interview with marilyn - employment development team

Questions for the Employment Team – Marilyn Mair

1) Rian: Can you get me a job in an ice-cream shop? Rian you have been asking for a long time to work in an ice-cream shop! There is one ice-cream shop in Banff. I have not approached the shop yet as Rian hasn’t asked for a referral to the employment team. You will have to speak to your keyworker, fill in forms/questionnaire and we will wait for each requirement to be ticked off until you are “work-ready.” You will then be referred to us (the Employment Development Team) and we would start job seeking.

2) What kind of jobs can you find and do you recommend different jobs for different people? Yes. Once the candidate is “work-ready”, the candidate will be asked what they want to do. If it is someone with a learning difficulty/mental health issue the person will do a trial for possible six weeks. They might be able to earn up to £20 – £93.80 per week depending on their benefits . The candidates are matched to the kind of work they would like to do. However there are difficulties in a rural area as employment choice is limited.

3) How many people have you helped with jobs? I have never kept an account of how many people I have helped into work-related projects, voluntary positions or paid work. As long as a person is in employment there will be support . After six weeks we will review the trial period. Finally a review is set up every six months.

4) How long have you been doing this? I have been an employment development officer since November 1998; 13 years in total.

5/6) What do you think about citizen leadership training? I have not accessed the training at all however I think it is an excellent idea and I like the principle. I think it is an excellent way of moving the service forward.

7) What other places do you go to? I cover North-East Aberdeen. I am involved with another project which helps people with mild-moderate health issues find/ return to work. This is a similar system to the employment service at Banff Day Services as the individual can self-refer back for further assistance.

8) If I get a job do I need a CV? Yes and a persons CV will be tailored according to their relevant work experience.

9) I get paid once a year by the government; If I got a job would this affect my payment? Benefits will not be affected in any way if the person is given the right information by the Employment Team.

10) Would I get a job if I was married? Yes! Of course you can get a job if you are married!

11) How many people do you train? Well instead of actually training we organise a place where people can go to receive training. For example if someone wants to work in a café/restaurant, we can organise for them to do their food hygiene certificate. The trainers can also specifically tailor a course to your needs.

12) Have you always wanted to help people get jobs? Well I have always wanted to help people. I started helping people when I was posted in Belfast (my hubby was in the forces); I noticed a group of teenagers with nothing to do and I started a youth club and disco. I then got further involved in youth work when I was posted in Berlin. When I moved back to the UK I was Boxburn Youth co-ordinator. I worked in youth work for two years in North-East Scotland and then started working in Banff Day Services as a support worker and then worked my way up. So yes I have been interested in helping people for a long time!

13) Do you get holidays? Yes I do get holidays but unfortunately my employer doesn’t pay for them! I fancy two weeks in the Seychelles!

14) How much to do you get paid? Enough!

15) (Jamie) If I was to leave here and get another job, how would I go about it? Well you would go through the form with your keyworker until you are “work-ready.” We would then do practice interviews, write letters and start looking for that type of work.

16) How will the employment team change in the future? Well we are in the middle of talks at the moment and we have another three months of talks/meetings until the final outcome. There are big changes coming in the service where people are moved further into the community.

Watch this space...If you wish to get in touch with the employment team please speak to your keyworker.