Learning Disabilities Support Belfast - The Orchardville Society

Employment Service

THE ROLE OF THE EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT OFFICER
Following an initial assessment the Employment Officer will work closely with trainees to source work placements, access training courses and help with travel training.

The Employment Support officer will assisit with introducing trainees into new work placements, job coaching and making regular visits to trainees whilst on placements.

TRAINEE DEVELOPMENT
The Employment Service aims to assist trainees who have different skills and abilities from school age to retirement to develop:

Independence
Self-confidence
Self-esteem
A sense of achievement
Building a CV
Career Development

Other training offered by the society includes, Indepedent travel, communication and interview skills.

WORK PLACEMENTS
The employment services finds placements for trainees either from their database of employers or sourcing new ones, to match up with trainees skills, abilities and interests.

Orchardville also has supported training units, in areas of catering, office administration and bottle sorting.

PAID EMPLOYMENT
The ultimate aim within the Orchardville Society is for trainees to reach their maximum potential, and for some this may involve getting paid work. Paid work maybe accessed through a number of routes:

Open Employment: Jobs that are advertised in the media and applied for in the usual manner.

Employment Support: The government pays towards wages and the individual still receives support.

Supported Permitted Work: Individuals can work up to 15 hours and earn up to £72 per week and keep most of their benefits. Support will still be given from the Employment Support Officer.

Permitted Work Lower Limit: Earn up to £20 per week and keep benefits.

EMPLOYERS
These are just some of the valued employers that provide placements and paid employment for trainees:

Tescos
Co-Op
Customs & Excise
Magistrates Court
McDonalds
KFC
HMV
Local Hospitals
Dunlady House Nursing Home
Stormont Hotel
Olympia Lesiure Centre
Russells Cellars
Castlereagh Council
Youth For Christ
Local Community Centres
Budget DIY
Local Hairdressers
MS Society
More Store

PARENT/CARER INVOLVEMENT
We encourage parents/carers to actively be involved in the programme at every stage. The Employment Officer will provide a supportive environment for families to discuss their son or daughters progress.

For those trainees who are unable to travel independently, we ask parents/carers, when ever possible, to assist with transporting their son or daughter to work placements and training events.