FAQs for Families
IASE is aware that many people have concerns regarding employment, including parents / families. In an attempt to alleviate concerns we have listed below some of the frequently asked questions. We do not aim to answer all your questions, but we hope the list goes some way to alleviate some of the worries and concerns you may have. If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to contact IASE.
- What is Supported Employment?
- Supported Employment is the specialised assessment and matching of people to paid employment which suits their needs, abilities, skills and preferences. It involves ongoing support and training, ranging from vocational profiling, job finding, interviews and on-the-job training when employment has been found. Employment is centred around the individual and the availability of employment in the person's local community. Support and training is provided on a one to one basis by Job Coaches. This support is gradually withdrawn until the person attains independent status at their own workplace.
- How and when do parents / families become involved in the Supported Employment process?
- Supported Employment Services involve parents / families in the development of work opportunities for the individual when it is appropriate and always with the consent of the job seeker. This partnership enables parents / families to participate fully with the service in maximising the opportunities for individuals to take up paid employment. Family members often assist with the job finding process and may offer support with transport when required.
- What happens if a person does not like the job undertaken? Do they have to take another?
- Employment choices lie with the individual. If an individual does not like the job they have chosen, they are free to end their employment after providing their employer with full notice. Individuals are not pressurised or forced to take another job, but are supported to look for other employment if they so wish.
- What if the parent / family do not like the job offered or undertaken?
- Families are a key source of support whenever an individual chooses to look for paid employment. When it is considered to be appropriate anxieties or concerns that parents / family members have in relation to the job offered or undertaken can be discussed with the jobseeker and Job Coach.
- What happens to an individual if, for whatever reason, their employment ceases and they wish to access the Benefits System?
- The majority of individuals that participate in Supported Employment are in receipt of some form of benefit or disability benefit and therefore if employment is obtained, and then lost, these rights need to be protected. The Supported Employment Job Coach will guide individuals through the application process and will assist with the completion of forms or will liase with Social Welfare if an individual experiences difficulties.
- Can a person who is in receipt of Disability related Social Welfare payments become employed and still retain the Benefit?
- The first €120 of earnings may be disregarded against benefit. However a doctor’s letter must be provided to Social Welfare to prove that the work is rehabilitative. Following receipt of the letter SW may grant permission for the person to take up paid employment. Secondary benefits may be affected. For full information please refer to the IASE leaflet which gives up to date information on benefits. Please contact IASE directly to obtain a copy.
The details given above can only give a very broad outline regarding benefits as each person seeking employment is dealt with individually. Further details and information can be obtained by contacting your local Supported Employment Service or Department of Social and Family Affairs. - How does IASE support families?
- TIASE membership provides a resource for families that can assist them in locating a supported employment service in their community. There are many opportunities for family members to become actively involved by joining their local IASE branch where they can avail of networking and training.