Vision

Having a job is one of the main ways that many people with learning disabilities can be included in society.
Working in partnership with service users, their families and other interested parties, WorkForward will achieve a natural, person centred transition into employment for adults with learning disabilities.

Aim

The overall aim of the WorkForward Progress to Employment is to promote social inclusion. Of particular importance is the need to value the uniqueness of the individual and to promote integration into society so that individuals with learning disabilities can access the full range of opportunities including employment, that are open to everyone else.

The WorkForward Progress to Employment will support people to gain skills, on the job work experience and work placements so they can move on to paid employment. The scheme will offer new opportunities for some people who currently use traditional day services to get the skills, confidence and experience that they need to get jobs and become more independent.

Scope

The WorkForward Progress to Employment will promote person centred approach and partnership working with agencies, sectors and professions. It will focus on supporting equity of access to specialist training and employment services appropriate to the needs of the individual and the family, in order to promote and maintain their independence and enabling choices.

Understanding the person with a learning disability, what’s important to them and what they require from their support in order to live their chosen lifestyle is the essential starting point for developing WorkForward Progress to Employment.
The WorkForward Progress to Employment works with an individual to explore his/her strengths, personal preferences, work history, skill gaps, and employment goals.

• Power and Choice – Making our own choices and directing our own lives.
• Status/Contribution – Feeling good about ourselves and having others recognize us for what we contribute to others and our community.
• Integration – Being a part of our community, through active involvement and employment.
• Competence – Learning to do things on our own or being supported to do things for ourselves.
• Health and Safety – Feeling safe and secure, and being healthy.

The Plan helps the individual identify and invite people she/he knows to be part of a Planning Team. The Team will include WorkForward Staff, Social Worker, Day Care Centre Manager, employment advisor from TESS and an Employment Advocate selected by the individual service user.
The Team assists the individual in creating an Employment Development Plan and steps to work that reflect the individual’s intended employment goals.
A TESS employment advisor provides support to implement the plan activities and achieve the goal of gainful employment.

WorkForward CIC individual’s Pathway to Employment