Guide To Work Choice
1. What is Work Choice?
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The new Work Choice programme - which will remain separate from the Work Programme, which starts summer 2011 - is very valuable for those requiring a considerable amount of support during their introduction to the civilian workplace. |
Work Choice is the programme that aims to focus on those who need a considerable amount of specialist support. The programme provides flexibility to clients and scope for clients to have choice and control over their training. There is a greater focus on job entries within this programme, with the opportunity for clients to have support from the Provider’s staff embedded into their working routine.
2. Entry to the Programme
Clients will start on the programme via a PRAP referral from their Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at the Job Centre, where they will be booked in for an initial assessment with a Work Choice Employability Coach. During this assessment, clients will be asked a number of questions that will determine suitability for the programme but will also highlight elements of support that the client needs in order to enable them to become independent.
3. Programme Module 1
Clients who enter the programme whilst out of work (not normally relevant to Service leavers) will join Module 1 which lasts for 6 months. Requirements whilst on this module are to have weekly reviews with the client’s Employability Coach and to take part in between 8 – 16 hours of activity a week. This activity should encourage the clients to become more independent and can include a range of things from Travel Training to Social Activities. The Provider will look at the client holistically and provide support in all aspects that they can; not just employability modules/up skilling. Job search is paramount within the client journey and to make this as productive as possible Providers normally have a weekly Job Club where all Employability Coaches will work with clients to look through suitable vacancies and link up with the Employability Broker. As part of Module 1 each client who comes on programme will be offered the opportunity to go on a placement to enhance their practical skills within their chosen sector and add value to their CV. If a client reaches the end of their 6 months on programme and has not yet secured employment of more than 16 hours then it is possible to get a 3 month extension for them on the grounds that they are close to securing work and/or the Provider considers that they will greatly benefit from this extra time.
4. Programme Module 2
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Clients will start on the programme via a PRAP referral from their Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at the Job Centre, where they will be booked in for an initial assessment with a Work Choice Employability Coach |
If a client is at risk of losing their job (relevant to Service leavers) or has found employment in Module 1 but still feels they require support then they will enter the Work Choice programme on Module 2. Clients that are on this module will have a tailored job orientation period of 8 weeks where their Employability Coach will have contact with the client and employer weekly to ensure that there is maximum support offered in the transition period. After this, the support level will then reduce to a review each month with the client and employer where action points again will be developed to try and distinguish what is needed in order to progress the client into supported employment. Module 2 has the potential to last for up to two years and within this time clients will, similarly to Module 1, be required to undertake at least 8 hours of activity per month. Within this module it is a requirement that a Health and Safety check is completed with the employer every quarter to ensure that the work place is suitable and compliant for the clients.
5. Programme Module 3
If after two years a client still feels that they require support and are not yet able to progress into unsupported employment then they will move onto Module 3 which potentially could last the length of the Provider’s contract. Module 3 is similar to Module 2 in that support is offered to try and progress the client into unsupported employment and to do this a monthly review is still conducted with the client and employer and each client is required to undertake 4 hours of activity each month. Similarly to Module 2, a Health and Safety check is still required to ensure maximum safety for clients in the workplace.
6. New Work Choice
The new Work Choice programme – which will remain separate from the Work Programme, which starts summer 2011 – is very valuable for those requiring a considerable amount of support during their introduction to the civilian workplace. Most clients, after some months on Work Choice, will progress onto an Apprenticeship programme.
