Improving outcomes – making sure more people with learning disabilities get and keep jobs

1. Improving outcomes – making sure more people with learning disabilities get and keep jobs Kathy Melling Julie Lynes - Grainger

2. Low expectations ‘No one has ever said I could do a paid job’ People with learning disabilities can get a good, paid job

3. Some facts • 6.8% known to Adult Social Services in England are in employment • Only 2.3% of those in residential care are in employment • 90% of people with learning disabilities who responded to Valuing People Now said that employment should be a priority • Mencap found that 65% of people with learning disabilities want to work (2005)

4. What does evidence suggest needs to change? • Children with learning disabilities should be asked what job they want to do when they grow up • All young people should get meaningful work experience at school and college

5. What does evidence suggest needs to be different? • College courses should give people skills for work – marketable and competitive skills • It will be normal for people to leave school or college and get a job

6. What does the evidence tell us • If people are working full time, the majority will be better off without their benefits • Not many examples of people with complex needs in jobs • Employment is shown to bring health and social inclusion benefits

8. What does good employment support look like? • Supported employment or job coaching • Based on what people know works • Starts from age 14 • About REAL jobs • Wages are paid at the going rate for the job, with the same terms and conditions as all other employees • The job helps the person to meet their life goals and aspirations • The role is valued by managers and colleagues • The job has similar hours and times at work as other employees with safe working conditions

9. What does good employment support look like? Overarching guiding principle: Fundamental to supported employment is that everyone can work with the right job and the right support. Providers of supported employment should be able to offer a nil rejection policy, as everyone should have the opportunity to work and contribute to society.

10. What does good employment support look like? • Guiding principles: • Choice and control • Partnership • Full inclusion • Rapid job search • Careers • Natural supports • Long-term support • Assistive technology • Continuous quality improvement • Right to work in a safe workplace • Protection of human rights and freedom from abuse

11. What does good employment support look like? • Work with the job seeker • Engagement • Getting to know you • Agreeing a plan together • Work with the employer • Engagement • Understanding needs and identifying vacancies • Getting to know the job • Job match • Employers get the right worker and jobseekers get the right job • Arranging the right support • DEVELOP A CAREER

12. Project Search • Internship model • Established in USA and running for 14 years • Good record in getting people jobs • Strong local partnership – employer-led • Tutor and Job Coach • 14 sites in England already getting people into work • Evaluation

13. What Getting a Life is finding out!! • Plan for employment – person-centred approach involving family carers • Work with supported employment providers • Ensure meaningful work experience • Make sure people learn the skills people need to get a job!!