Chapter 4: Providing Ongoing Support

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the need for continuous support for jobseekers with intellectual disabilities.
• Learn strategies for providing long-term support to ensure job retention and satisfaction.
• Understand that job support is an ongoing process, not a one-time solution.

Ongoing support is crucial for the long-term success of job seekers with intellectual disabilities. Evidence shows that maintaining continuous support after employment leads to better outcomes, including job retention and career advancement. This support includes structuring workplace accommodations, monitoring job stability, adjusting supports as needed, and providing assistance with career development.

Direct support professionals, job coaches and at times family and friends, play a key role in ensuring that this ongoing support is effective. They are responsible for maintaining regular contact with employees, assessing job stability, and making necessary adjustments. A written plan for ongoing support, including regular check-ins and strategies for career advancement, is essential to ensuring that jobseekers receive the support they need to succeed over the long term.

Case Study Example:

Sarah, a young woman with an intellectual disability, started working as an Administrative Assistant at a community organization. She was eager to work but needed structured support to ensure long-term success. John, her DSP, developed a tailored long-term support plan to help Sarah navigate her new role and achieve her career goals.

Key Ideas and Application:

1. Developing Long-Term Support Plans:

Plan Creation: John collaborated with Sarah to create a support plan that focused on her strengths, goals, and the specific challenges she might face in her role. The plan included strategies for adapting to the workplace, enhancing her skills, and managing tasks efficiently.

Regular Review: The plan was set to be reviewed quarterly to ensure it remained relevant and aligned with Sarah's evolving needs and aspirations.

2. Regular Monitoring and Adjustment:

Twice-Monthly Check-Ins: John scheduled bi-monthly check-ins with Sarah to discuss her experiences at work. These meetings were crucial for identifying any challenges Sarah was facing and making real-time adjustments to her support.

Adjustments: For example, when Sarah expressed difficulty in managing her time during busy periods, John worked with her and her supervisor to implement a time-management tool, which improved her productivity and confidence.

3. Supporting Career Advancement:

Skill Development: Recognizing Sarah’s interest in learning more about data entry, John included skill development opportunities in her support plan. He arranged for Sarah to attend a workshop on advanced Excel skills, which helped her take on more complex tasks at work.

Promotions: With John’s guidance, Sarah was able to demonstrate her growing capabilities, which led to a conversation with her employer about taking on additional responsibilities, and positioning her for a potential promotion.

4. Comprehensive Post-Employment Support:

Flexible Support: John ensured that the support provided was adaptable. When Sarah expressed interest in exploring other roles within the organization, John worked with her and the employer to explore these opportunities, ensuring that any transitions were smooth.

Re-Employment Assistance: Although Sarah has remained successful in her current role, the support plan also included contingencies for re-employment support, should Sarah decide to seek a different job or face unexpected changes in her current role.

5. Practical Tips:

Implementing Support Plans: John maintained a strong collaboration with both Sarah and her employer to implement the support plan effectively. They held regular meetings to review Sarah's progress, celebrate her achievements, and make necessary adjustments.

Regular Adjustments: John emphasized the importance of flexibility, ensuring that Sarah's support was responsive to her changing needs and career aspirations.

Outcome: Through the structured support provided by John, Sarah not only maintained her job but also gained confidence, expanded her skill set, and began to see a clear path for career advancement. The ongoing support ensured that Sarah felt valued and capable in her role, leading to long-term job satisfaction and success.