Job Clubs

The Employment Unit operates 2 Job Clubs in Dundee and Perth. Clients who attend Job Club do not have to be receiving benefits although some of those attending claim Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support. However many are in receipt of Disability Related Benefits and have previously been seen as unemployable.

The aim of the Job Club is to enable its clients to be competitive in the open labour market and to compete with able bodied people in their search for employment.

Staff work with clients on a one-to-one basis, thereby ensuring that they are provided with appropriate levels of support and guidance. Training is given on the skills required for a comprehensive job search including: compilation of a curriculum vitae, how to complete application forms, how to write speculative letters and improving and developing selection interview techniques.

The Job Clubs are well equipped with computers, typewriters, business directories, employment information books, office and stationery requisites. Specialist equipment such as loop systems and telephones for hearing impaired clients and software and hardware systems for visually impaired clients are provided and all Job Clubs are fully accessible. Clients' travel expenses are reimbursed, including taxi fares for people with physical disabilities.

The Employment Unit's Job Clubs are neither social clubs nor therapeutic units. However, due to the high levels of support that members receive, the Employment Unit can, and does, raise a person's confidence and self esteem. Staff listen to the needs of the Job Club members and professional assistance is given to enable them to achieve their employment goals. There is no pressure placed upon clients in respect of how many letters they need to send or how many jobs per week they need to apply for. Clients can attend the Job Club for as long as it takes to secure employment.

The Job Club adopts a client centred and practical approach to assisting people with disabilities find work. It values the quality not the quantity of service it provides and it empowers the individual to search for the job of their choice at their own pace.

This approach keeps people motivated and encourages them to keep going when they may well have given up.

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