FAQs for Employers
Please click on any heading below for more information:
- What is supported employment?
- People with disabilities often find it difficult to compete in the open labour market. Supported Employment assists people to gain employment and offers practical support to the employee and employer.
- How does it work?
- A Job Coach works with the person to find out more about their skills, abilities, likes and dislikes in order to identify a suitable job match. Supported Employment Services support the person to apply for positions, and contact employers on their behalf. If the candidate is successful in gaining a position within an organisation the Job Coach will produce a detailed job analysis prior to them commencing employment, this will highlight any support needs. Individually tailored on-the-job support can also be provided.
- Is there a time limit on this support?
- No. Ongoing monitoring of the employee's performance is undertaken regularly. This will be agreed between the employer, employee and Job Coach. (in the case of the Fás National Supported Employment Programme there is an expected withdrawal of services after a specified period of time.)
- What will this service cost?
- The employer will pay the employee the going rate for the job. There is no cost involved for the services of a Job Coach.
- Are there any financial incentives?
- The Job Coach can provide employers with information on the eligibility rules schemes and incentives and how to apply.
- What about terms and conditions?
- As with all other staff members, the same terms and conditions apply to an employee receiving support through a Supported Employment Service.
- What are the implications of employing a person with a disability?
- All Supported Employment Services carry out a comprehensive vocational profile and identify an appropriate job match; the job will be carried out by an enthusiastic employee who is committed to the type of employment on offer. You do not incur any recruitment costs, and get the right person for the right job.
- Will My Insurance Costs Increase?
- There is little difficulty in obtaining insurance at normal rates once a safe working environment is provided.
- What happens if it’s not working out?
- What happens when any placement is not working out? The job coach will support the employer to identify the barriers to successful placement and assist to implement the appropriate measures. Where all options have not resolved the issues supported employment services will support you should you decided to terminate the placement.
- Won’t there be extra costs?
- Often not. Not all People with disabilities need adaptations or specialised equipment. If adaptations or specialised equipment are required, Supported Employment Service providers can advise on financial supports available.
- How will my existing staff react?
- People with disabilities want to be treated the same as other employees. There is funding available through Fás for Disability awareness training in the workplace. An Employment Officer on site can also help to overcome misconceptions about working beside people with disabilities, however based on Employer feedback nationally, having a Person with a Disability in the workforce can have positive affect on staff morale.
- What about customer perception of my Business?
- Customers often appreciate that a business is making an effort to employ people with disabilities. Employing people with a disability can attract and maintain a wider customer base. Promoting inclusion and addressing the large scale unemployment experienced by People with Disabilities is an important expression of responsibility both corporate and community.