About Job Shadow Initiative (JSI)
The National Job Shadow Initiative is designed to give people with disabilities a unique opportunity to get a close up look at the world of work for one day or one week in April each year, enabling them to discover and learn about the skills and education required to compete and succeed in the work place. Job Shadow Initiative offers people with disabilities an opportunity to shadow a work place mentor as they go about their daily work.
Employers have the opportunity to get involved in the project without making a commitment; the process will enable a job coach to engage with an employer, discuss concerns they have about employing people with disabilities and also to let them know of the range of support services available to them if they employ a person with a disability.
A core belief of IASE is that people with disabilities including those with significant disabilities should have equal opportunity to have a job. Supported Employment enables people with disabilities to find; secure and maintain employment in the open labour market with on the job training and individualised long term support if necessary.
The National Job Shadow Initiative will raise the profile of employment for people with disabilities and supported employment at a local, regional and national level and will work to address the fact that people with disabilities are twice as likely to experience poverty, which is closely related to exclusion from the labour market.
Project Description
What is National Job Shadow Day?
Job Shadow is a national project designed to give People with Disabilities a unique opportunity to get a close look at the world of work and provide the answers to questions and concerns they have about the work place.
People with Disability throughout Ireland will get the opportunity to spend time discovering and learning about the skills and education required to complete, succeed and develop in the work place.
Job Shadow Day is an opportunity for People with Disabilities to shadow a work place mentor (company employee) as they go about their daily work.
How will Job Shadow Work?
An application process is in place through IASE Regional Co-ordinators for service providers, job seekers and employers who wish to take part in the initiative.
Using key principles of Supported Employment, individuals who participate will be supported using the following four key strands:-
- Skills Assessment
A Job Coach from their local supported employment agency will work with the individual prior to the Job Shadow week to identify their skills and competencies. - Job Matching
The Job Coach supports the individual and employer in identifying a suitable Job Shadow placement. - Job Seeking
The Job Coach supports the individual in securing an appropriate job shadow placement having consulted with both the individual and employer. - Other Support
Where necessary a Job Coach will support the individual and the employer to participate in the job shadow placement. - Why hold a National Job Shadow Initiative?
- To raise awareness of Supported Employment amongst all stakeholders and the general public;
- To raise the profile of Supported Employment and IASE.
- To gain greater understanding, acceptance and support from employers, people with disabilities and public (value for money).
- To assist in opening doors / removing barriers / changing attitudes and perceptions;
- To promote integration.
- To increase referrals and demand for the services of Supported Employment.
- To generate interest and participation from employers.
Delivering the first National Job Shadow Initiative in April 2008 and continuing on an annual basis, a Project Information Pack for employers and people with disabilities will be produced outlining the process, benefits and expected outcomes of the National Supported Employment Job Shadow Project. This pack will also contain application forms for employers, mentors and job seekers which will help when ascertaining numbers. It is envisaged the job seekers will be largely from existing Supported Employment Service clientele, however as this initiative is open to all people with disabilities IASE will encourage applicants from other disability organisations to participate.
If you are a service providers, job seekers or employer interested in taking part in the initiative you can make an application online for JSI 2010
Please use the forms below to nake an application:
- Supported Employment Organisation Application Form »
- Employers Participation Form »
- Job Seekers Application Form »
Find a Regional Co-Ordinator here » See our slot on RTE's 'Capital D' show »