MenuSearch Jobs How to Get a Job When You Have a Disability If you have a health condition or a disability that affects your ability to work, you can get assistance and advice on returning to the workplace by speaking to a Work Coach at your local Jobcentre Plus. Whether you have just lost your job or have been out of work for a long time, a Work Coach is trained to be able to help you to find work or to gain new skills for a job. They can help with work preparation, recruitment, interview coaching and even confidence building. If you are between the ages of 13 and 19 and you have a learning disability, your school is required to offer you career guidance, whether or not you have a Statement of Educational Needs (SEN). The Work Coach can carry out an employment assessment to find out what kind of work would suit you best. By taking an employment assessment, you will be able to more easily identify your strengths and abilities and your Work Coach will be able to create a plan of action to help you meet your employment goals. To take an employment assessment you will first have an interview with your work coach and talk to them about any previous work experience, talents, skills, and your employment goals. The length of time an employment assessment takes varies based on your individual needs and can last a half a day or longer. After your assessment, you will agree on a plan of action with your Work Coach, which may include training or they could recommend you take part in a programme such as Access to Work, Residential Training or Work Choice. The Work Coach can also provide referrals to a specialist work psychologist, if needed, for a more detailed employment assessment. When you start looking for work, keep an eye out for the ‘positive about disabled people’ symbol with two ticks. This symbol is awarded by Jobcentre Plus to employers who have made commitments to employ, retain and develop the abilities of disabled staff. If you have a disability, you see this symbol on the job advert and also meet the minimum criteria for the job, you are guaranteed an interview with the company who will then consider you fairly on your abilities. You have certain rights afforded to you if you have an illness or disability which are there to protect you from potential discrimination and these rights also apply in a job interview situation. The employer is only allowed to ask questions about your health or any disability if they are asking about any ‘reasonable adjustments’ you may require or to decide if you can do something which is an essential part of the job you are interviewing for. A reasonable adjustment in terms of the application and interview process may require the employer to provide documents in alternative formats such as audio CD’s. In terms of reasonable adjustments to the job, this may be a specialist piece of equipment you require. You're not required to bring up your disability at your interview, but if you decide against it, you might not be able to make an official complaint about discrimination later on, should the need arise. Consider how you can discuss your disability positively, and highlight the skills and abilities you possess that make you a good candidate for the job. What is the Jobcentre Plus? A layman's guide to the Job Centre Plus and it's services for job seekers and employers. What is Income Support? Income Support is available to UK residents aged 16 to 59 who unable to seek full time work. What is Job Seekers Allowance? Jobseeker's allowance is the benefit paid to unemployed people who are actively looking for work. What are Job Fairs? Job Fairs provide a great opportunity to meet many local employers. JobCentre Plus Offices Where to find your local JobCentre Plus offices. What is Pathways to Work? Pathways to Work helps people with disabilities or health conditions that make it difficult for them to find work. How to Contact Jobcentre Plus JobCentreGuide is an independent guide to JobCentre Plus services and NOT in any way affiliated with JobCentre Plus or other government bodies. If you have any queries or want to ask a question or make an appointment, you will need to contact th... Help with moving from benefits to work – Getting Help Your Jobcentre Plus work coach can help you by giving advice on the support available when returning back to work. Help with moving from benefits to work – Starting Your Own Business Your Jobcentre Plus work coach at your local Jobcentre Plus can tell you about resources which can help you to start your own business. Help with moving from benefits to work – support when you start working When you go back to work, this does not mean that you have to give up all of your benefits. Some benefits may carry on and there may be others available to you once you have started working. Help with moving from benefits to work – Work Experience and Volunteering Help with moving from benefits to work – Work Experience and Volunteering Help with moving from benefits to work – Job Search Programmes Jobcentre Plus can provide support to help you prepare for, find, and stay in work. They can give you training, guidance and work placement programmes, and schemes such as work experience, volunteering and job trialling. They can also support yo... Resources for Employers If you are an employer seeking advice on finding the right employees, we can help! Please browse our articles below for tips on how to scout new talent. Information on Jobcentres and the Coronavirus Jobcentres throughout the UK have adopted and adjusted their operational models based on the prevailing conditions. Ideally, a Jobcentre gives out advice on the available jobs and also facilitates unemployment benefits to British citizens. The c... What is Universal Credit? Are you of pension age, jobless and wondering what the future is going to look like? Don't worry, you can start securing it by applying for Universal Credit or a Jobseeker's Allowance. The option you choose will mainly depend on your National In... © 2021 Copyright Job Centre Guide • About Us • Privacy Policy • Sitemap All Rights Reserved. No part of this web site may be copied without permission. Job Centre Guide is an independent website and not connected to The Department for Work and Pensions.