Clipboard as a Disability Aid

Hi ManyStripes

I couldn't resist a chuckle at your post - what a great idea!

Now, you  must promise not to tell, , but many years ago, I worked on the front-line at at our local JobCentre (yes, they really do call it the "front line").

As you can imagine, as an Aspie (though I didn't know it back then), this didn't go too well, and they had to hide me away working in the store room after a while (I just couldn't bring myself to be nasty to anyone - I'd only just been on the dole for seven years myself!)

Anyway, though it was long ago, I got to see "behind the scenes".  So I thought I'd let you in on a bit of 'insider info'.

First thing - most of the people you will deal with are being paid a pretty rubbish wage to do an horrible job.  Most of them are only there because they were desperate for a job, and it's all that was available at the time - many of them have probably been on JSA at some point in their lives too.

If you do get a horrible "jobsworth" - take a deep breath and remember this...  Nearly all of their colleagues at the JobCentre probably hate their guts too, and they'll be the ones that have to sit in the corner on their own during their tea-break!

But the majority of the staff will probably be rather amused by the irony of your clipboard (though of course, they can't show it while their manager is looking!).

But most of all, your tactic will ensure that you have all the information they need already prepared, and you will be better able to be calm and polite.  The very worst part of working there is being shouted at, threatened, and being blamed for the situation of the people who are signing on - most JobCentre workers have hardly any control over your claim at all; they just have to do what the computer says, even if personally, they think its unfair.  And, if the person you see is having a really bad day and wants to give someone a hard time, there are plenty of mickey-taking, rude, aggressive clients that they can take it out on, rather than someome as polite and organised as you!

They will also be very used to dealing with people that have disabilities, and all manner of other problems - JSA is, sadly, a dumping ground for so many people who deserve better care, and most JobCentre staff will be very used to that - it's been going on for decades.  This used to depress me no end when I used to work there, and most other staff were surprisingly sympathetic too. 

At the end of day, the person you see may not be able to change the rules, but they will usually appreciate any client who makes their horrible day at work just that little bit easier and less stressful - and I think your idea is an excellent way of doing just that!

Another couple of quick tips...

• You may be allowed, especially as a Aspie, to have your interviews in a private room if you are uncomfortable being interviewed in an open plan office.  I would add this to your leaflet if you know that this might be a problem.
• Make use of your local Citizen's Advice etc. to find out more info' if there are any rules you're not sure about.  JobCentres generally have what they call "office procedures" which are quite separate from the letter of the law.  Basically, front-line staff are told by management to always try and fob you off when you make a special request, even if it is your legal right.  This is basically so that the managers can spend all their time drinking coffee in meetings, so far as I could ever tell!  If you know something is your right, clearly state the rule, and insist on seeing someone more senior - it's amazing how quick they cave in sometimes when the manager actually has to "get their hands dirty" on the front-line!
• As a last resort, if you're not happy with the service you're getting, contact your local MP.  I have seen with my own eyes the way that the top-brass panic when they get a letter from an MP on behalf of a constituent!

Best of luck with your cunning plan!

And always remember this... Signing on at the JobCentre may be awful...

...but in my experience, working there is even worse!! 

Hi ManyStripes

I couldn't resist a chuckle at your post - what a great idea!

Now, you  must promise not to tell, , but many years ago, I worked on the front-line at at our local JobCentre (yes, they really do call it the "front line").

As you can imagine, as an Aspie (though I didn't know it back then), this didn't go too well, and they had to hide me away working in the store room after a while (I just couldn't bring myself to be nasty to anyone - I'd only just been on the dole for seven years myself!)

Anyway, though it was long ago, I got to see "behind the scenes".  So I thought I'd let you in on a bit of 'insider info'.

First thing - most of the people you will deal with are being paid a pretty rubbish wage to do an horrible job.  Most of them are only there because they were desperate for a job, and it's all that was available at the time - many of them have probably been on JSA at some point in their lives too.

If you do get a horrible "jobsworth" - take a deep breath and remember this...  Nearly all of their colleagues at the JobCentre probably hate their guts too, and they'll be the ones that have to sit in the corner on their own during their tea-break!

But the majority of the staff will probably be rather amused by the irony of your clipboard (though of course, they can't show it while their manager is looking!).

But most of all, your tactic will ensure that you have all the information they need already prepared, and you will be better able to be calm and polite.  The very worst part of working there is being shouted at, threatened, and being blamed for the situation of the people who are signing on - most JobCentre workers have hardly any control over your claim at all; they just have to do what the computer says, even if personally, they think its unfair.  And, if the person you see is having a really bad day and wants to give someone a hard time, there are plenty of mickey-taking, rude, aggressive clients that they can take it out on, rather than someome as polite and organised as you!

They will also be very used to dealing with people that have disabilities, and all manner of other problems - JSA is, sadly, a dumping ground for so many people who deserve better care, and most JobCentre staff will be very used to that - it's been going on for decades.  This used to depress me no end when I used to work there, and most other staff were surprisingly sympathetic too. 

At the end of day, the person you see may not be able to change the rules, but they will usually appreciate any client who makes their horrible day at work just that little bit easier and less stressful - and I think your idea is an excellent way of doing just that!

Another couple of quick tips...

• You may be allowed, especially as a Aspie, to have your interviews in a private room if you are uncomfortable being interviewed in an open plan office.  I would add this to your leaflet if you know that this might be a problem.
• Make use of your local Citizen's Advice etc. to find out more info' if there are any rules you're not sure about.  JobCentres generally have what they call "office procedures" which are quite separate from the letter of the law.  Basically, front-line staff are told by management to always try and fob you off when you make a special request, even if it is your legal right.  This is basically so that the managers can spend all their time drinking coffee in meetings, so far as I could ever tell!  If you know something is your right, clearly state the rule, and insist on seeing someone more senior - it's amazing how quick they cave in sometimes when the manager actually has to "get their hands dirty" on the front-line!
• As a last resort, if you're not happy with the service you're getting, contact your local MP.  I have seen with my own eyes the way that the top-brass panic when they get a letter from an MP on behalf of a constituent!

Best of luck with your cunning plan!

And always remember this... Signing on at the JobCentre may be awful...

...but in my experience, working there is even worse!!