Employment Support services: Mark's story

Mark joined our service in March 2023 with a strong working background in the cleaning industry. However he sadly lost his previous position due to the effects of the pandemic that forced companies to release staff. This has affected Mark’s belief in himself, affecting his wellbeing and motivation to achieve. Mark has needed a positive role model to support him on his journey....

'Mark has been recommended to our service and has asked for support with finding a suitable career position to compliment his strong working history. He’s been dedicated to find a working position, although he has needed structured support with job searching and being introduced to local employers.

My team have worked on a weekly basis with Mark looking for a local supportive employer who would support Mark with his disability and make allowances for Mark’s working hours and shift patterns. We’ve supported Mark with acquiring funding for suitable work trousers for the role and helping Mark with obtaining a new birth certificate, so Mark had the relevant documentation to be accepted into his new position.

I’ve supported Mark with being able to job search confidently, create a CV, Interview techniques, completing application forms, acquiring work clothes, Better-off calculations and travel arrangements to work placements.

I have identified the type of working roles Mark would like to do and built a good relationship with Urbaser Ltd in Letchworth Through them, I’ve been able to support Mark by listening to constructive feedback from the manager.

I have placed Mark into a street cleaning position, and this has seen him be able to return to work within a role he enjoys. A highlight of our service allows a Job Coach to support Mark within work and ensure he is comfortable in his ideal role.

Now two months into the role Mark is performing well in the placement and this has seen his confidence, wellbeing and motivation improve. His employer has thanked me for finding a staff member for no cost and the right participant for the role.‘

Mark’s Job Coach concludes;

“This job has given Mark independence, access to a wider social circle and an earned wage. It has been a pleasure to watch Mark grow and thrive as an individual since starting this job. We continue to support Mark on his journey and thank him for taking part in this article.”

This article was taken from the 8th edition of Step2Skills News, available to read at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/step2skillsmagazine.