Working Well Specialist Employment Service: Claire’s Story

An Employment Specialist with Working Well Specialist Employment Service provides so much more than assistance applying for jobs – they provide varied and personalised support. Claire felt she was “stuck looking at 4 walls”. 

Lisa helped Claire alleviate the financial pressures she was facing by getting a £7000 Universal Credit overpayment overturned - Lisa attended the home when Universal Credit phone calls were taking place so that Claire got the right treatment regarding permitted work and the WCA. She also supported Claire to apply online for a full Council Tax exemption on grounds of severe mental illness. This exemption was successful. She had had a full council tax bill when they stopped her UC due to savings over the limit.

Claire says Supported Employment “helped me get a routine and kept my life going…. A healthy lifestyle… as it should be; not just sat on the sofa watching the world go by.” 

Lisa worked with Claire to:

• Make clear what she wanted in her care plan – for example, she said she thought she had to entertain her carers rather than them being proactive. She wanted to go swimming.
• Lisa suggested she needed to learn how to cook healthy, simple meals with her carers rather than them taking her shopping for ready meals.
• Supported Claire to take more control of her planner. She now goes to her supported home and does the planner with an occupational therapist once a week and travels there independently.

Claire commented: “If I want something I can speak to Lisa, as she always listens to the client’s needs, and she will go ahead and sort it. I have had lots of support because people are locked in their house and not able to speak. It was really great to get to know her. She understands my needs. It works both ways.”

Lisa supported Claire with:

• Searching for a suitable role
• Completing pre-employment documentation
• Completing the application form
• Attending the interview and helping to explain the questions

“Lisa supported me by giving me lists to help me remember. Lisa attended the probation meeting with me. Brendan the caretaker also changed about my areas too when I asked. Lisa encouraged me to ask.”

Reasonable adjustments can be as simple as communicating, in Claire’s case:

• Asking for additional duties towards the end of her shift when she got restless.
• Explaining to the employer that training needed to be 1-2-1.
• Understanding that she was rushing too much. Her employer was super happy with her, but they worried she was doing too much! She was worried when she had finished cleaning the classrooms that she was not doing anything and may get told off.
• Reassured Claire that she was doing a great job. She knows a thumbs up from Brendan is just great! This was when the initial novelty of the job wore off.

Claire has found work with a nice employer. They have told her she has a job for life!
She also volunteers at Bury Hospice, which commented on- “-Which I like because I know everyone, and I can be flexible with the hours”.

At Claire’s annual care package review with the full team, her Social Worker called Claire’s case a shining example of how someone had moved from being contained due to poor mental health in a supported home to living independently.

Lisa advised Claire’s Social Worker that she may need some support with ongoing employment support, and this can be done as part of her care package. She doesn’t need anyone in the workplace now but may need outside work support that is currently done by the family.
Claire has lost weight due to healthier eating and lots of physical exercise walking to and from work and whilst she is cleaning. Claire looks healthy and happy!

What is next for Claire?
“I have no idea what is next, but I have had the confidence to get my artwork displayed at Bury Art Gallery’s gift shop. My dream was always to display my artwork and sell it. This is my passion. My part time work just gives me the routine I need and the company with my colleagues at work.”

Are you looking for work? Find out more about Employment Support in your Area, or check out current Local Vacancies.