Beginning of Supported Employment Service: 2019

AMIAB’s Supported Employment Service supports 35 people in the city of Albacete, 22 in Cuenca, and 12 in the Manchuela region.
In the initial phase of support, an interview is conducted to get to know each candidate and determine their employability profile based on their education, interests, and experience. Following this, a placement plan is developed, focusing on reinforcing key areas and competencies. Some of the areas addressed include CV improvement, interview preparation, and socio-labor skills. During the training, job coaches source job offers and assist with active job searching.

The job coach initially provides 100% support throughout the workday. The coach and the employee learn the tasks together. Once the employee is clear on their tasks or can perform their job with natural support from colleagues, the job coach gradually withdraws. Regular follow-ups are maintained with the employee and company representatives throughout the process. Psychological support, both individual and group, is a crucial complement to the entire process.

AMIAB manages job offers from companies. When a company requests a profile, the association’s trainers seek out the individual who best matches this profile. Job coaches find that raising awareness among companies is essential because many managers have concerns about the impact on productivity when hiring individuals with intellectual disabilities. These concerns usually dissipate once the inclusion experience begins. AMIAB signs agreements for training internships with companies or supervises internships for professional certification. For job coaches, internships are an effective way to raise awareness and help employers overcome their fears of hiring people with different abilities.

Working together with a broad network of organizations to share training or inclusion resources is another cornerstone of AMIAB. For example, the association establishes agreements with other entities to offer certified courses that enhance the professional preparation of participants in the supported employment Project.

COMPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIES

Amiab also operates a special employment center and a Training Service, which offers programs in four key areas: personal and social development, professional skills, education, and psychological support. The psychological support area is particularly significant, providing both individual and group therapy sessions. In the training area, they focus on developing social skills and practical skills, such as cooking.

Additionally, they offer a leisure service and establish agreements with training organizations to certify professional qualifications.

SECTORS WITH THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF INCLUSION

Manufacturing and handling, commerce, cleaning, concierge, operators, etc., in administration.

OPINIONS OF SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS AND COMPANY MANAGERS

«The reserved quota has just been increased to 10% in the public sector, but in the private sector, this quota remains at 2%. The reserved quota should be increased in both the public and private sectors.» (Supported Employment Service Coordinator)

«More training and awareness-raising is needed for companies to better understand the intellectual disability community. It would be useful to conduct inclusion agent training courses within companies.» (Job Coach)
“The most effective way to persuade new employers is to have the example of other companies that have participated in supported employment share their experiences.»
(Job Coach)

«In the Administration, there is a legal gap because there is no figure to facilitate the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities who obtain a civil service position.»
(Supported Employment Service Coordinator).

OPINIONS OF PEOPLE HIRED THROUGH SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

Employee at a large warehouse with over 12 months of experience in the same position:
«My job coach helped me adapt well. They made things easier for me. Initially, I struggled with organization and adjusting to the schedules. Now, I have learned to react better to situations and have improved my punctuality, as I previously had a lot of difficulty sticking to the schedule. I am now doing very well in my exam preparation.»

«Participating in theatre in my free time has provided me with relationship skills.»