Working with Employers to find the right people!
Karen Johnson from Stanley became anxious about the chances of ever getting back to work but Derwentside Employment Team (DET) stepped in at just the right time and found an excellent opportunity with a Consett based company, Durham Legal Services.
Karen, a single parent of two, had always worked before making a decision to go back to University in 2003. However, after achieving a BA Honors in Primary Education she found herself unexpectedly unable to secure work. Karen explained “I could have probably found work in a shop or factory where I had worked before but I really wanted to work in an industry that would utilise my qualifications, anything else would have felt like a step backwards”, she added “I was tearing my hair out at times, and realised there is only so much housework you can do, I was clock watching and it was easy to become disheartened”
Angeline Brown, Employer Consultant at DET had approached Durham Legal Services when she heard they were looking for an Administrator. At the time Darren Graham an Employment Advisor from the same team had passed on a CV that he had created for Karen as another tool to find work.
“Karen was not an obvious choice for the position at first but Durham Legal Services specialise in Child Support Agency Legislation and it was something I felt linked with her qualifications and interests” Angeline added “The Employer was very flexible to consider different work patterns and I knew that would be helpful with childcare”
After a successful interview Karen started on a Work Trial where she remained on Benefits, ‘Trying on the job for size’ before the employer committed to paying wages. Karen commented “It was great doing the work trial, it meant I could comfortably give the job a try as it wasn’t originally the career path I had intended”.
Mike Smith from Durham Legal Services complimented the services provided by DET and particularly the opportunity for both parties to experience the Work Trial.
“As child support specialists we are currently getting busier and busier, especially with the build up to the new Child Maintenance Option programme and the switch from the Child Support Agency to CMEC. We needed someone with good practical office skills but who also had the kind of background to understand the situation that our clients can come from. On paper, Karen’s qualification background may not have been an area I would have looked at as someone having the right potential but we are delighted with the way she has fitted in and Angeline has done us a great favour by spotting that link between her training and our Child Support work”.
The Work Trial was a success and Karen was offered a flexible working pattern “I love working for Durham Legal Services, they have a great ethos, I feel I have the opportunity to grow and develop, they understand my other commitments and work round them”
“As an employer, we feel it is essential we offer flexible working patterns for all our employees. Child Support cases often involve short deadlines and to keep up with the demand on our services, we occasionally have to ask our staff to work outside of their normal hours. In return, we understand that in life, and particularly family life, unpredictable things happen. It is part of what we deal with day to day and we would always want to support our employees and keep those great employees like Karen rather than lose them by being too rigid. Karen is a pleasure to have as a member of staff and we hope she can see a real future for herself with us”.
DET supported Karen with vouchers for groceries until she received her first wage, she also qualified for a £250 back to work grant from the Jobcentre, and gets £40 per week tax free on top her wages as well as Childrens Working Tax credits. Karen explained “I am not one to ask for things, but no-one ever made me feel I was begging, the financial help just eases the worry”
Karen’s children are following in their Mum’s footsteps and are doing really well at school. Karen has always wanted to inspire them and it’s obvious that she has!
Durham Legal Services http://www.childsupportadvice.co.uk/