Are you looking for a new job or fancying a career change? — Scope | Disability forum
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Are you looking for a new job or fancying a career change?

Cher_Alumni
Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,741 Disability Gamechanger
edited November 2020 in Work and employment
With lockdown upon us, now is an opportune time to re-think our careers.  

Indeed, with National Career Development Month taking place all this month you might want to act on those niggling doubts that have long been whispering “its time for a new job”.  

So dust off your CV, dig out your old certificates and let’s have a think about what to do next.  


briefcase in the hand of a man with a blue suit on


Not sure which career-path to follow?

It can be daunting to begin job hunting after a long-time away but there are ample online resources to help guide you through.

If you’re unsure about what role you might like to go into next, try the governments skills assessment.  After answering 50 multiple choice questions, taking around 5 to 10 minutes, you will be given a list of careers that are best suited to you and your personality.  Who knows whether floristry or mechanics is for you?!

If this still leaves you in-doubt, think about your skills and interests.  Then, explore the National Careers Service ‘Explore careers webpages’ which has information about hundreds of jobs, along with insight into salary, qualifications needed and daily duties.  

Alternatively, maybe volunteering is a better idea.  There are many voluntary roles out there and the Do-it.org.uk is a good starting point to have a look at what’s on offer.  

Or, you can always visit Scope’s volunteering opportunities webpage to explore working alongside us!

Where can I find jobs?

If you have a particular company/organisation in mind, visit their website’s jobs section first.  This is a good way of spotting jobs that might not otherwise go onto big search engines!

Other jobs are listed on:Please note you should never pay any money upfront to apply for a job.  If you are asked to, this might be a sign the job role is one to be avoided.

How can I stand out to employers?

With the job market so crowded its important to stand out from other candidates.

The Scope website has tips on how to write your CV, prepare for job interviews and improve your interpersonal skills.


What other support can I get to develop my career?

Scope have various employment services to support disabled people.  These include:

Support to Work
Support to Work is for you, if you:
  • live in England or Wales
  • are looking for paid work
  • are happy with online and telephone support

Starting Line

Starting Line is for you, if you:
  • live in Calderdale, London, Leeds or Manchester
  • are at the start of your journey into work
  • are starting to look for training, volunteer and work opportunities
  • prefer face to face support and group sessions

Kickstart
Kickstart is for you, if you:
  • live in London or Leeds
  • are looking for paid work
  • prefer face to face support, on a one-to-one basis

Career Pathways
Career Pathways is for you, if you:
  • are looking for careers advice and information
  • are aged between 16 and 25

Working on Wellbeing
Working on wellbeing is for you, if you:
  • live in Wales
  • are looking for work, training or volunteering opportunities
  • are 16 years and over


I’m disabled, will that stop me getting a job?

Having an impairment should not be a barrier to getting any job you are qualified for. 

Employers have a responsibility to put reasonable adjustments in place to support your needs and allow you to work.  This might be by ordering specialist equipment or offering flexible working hours.  For more information on reasonable adjustments, visit our reasonable adjustments webpage.

The Government’s ‘Access to work’ grant scheme is also intended to support your transition into employment by offering financial contributions towards any adjustments you may need.


Over to you:

  • Have you thought about a change in career or a new job?
  • What would you ideally like to do?
  • What is stopping you from exploring career options?
Talk to me in the comments below and let's work it out together.
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Comments

  • 66Mustang
    66Mustang Community member Posts: 13,367 Disability Gamechanger
    I recently had some worries about getting a job and not being qualified for anything but I got some great support from this forum which I am really grateful for.

    Ideally I’d like to be an army pilot but I’ve accepted I’m not up for that due to my problems so I have set my sights on bookkeeping with a possible progression into accountancy as managing money is something I am good at and passionate about.

    Something stopping me from exploring career options was assuming that you needed “stereotypical” qualifications for that job. For example I always assumed I needed to be fantastic at maths to go into bookkeeping/accountancy but, while some basic numeracy skills are obviously required, having a degree in maths is not. So, if there is a job you always assumed you couldn’t do I’d recommend having a look at the required qualifications just to confirm and you may be pleasantly surprised. :)
  • lisajane73
    lisajane73 Community member Posts: 6 Listener
    With lockdown upon us, now is an opportune time to re-think our careers.  

    Indeed, with National Career Development Month taking place all this month you might want to act on those niggling doubts that have long been whispering “its time for a new job”.  

    So dust off your CV, dig out your old certificates and let’s have a think about what to do next.  


    briefcase in the hand of a man with a blue suit on


    Not sure which career-path to follow?

    It can be daunting to begin job hunting after a long-time away but there are ample online resources to help guide you through.

    If you’re unsure about what role you might like to go into next, try the governments skills assessment.  After answering 50 multiple choice questions, taking around 5 to 10 minutes, you will be given a list of careers that are best suited to you and your personality.  Who knows whether floristry or mechanics is for you?!

    If this still leaves you in-doubt, think about your skills and interests.  Then, explore the National Careers Service ‘Explore careers webpages’ which has information about hundreds of jobs, along with insight into salary, qualifications needed and daily duties.  

    Alternatively, maybe volunteering is a better idea.  There are many voluntary roles out there and the Do-it.org.uk is a good starting point to have a look at what’s on offer.  

    Or, you can always visit Scope’s volunteering opportunities webpage to explore working alongside us!

    Where can I find jobs?

    If you have a particular company/organisation in mind, visit their website’s jobs section first.  This is a good way of spotting jobs that might not otherwise go onto big search engines!

    Other jobs are listed on:Please note you should never pay any money upfront to apply for a job.  If you are asked to, this might be a sign the job role is one to be avoided.

    How can I stand out to employers?

    With the job market so crowded its important to stand out from other candidates.

    The Scope website has tips on how to write your CV, prepare for job interviews and improve your interpersonal skills.


    What other support can I get to develop my career?

    Scope have various employment services to support disabled people.  These include:

    Support to Work
    Support to Work is for you, if you:
    • live in England or Wales
    • are looking for paid work
    • are happy with online and telephone support

    Starting Line

    Starting Line is for you, if you:
    • live in Calderdale, London, Leeds or Manchester
    • are at the start of your journey into work
    • are starting to look for training, volunteer and work opportunities
    • prefer face to face support and group sessions

    Kickstart
    Kickstart is for you, if you:
    • live in London or Leeds
    • are looking for paid work
    • prefer face to face support, on a one-to-one basis

    Career Pathways
    Career Pathways is for you, if you:
    • are looking for careers advice and information
    • are aged between 16 and 25

    Working on Wellbeing
    Working on wellbeing is for you, if you:
    • live in Wales
    • are looking for work, training or volunteering opportunities
    • are 16 years and over


    I’m disabled, will that stop me getting a job?

    Having an impairment should not be a barrier to getting any job you are qualified for. 

    Employers have a responsibility to put reasonable adjustments in place to support your needs and allow you to work.  This might be by ordering specialist equipment or offering flexible working hours.  For more information on reasonable adjustments, visit our reasonable adjustments webpage.

    The Government’s ‘Access to work’ grant scheme is also intended to support your transition into employment by offering financial contributions towards any adjustments you may need.


    Over to you:

    • Have you thought about a change in career or a new job?
    • What would you ideally like to do?
    • What is stopping you from exploring career options?
    Talk to me in the comments below and let's work it out together.

    Another support is also The Work and Health Programme via Jobcentre Plus :)  For those that are claiming Universal Credit or Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support this could be a great support.  They offer 15 months intensive support to help those with disabilities and health conditions to gain suitable sustainable employment.  Their only ask is that the person 'wants to work' the rest they can figure out together on the health journey.  Anyone who wants to access this service they can just ask their work coach who will make the appropriate referral and then WHP will contact the customer direct.
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,741 Disability Gamechanger
    Thank you both!  Some really interesting points that I hadn't thought of <3
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  • Butler356
    Butler356 Community member Posts: 40 Courageous
    Will give this a go as the job market is a bit light currently, thank you for the tip.
  • LuckeeBlackCat1
    LuckeeBlackCat1 Community member Posts: 21 Connected
    The Work and Health Programme doesn't apply to me. Approaching Jobcentre by myself will be suicide mission!!
    I need Support Worker or agency to speak to them on my behalf as I am in Support Group ESA. I want to be self-employed. IS THERE SUCH AGENCY SUPPORT SICK AND DISABLED BECOME SELF - EMPLOYED IN LONDON??? ANYONE???
    I never ever want to use my precious little energy and talent and copyright designs on employers!!   
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,741 Disability Gamechanger
    Hello @LuckeeBlackCat1

    I've made a new post for you asking your question so keep a look out for replies :) 
    Online Community Co-ordinator

    Want to tell us about your experience on the online community?  Talk to our chatbot and let us know.

    Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.
  • lisajane73
    lisajane73 Community member Posts: 6 Listener
    The Work and Health Programme doesn't apply to me. Approaching Jobcentre by myself will be suicide mission!!
    I need Support Worker or agency to speak to them on my behalf as I am in Support Group ESA. I want to be self-employed. IS THERE SUCH AGENCY SUPPORT SICK AND DISABLED BECOME SELF - EMPLOYED IN LONDON??? ANYONE???
    I never ever want to use my precious little energy and talent and copyright designs on employers!!   
    Hi, I would call your jobcentre and ask for  referral to IPES.  https://www.gov.uk/intensive-personalised-employment-support. I hope this helps ? They will also know about other organisations who could help support with mental health issues and other support.   If you're currently on universal credit you can ask for a referral on your journal.   I hope this info helps you in someway.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,651 Connected
    Way back in the late 90's I was on the Jobseekers Allowance, fka the Dole, and it was a complete nightmare and that's putting it politely... If you're disabled and forced onto JSA, tell 'em to go swivel and stick to disability benefits, seriously I had 18 months of THAT for a poxy 35 quid a week?!


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