The objectives of this week’s blog are:
Last week’s blog explained the different responsibilities a Job Coach has on a work site and how they can help support a new employee. This week we will examine how a Job Coach is different to an Employment Support Practitioner (ESP)- an ESP works at your local employment agency. So, what exactly is the difference? I asked a local ESP to explain her role and she said this: The role of the Employment Support Practitioner is to provide support to clients who identify as having multi-barriers to employment. The support can range from assistance with pre-employment, on-the-job as well as post-employment including job-carving. The fact that the ESP case-load is smaller than that of a Job Developer allows the ESP to spend more one-on-one time with the client and to go at the pace set by the client. An ESP can work with a client anywhere from 3-months to a year depending on the needs of the client as well as a one-time intervention. The ESP Intervention is based on the individualized needs of the client and, as such, can vary depending upon what those needs may be at any given time. An ESP is able to act as a go-between for the client and the employer (as long as the client has disclosed) or it can take the shape of providing off-site support to the client. Each client has different barriers and challenges so there is really no “typical” ESP client. In many respects, the ESP role is constantly evolving and changing as dictated by the various needs and supports of the client and by where they are in terms of employment. Whereas a Job Developer client may be more self-sufficient and ready “to hit the ground running” with respect to employment readiness, the ESP client may need much more pre-employment support or job-readiness skills. What a great service coming out of our local employment agencies! If you feel this type of support would benefit you, please ensure that you are attached to one of the many employment agencies across the city. These agencies include YMCA Dartmouth, Halifax and Cole Harbour, Job Junction, Teamwork Cooperative etc. If you are confused about these agencies, feel free to contact our Employment Support Coordinator at [email protected] for more information. Autism Nova Scotia's Employment Support Coordinator also helps to support new employees and works closely with the Employment Support Practitioner on some jobs. A Job Coach will work 1:1 with an employee on the job for 8-12 weeks. Sometimes, after a Job Coach has transitioned away, an ESP will take over and provide support one a weekly basis. This ensures that support is on-going until the employee feels they no longer need the support and will be successful in long term employment. Job Coaches and ESPs also work closely with employers. This is vitally important because it allows the Job Coach/ESP to understand what successes and challenges the employee may face when first new to a job. A Job Coach or ESP will discuss further with the employer how they, together, can help the employee be successful. Whether you need 1:1 support on the job or occasional checks in for success, support is always vital when starting a new job.
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