Supported Employment Service holds career clinics at Addington School, Woodley

At Supported Employment Service Optalis, we work with a variety of different people who have different employment needs and are covered by the disability provision of the equality act 2010. This includes people with Learning Disabilities, Mental Health Issues, Sensory Needs, Acquired Brain Injury, and Long Term Health Conditions. We also provide support for Carers and people with Substance Misuse issues

As Transition Team lead, Josh Hancock is passionate about engaging with young people in order to give them the best possible chance of achieving their goals and aspirations in employment. School and College leavers are at such a vital time in their lives. Getting the right employment support and experience at this time can have a huge impact on the rest of their lives, increasing their confidence, independence and long term employability.

As a client of Optalis you can expect a dedicated service, with passionate and experienced job coaches who will help provide the support you need to become employable. We understand that no two people are the same. As such we pride ourselves on being able to provide a tailored service, structured around the needs of the individual. Support we provide to clients can include:

• 1-1 appointments
• Travel training
• Support with CV building, Job searching and Application Forms
• Confidence building and communication skills development
• Support understanding the expectations and standards of the working world.
• Work Experience
• Advice and Guidance with Benefits
• 1-1 job coaching
• Employer support and reasonable adjustments.

The reputation of our service and development of the clients we support has led us to work with several different Colleges and Schools across Berkshire. Working in conjunction with Reading College, we facilitate a 1 year Supported Employment Course. We provide an Intensive employment course, working closely with local employers to help the students find paid, permanent employment in line with their goals and aspirations. The course is about to enter its third academic year, the previous two years have resulted in 90% of students receiving paid job offers.

We are always keen to work with families, and adopt a person centred approach. If you would like to hear more about our service, Josh will be in the Careers office at Addington School on Thursday 29th September, Thursday 24th November and Thursday 26th January from 2pm until 4.30pm.