Jobcentre Plus (JCP) is part of the Department for Work and Pensions. It provides services that support people of working age from welfare into work, and helps employers to fill their vacancies.

Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) are available to support people who have disabilities, including those with learning disabilities. DEAs will act as advocates for customers who experience difficulties in speaking / communicating with employers. Also through its Flexible Support Fund, JCP can procure additional specialist support for these customers to help them in moving into employment as required.  Clients can also get support through Access to Work if a mentor or support is required when they first start work.

DEAs can also provide advice on Work Choice, a programme aimed at helping severely disabled people to find and retain employment. Work Choice is tailored to meet the client’s individual needs and focuses on helping them achieve their full potential and move towards being more independent. Work Choice also ensures employers get the support they need to employ more disabled people. A number of  specialist providers have been awarded contracts to deliver the Work Choice programme including, in Sunderland, Shaw Trust / Remploy ?

DEAs actively market their clients with local employers and encourage employers to apply for Disability Symbol status - showing positive approaches to recruiting clients with health issues.

DEA  training covers a wide range of conditions including autism and advisers undertake autism specific training. JCP Work Physiologists also support advisers. Mental Health Co-ordinators also support the delivery and accessibility of services to people with experience of mental health problems.

Contact details:

Website: www.direct.gov.uk

Email:

Telephone:  0845 6043719

Address: