Supported employment (for residents)

Supported employment is everyone’s responsibility

In Salford we believe people with a learning disability or autism deserve the same opportunities in life as their peers, including paid employment. We know that most people with a learning disability or autism can and want to work, as long as they have access to the right support.

About the service

Securing work can help individuals to build independence, confidence, and skills, as well as widening friendships and social networks, and being seen as a full member of society.

However, finding and sustaining employment can sometimes be tough for residents with learning disabilities or autism, but our Supported Employment Service is here to help. The service helps people with learning disabilities or autism to find a job and supports residents in the workplace to sustain employment. We work with a wide range of businesses and organisations, and provide support for both the employee and employer for as long as needed.

What support is available?

Our supported employment key workers take the time to get to know a resident's individual needs, skills, interests and goals. Exploring these areas with participants helps the key worker to match individuals with the most suitable jobs. At the same time, the team works with the employer to make sure the necessary workplace adjustments and in-work support are in place before they start.

We will help residents every step of the way, including support with benefit claims to ensure the correct benefits are received whilst in work. We will work with residents to maximise their income where possible.

The support provided for each resident may vary, but will consist of ten months of pre-work support to help develop the necessary skills, experience, and confidence to secure employment.

Complete the online application form

Eligibility

To access Salford’s Local Supported Employment Service, residents must:

• have a learning disability, autism or both and meet the Equality Act 2010 definition of disability
• be known to the local authority and/or adult social care
• be economically inactive or unemployed and not in paid employment, including paid self-employment
• be aged 18 or above and a Salford resident
• show willingness and understand the benefit of participating in the service to find and sustain paid work
• have an entitlement to public funds, for example, welfare benefits
• have the right to work in the UK
• not be in full-time education
• not be on another Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) contracted employment programme or provision including the European Social Fund

Please note, individuals will not have to provide medical evidence to be eligible for the service. Residents don't need to be in receipt of specific benefits, or if they do receive benefits, this doesn’t mean you can’t apply for the service.

Meet our Supported Employment key worker team

Displayed in order: Lynne, Lorraine, Agata, Asmaa, Emma

Case studies

When Lisa began her journey with Supported Employment, she faced various challenges and didn't feel quite ready for paid work. However, with determination and the support of her key worker, she embarked on a journey to address these obstacles. Over the course of several months, Lisa accessed grants, managed her debts, received housing advice and childcare support. Despite initially feeling overwhelmed, Lisa quickly demonstrated her willingness to engage with the service and build positive relationships with everyone involved.

Once most of her barriers were addressed, Lisa expressed readiness to enter work. Within just a month, she secured a job offer at Growth Company and has been receiving commendable feedback from her managers and colleagues ever since.

Find out more

We’re hosting drop-in sessions at Gateways across Salford where you can come and chat to the team and ask any questions you may have. Call in and see us any time between 10am and 2pm on the following dates:

Swinton

• Thursday 1 August 2024 - 10am to 2pm
• Wednesday 4 September 2024 - 10am to 2pm
• Wednesday 9 October 2024 - 10am to 2pm

Eccles

• Wednesday 7 August 2024 - 10am to 2pm
• Tuesday 10 September 2024 - 10am to 2pm
• Tuesday 15 October 2024 - 10am to 2pm

Walkden

• Wednesday 14 August 2024 - 10am to 2pm
• Wednesday 18 September 2024 - 10am to 2pm
• Wednesday 23 October 2024 - 10am to 2pm

Pendleton

• Wednesday 21 August 2024 - 10am to 2pm
• Wednesday 25 September 2024 - 10am to 2pm
• Wednesday 31 October 2024 - 10am to 2pm

Broughton

• Wednesday 28 August 2024 - 10am to 2pm
• Thursday 3 October 2024 - 10am to 2pm

How to apply

Residents can apply themselves for support through the service, or a family member, social worker, or work coach can apply on their behalf.

Once an application is received, we will assess whether we can support the resident and contact them to arrange an informal one-to-one meeting. The meeting will help the team to learn more about any specific needs the resident may have, adjustments for consideration and any pre-employment courses and training that might be suitable.

Complete the online application form

Please contact a member of the Supported Employment team if a paper version of the form is required by emailing supportedemploymentservice@salford.gov.uk or telephone 0161 793 2533.

Further information

If you would like to make an initial enquiry and/or to find out more about Salford’s Local Supported Employment service, please email supportedemploymentservice@salford.gov.uk or telephone 0161 793 2533.

This page was last updated on 11 July 2024