Further Support
Disability Employment Advisors
Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) are based in Jobcentres and provided specialist support on employment and training issues for people with disabilities. They will support your work coach as they work with you or can work with you themselves on a 1-2-1 basis.
If you need to be referred to a specialist programme which is designed to help disabled people who want to find jobs or stay in work, you will be referred by your work coach with support from the DEA if required. The two main programmes available are; Fair Start Scotland and Access to Work. Fair Start Scotland is a voluntary DWP programme which helps people with more complex issues find work and stay in a job. Access to Work provides advice and practical support to help you and your employer overcome difficulties caused by a disability or health condition. This might include specialist equipment, a job coach for someone starting work or fares to work for people who cannot use public transport. Access to Work can help you if you are already in work or just starting a new job.
Benefits Advice
If you have been receiving benefits and need some information on how your benefits would be affected if you were successful in finding a job, the Council’s Welfare Rights office can help you. You can contact Welfare Rights at any Social Work office and arrange an appointment with an Information Worker in the first instance. The link on the page will provide you with contact details.