Published on 12, July, 2020
I wondered if anyone has had experience of Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Advisers.
I've seen a text by the Minister of State for Disabled People extolling the virtues of these advisers, and given what I've heard myself indirectly, wondered if the reality was as optimistic as he claims.
According to the Minister of State these Disability Employment Advisers can provide support and advice for disabled people who need help finding and retaining employment.
Disability Employment Advisersat Jobcentre Plus can refer individuals to specialist programmes, including Work Choice, and can use the professional expertise of Work Psychologists, who specialise in working with disabled people.
Jobcentre Plus's Disability Employment Advisers can advocate with employers on the individual's behalf and help employers to explore job solutions such as the restructuring of job's tasks/environment, or the provision/change of equipment.
Work Choice provides tailored support to help disabled people who face the most complex barriers to employment, where it is appropriate for the individual.
Laudable as these Disability Employment Advisers seem to be, has anyone actually met one? Are they helpful? Or do they still know very little especially about autism?
I have found my Disability Employment Adviser to be very helpful - unlike the rest of Job Centre Plus.
Work Choice, on the other hand, was a terrible experience. Despite knowing I have Asperger's, I was treated as though I had learning disabilities (for example, I was asked if wanted to go to the toilet) and they kept changing agreements, meeting times, etc. Work Choice was meant to help me obtain work trials rather than interviews but did not do so.
I could add more but just typing this little piece has caused my neck muscles to start tensing and my head to hurt.