SF’s Story

SF* came to the Thrive service looking for employment. As someone with a learning disability employers were quick to write her off. However, during their initial meeting her Employment Specialist (ES) saw there was more to SF than just her disability. She mentioned helping care for an elderly relative which led to discussions around a career in care. While eager SF was worried a lack of qualifications would be an issue.

SF is Cypriot and can speak fluent Greek which the ES identified as a real bonus given the large Greek and Cypriot community in the local area. During a team meeting the service was able to connect SF to a care agency that was looking for a Greek speaking carer, with training provided.

Contacting the agency the Employment Specialist spoke with the manager to discuss the role and how SF would be a perfect fit. This led to an interview offer but to better support them the ES rehearsed with SF different scenario questions based on the Job Description also as a reasonable adjustment the ES accompted her to the interview. Thanks to their hard work SF was offered the job on the spot!

SF is loving the job and is currently thriving in a supportive place of work made possible by the SF and her Employment Specialist working together to see the strengths and the person not the disability. We asked SF about her experience with the Thrive into Work service and had this to say

“This service is very good, and it helped me get into a job I actually enjoy doing instead of little jobs that won’t last and I actually really really enjoy this job. [The Employment Specialist] has done such a great job!”

*Names and pictures are changed to ensure anonymity.