Employment Services
Workwise
The Employment and Social Security Department has a Work Zone which offers a complete vacancy and job matching service.
We are open from 8.30am - 5.00pm , Monday to Friday. Access is via the La Motte Street offices. You are able to come into the centre at any time during opening hours and have access to all current vacancies placed by local employers. Should you require further assistance our front line team are there to help you.
There is a wide variety of vacancies displayed with appropriate details - usually on a self service basis. Some employers require application forms or Curriculum Vitaes (CV's). A CV is an outline of the qualifications you have and the jobs you have done. There is a learning/resource area to assist individuals compile a CV and fill in job applications.
Registration
If you are out of work you should report to the Employment Services Centre as soon as possible, where you will be registered as unemployed. An appointment is made for you to see an Employment Adviser. The adviser will explain your rights and entitlements under the Social Security system.
Even though you are out of work you are still liable to pay Social Security contributions. You may qualify to have your Social Security contributions paid for while you look for work. The Employment Adviser will inform you if you qualify and how the system works.
There is no contributory benefit scheme in Jersey. If you are unemployed and need financial help, you may be able to claim a Parish Welfare grant. Minimum requirement is five years residency or residentially qualified.
Usually proof that you are actively looking for work is needed by your Parish. A personal application record (known as a green card) is issued by the Employment Service centre. It is used to confirm regular attendance at The Centre and provide a record of your job applications. You will only be given a green card if you are registered as unemployed. If you have been signed off sick by your doctor you cannot register unemployed and therefore a green card cannot be issued.
Supported Employment
Finding the right job can be a problem for anyone, but if you are disabled in some way and have been ill for a long time, getting work which you like and which you can do, can be even more difficult. However, there are special services, freely available, to help you prepare for work and to find a suitable job.
An Employment Adviser will be your first contact. You may be referred by your doctor, through a social worker, or by a friend or relative. If you are already employed but are having some difficulty with your present job, advice is still available. Simply get in touch with Workwise -Employment Services and an appointment will be made for you.
You will receive advice and assistance in finding a suitable job. It may be necessary to know how your disability has affected you and you may be asked about your medical history. In that case you would be required to allow your doctor to be consulted.
Finding a job is not the only consideration. The Employment Adviser tries to ensure that you find work that you like and which will make the best use of your abilities.
If appropriate, a variety of training courses are available to assist you into employment, from basic food hygiene to computing. There is also a learning area in the Workwise - Employment Services Centre with access to computers, offering the opportunity to improve or update your skills.
Depending on individual circumstances, placements can be arranged to enable you to gain valuable work experience and generate a positive reference. These placements usually last for about six to eight weeks.
We realise that many people with special employment needs will not have worked for a long time and, in some cases, have never worked in open employment. Your adviser may arrange a mock interview to help develop your confidence. The interviews are held with trained personnel officers who give feedback.
Job Coach Scheme
Your adviser may suggest that you would benefit from having a Job Coach work with you in finding suitable employment. The Job Coach will work closely with you and, if required, will start with you in your new job, providing support as you learn your role. The Job Coach is there as a source of support and liason between yourself and your employer, ensuring a smooth transition into work.
Jersey Employers Network on Disability - JEND
There is a growing number of employers in the Island who are committed to providing real jobs for people who have a disability. Employers work in partnership with Workwise-Employment Services in maximising employment opportunities for disabled people. JEND is an organisation which helps employers access potential employees who have a disability.
Adaptations to premises and equipment scheme
This scheme is designed to help those who are severely disabled to obtain or keep employment, by awarding grants to employers towards the cost of essential alterations to premises and adaptations to equipment.
Examples of this type of alterations or adaptations for which grants could be awarded are widening doors, installing ramps, modifications to toilet facilities, purchasing adaptations for equipment such as switchboards, telephones, typewriters, office furniture, etc.
Is there any other help I can claim?
You may be able to have your Family Allowance benefit re-assessed whilst you're registered as unemployed. You can contact the Family Allowance Section at the Employment and Social Security Department for more information.
If you are renting as either a States tenant or within the private sector; you may be eligible for a rent rebate. Details are available for the Housing Department, PO Box 587, Jubilee Wharf, 24 The Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey JE4 8XT or on the department's website www.housing.gov.je.
If you have any employment problems regarding contracts, holiday entitlements, length of notice or any breakdown in communication with your employer; then you can get impartial, confidential and free advice from the Jersey Advisory and Conciliation Service (JACS), Trinity
House, Bath Street, St Helier, Jersey. JE2 4ST. More information can be found on the JACS website www.jacs.org.je
If you find yourself in debt for one reason or another; you can get free and confidential advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau, St Paul's Gate, New Street.
