Through his college Steven was put in touch with Nicky, a Specialist Employment Consultant, at Moving Intowork . This is a local organisation that specialises in supporting people with Asperger Syndrome into employment.
The first task for Nicky was find out about the type of work Steven was interested in doing and whether he had the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue this. Steven had previously undertaken voluntary work with animals and was keen to seek employment in this area. Unfortunately Steven did not have the qualifications necessary and obtaining, them through another college course, was deemed not to be appropriate for him.
Further discussions with Steven ascertained that he was also interested in any sort of physical, outdoor work where he could work as part of a team. Agricultural, horticultural or grounds maintenance work seemed an appropriate route to explore.
Nicky identified that the best way forward was to find Steven a work placement in his chosen career path to gain the skills and experience necessary to enhance his employability.
After successful contact with the City of Edinburgh Council’s Human Resources department Nicky identified a potential work placement within their Grounds Maintenance section. Nicky contacted the Environmental Task Force Manager and negotiated a 1-month, unpaid, full-time work placement as a Park’s Assistant.
This work placement had 3 main benefits:
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Steven could gain ‘on the job’ skills
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The employer would gain an insight into how to support an employee with a disability
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The Council and its employees would benefit from being part of a diverse workforce.
As part of the support package offered to the employer, Nicky was able to provide disability awareness training for the manager and his staff. This allowed them to gain a better understanding of Asperger Syndrome and how they could be supportive to Steven and his particular needs.
In addition, Nicky negotiated a ‘work buddy’ for Steven who offered motivational support outwith normal line management. This proved vital when Steven needed extra support with organisational skills.
Steven’s Manager noted how well he had picked up tasks, particularly in relation to health and safety, and how employing a person with Asperger Syndrome had been a significant, but positive, culture change for his particular department
Throughout ,and prior ,to Steven’s work placement Nicky was on hand to offer advice, guidance and support to both Steven and his employer.
And the good news ………..
