Supported Employment Service
Do you have a barrier to employment? This could be a learning or physical disability, ASD or additional support needs? Do you also have a criminal record and don't know how to talk about this with an employer? Or, are you a parent with a disability, trying to access work, or change jobs and you don't know where to begin?
West Lothian Council's Supported Employment Service can help you find your way back to work! In addition to our day to day employment search service, we have the following, more tailored services for our clients.
Supported Parental Programme
A 6-week online programme to prepare you for a return to work. An action plan to help you successfully achieve your employment goals, taking in to account your individual circumstances, challenges and needs. Support to access volunteering or work experience, to gain additional skills and build confidence. Access to a range of training modules and group work sessions to learn new skills. Informative workshops where you can build your confidence while meeting others looking for work and finally, support when you start your job for as long as you need.
Unlocking Potential
Supporting prisoners and ex-offenders with a disability, mental health condition or is neurodivergent, who live or will be returning to the West Lothian area, into employment. You will have your own Employment Adviser, with experience of working with offenders. You will be given one-to-one appointments to establish your own personal goals and barriers, with an action plan agreed. Help with job applications, CV writing, disclosure letters and help with interview skills, tailored specifically to ex-offenders. You will receive help to positively recognise and understand your skills and abilities, especially those gained in prison. We will engage with employers on your behalf, looking for any opportunities that will best suit your skills, or any restrictions you might have. And finally, in work support for as long as you need, and also help with any future job searches.
EVOLVE
The EVOLVE group has been created to remove barriers and fears for individuals with a disability who are looking to progress on to actively seeking employment. The group is held every week to work on soft skills to gain the confidence, knowledge and experience to enter & sustain employment. The EVOLVE group is set up with 2 x 12 weekly sessions to allow individuals to progress at their own pace and offers one to one support to overcome individual barriers.
- Course 1 - Aspirations - 12 weeks working on soft skills
- Course 2 - Evolution - 12 weeks of actively job searching, interview prep & voluntary work
In addition, we offer local employers a free and confidential employability advice service
- Do you need advice to support an employee with a health condition, disability or additional support need?
- Do you want to employ a more diverse and inclusive workforce?
- Do you want to become Disability Confident employer?
If you are interested in any of the services that Supported Employment Service provide, please contact us for more information.
Please complete a Supported Employment Referral Form (Word doc, 94 KB)(opens new window) and email to supportedemployment@westlothian.gov.uk
For any Supported Employment queries, please telephone: 01506 284790 or Text: 07917814440
