Hi I used to be a member of the original youreable and have just found it is back up in this new format. As you will be able to see from my profile I am currently working, delivering prescription meds. I found this job myself by working out what kind of work I could do taking into account that I have muscle wastage in my forearms/hands and get muscle cramps/fasciculations mainly in my lower legs. This job entails walking a short distance from the van to the delivery address and generally delivering fairly small packages. Although I have very little muscle left in my hands, I still have good grip and have clearance to drive from the DVLA on a 3 year license. My reason for this post is that, when I first had to stop doing the work I am trained for, I went to the Job Centre and was assigned a disabled job advisor. Frankly they were as useful as a chocolate teapot, kept sending me for completely inappropriate jobs, cash handling, security in a shopping mall, the list was endless. I believe they were playing a numbers game, based on some sort of quota system, which I put to them and they denied. After becoming totally frustrated I had myself signed off and reluctantly went on IB. Over the following 5 years I continued to look for suitable work taking into account my condition, the fact I get fatigued quite quickly, personal toileting issues etc. The Job Centre never told me about, permitted work rules, access to work, return to work tax credits and one off payments for suitable shoes, clothing etc. It was the the people on the benefits section of the old youreable that helped me and I finally found a job under the permitted work rules, got myself a sponsor from The Papworth Trust to oversee my progress at work. This went well for a year and I saw an advert for a full time position and thought I'll give it a try. I have now been working full time for nearly 3 years and although it is physically demanding, bearing in mind my condition I am reasonably happy to carry on. However 3 weeks ago I saw a job advertised for a Disabled Job Advisor and decided to apply for it, as I felt I couldn't do any worse a job than those at the Job Centre. Despite having no background in recruitment I have got an interview, part of which is do a presentation on "How would you sell supported employment ?"
As I have never done this, I have been researching the subject and have come up with a few ideas. To supplement this I would be grateful if others could give some of their experiences, good and bad; and opinions on disabled job advice and how you think it could be improved. I doubt that I will get the position due to my lack of experience and age (57) but I would like to use the opportunity to put over the practical experiences of others that have been through the supported work set up. Thank You in advance. Rich.
