their organisation. The co-worker is supported to begin with at all times and as they become more confident, and the employer is happy, the level of support will take a step back as appropriate to that individual.

Through the Switch Now training programme we offer work experience, work trials, and supported internships, when a co-worker is ready. Some of our local partners include Cambridge University Hospital Trust, Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Cambridge Arts Theatre,  Wyboston Lakes Resort, Anchor Assisted Living and British Heart Foundation, along with many other smaller independent employers. Our main priority is to find an employer local to the co-worker and within an industry they would like to work in.

We have many success stories of our co-workers achieving paid work and living more independently than was ever thought possible. This shows by creating individually tailored training programmes and tapping into what interests them works.

“Employment rate for people with a learning disability remains at 4.8%.

The statistics for adults with a learning disability and autism known to adult social care, have remained consistently low across the country and the latest figures published December 2023 show that the figure remains at 4.8%.” BASE (British Association for Supported Employment)

Achieving paid employment broadens the horizons of people with a learning disability. It can also help them to achieve financial and social independence, improve self-esteem and contribute to the economy and a well-rounded society.

If you would like to know more about our Job Coaching offer, then please contact us.

Could you offer Work Experience?

Are you an employer that could offer work experience?

We are looking for employers who are willing to provide short or long term unpaid work placements for our co-workers with learning difficulties / disabilities.

A placement opportunity can benefit co-workers through: providing new skills, working in a real-life environment and offer a broader view of jobs and the opportunities available.

There is no cost involved to you and support will be provided to you by our Job Coaching team.

We offer hands on support, adapting paperwork and working practices (reasonable adjustments) for the co-worker (if required).

We are also there to support your company and staff in order to help create a happy working environment and success for all.

There is no cost to the employer and support will continue until all parties agree that it is no longer required.

  • Co-workers should be able to display social and emotional maturity and be able to manage their emotions and behaviour whilst at work
  • Co-workers should have the potential to work towards staying on their work placements independently, following appropriate job coaching and preparation
  • Co-workers should be willing and able to work on simple, structured tasks in the workplace, with minimal support from work colleagues or staff
  • Co-workers should be able to display teamwork skills and support for their peers
  • Co-workers should be able to follow the correct health and safety procedures of their work place, after their induction

If you would like to talk about how your company could get involved, then please contact us.

Work Partners