Employment

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Job Search

When a new participant first comes to OPENING often the first thing that they need assistance with is the actual job search process.  In ally the participant will be encouraged to identify their likes and dislikes and their hopes and expectations in employment.

Supported by staff at OPENING the participant will then outline the kind of job that they would be interested in securing.  Staff at OPENING will give help and support at this stage and will provide advice encouraging the participant to set goals based on their employment aspirations.  Once an area within the labor market has been decided upon the job search process will start.  Staff provide one 2 one job search help i.e. searching the newspapers and the internet and approaching employers on the individuals behalf.

OPENING also has contact with employers within the labor market who advise them of vacancies before advertising.

Cv Preparation

At this stage staff at OPENING aid the individual with the preparation of their CV.  Achievements in education and past and present jobs are discussed.  The participant will also create a personal profile and references are considered too.  Essentially at this stage involves identifying the strengths and positive attributes of the candidate and then presenting the information in a way that is relevant to employers.

Interview Skills

Once the area of work that the participant is looking for has been identified and a  CV. has been prepared interview techniques are examined.  All aspects of  interview are discussed at this stage and staff will cover all areas of concern in order that the participant feels completely comfortable and confident with the prospect of an interview.  Staff advise of the typical do's and don'ts and highlight the qualities that interviewers are looking for explaining the competencies that employers will be seeking for different roles.  Mock interviews are then conducted with question and answer sessions.  Staff will then highlight strengths and weaknesses to the participant and will continue to work on both until the participant feels self-assured and ready to face an interview.

Confidence and Motivation

Confidence and motivation is something that is built up throughout all the services provided by OPENING.  The Staff work together with participants bringing out the best in them and highlighting their strengths and positive attributes.  Confidence and motivation is also something which is achieved through preparation and through the creation of a CV and the work carried regarding interview skills participants feel prepared and ready to seek employment - a fact which in itself instills confidence.  Group sessions can also be arranged at this stage.

Job Access

The services provided at OPENING don't stop once a job has been secured.  Our services are designed to help participants fulfill their goals the staff at OPENING are fully aware that even after having secured a job there might still be some barriers facing the participant.  Therefore OPENING offers a unique service that continues, where necessary even after the participant has secured a job.  OPENING can continue to support participants until such a time as both they and the employer feel appropriate.  This assistance may come in the form of travel support to and from the place of work.

Employment Rights

In order to ensure that participants are fully prepared for the world of work, staff will also make participants aware of their Employment rights, Equal Opportunity laws, Data Protection Act and the Disability Discrimination Act. Participating in the services offered at Opening will give people the tools necessary to equip them for employment.

"Sophia Hassan - G.C.I.L."

I attended Opening and worked on my developing skill for job search.  I also worked on a one to one basis with my job access worker to develop my CV.  I achieved so much out of working with Opening - it helped me build confidence and succeed in gaining an admin post...

"Ellen Burke - Well-being"

I would never have found out about Well-being if I did not use the services at OPENING...

Ellen heard about Opening through a personal recommendation.  When Ellen started at Opening she was unsure about what she wanted to do.  After one-to-one support with one of Opening's job access workers - Ellen decided that she was interested in retraining in administration.  Ellen found the services at Opening to be very helpful and after she received the encouragement and support from Opening that she needed to allow her to fulfill her ambition.  Ellen is now enrolled on a training course at Well-being - Glasgow wide training programme - managed by the Glasgow Volunteer Center.

"Lisa - Well-being"

Lisa - also training at Well-being describes Opening  as "Brilliant - Helpful & Supportive"...   Lisa makes particular reference to the fact that Opening maintained regular contact to make sure everything was going to plan.

Compared with non - disabled people, disabled people are more likely to live in poverty.  The income of disabled people is - on average less than half of that earned by non - disabled people...

Only one in two disabled people of working age are currently in employment compared to four out of five non-disabled people...

Almost a quarter of disabled people said they have experienced actual discrimination in the workplace, of which 70% is specifically disability related...

(Prime Ministers Strategy - Unit 2004/5)

Disability and Awareness Training

Opening can also provide Disability Equality and Awareness training to both individuals and employers.  This includes appropriate terminology, etiquette and how to address access and support issues.  We can also provide employers with access audits and best practice advice.  This service is currently free of charge to all.