Help to find and keep a job
Our Supported Employment Service can support you to obtain or maintain your employment through our Supported Employment Pathway or Individual Placement and Support (IPS).
SES is a specialist team who are able to provide tailored support to people covered under the disability provision of the Equality Act 2010 and Carers. This includes Autistic people, people with a physical or learning disability, mental health issues, a long-term health condition, an acquired brain injury, sensory impairment, substance use issues and Carers. Please speak to our team to find out if we can support you. Most are covered by the Equality Act 2010 and mean you’re entitled to extra support. Over the last 20 years, we have worked with hundreds of companies across the South East, view the list of employers that we work with. Find out more about how we can help employers here.
If you live in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, please click to visit our RBWM Supported Employment Service page.
We also have a Transition Team who work with partner agencies on behalf of young people with learning disabilities who are leaving school and wish to find employment.
We are proud to be delivery partners for Wokingham Recovery College. Supporting individuals to develop skills for employment and vocational work.
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore their potential and have access to supported employment services.
Supported Employment is a flexible and continuous process, designed to help you to obtain or maintain your employment. Find out more about how we work.
"Thank you again for all your hard work and hope you keep changing young people's lives forever."
How we work
You will be invited to attend an appointment with one of our specialist Job Coaches at our office in Wokingham, where you will be able to discuss your employment goals and aspirations, and what support you need. You will be allocated your own Job Coach who will provide support to enable you to reach your employment goals.
Already in work?
If you are experiencing problems in the workplace because of your disability, we are able to support you to liaise with your employer to discuss if any reasonable adjustments are required. If you feel you need one-to-one support we can discuss what Job Coaching support might be available to you.
LOCAL OFFER
Visit Wokingham Borough’s “Local Offer” where you can find services, organisations, advice and support for children and young people with additional needs.
Find further advice and support for autistic people and their families across the UK on the National Autistic Society website
Easy Read information about benefits
Who can claim Universal Credit
"It has given me hope for the future. They showed me I was employable, knowing I have Supported Employment to turn to will give me confidence to stretch my boundaries and perhaps take on more challenging roles in the future. I cannot thank you enough!"
"I got my dream job at South Hill Park thanks to Optalis. I am really happy that I am getting paid in my job, so I can spend my money on theatre trips and going to movies and eating out. I can get out more and enjoy myself."
Living outside Wokingham?
The Supported Employment Team are able to support people living outside the Wokingham Borough. If you would like more information please complete our inquiry form below.
Watch our video below to find out how we supported Jack to reach is employment goals.
Watch our video on how we continue to support our customers during the COVID19 Pandemic.
Optalis Supported Employment Service Adults Social Care Framework (ASCOF) 2023 results
Supported Employment work and provide support through the Supported Employment and Individual Placement and Support models. ‘place, train and maintain’, and follow the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)
Useful Links
These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for the content on external websites and the inclusion of a link on the Optalis website is not an endorsement of that website, its content, or any product or service it may provide. You do not have to use the external resources we link to.
- CLASP - self-advocacy group for people with learning disabilities in the Wokingham Borough
- Send Voices Wokingham - SEND Voices Wokingham is a Wokingham based, parent led charity. They are the independent voice of families, representing their experiences with the aim to improve lives.
- SENDIASS Wokingham - free, confidential, impartial advice, guidance and support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Autism Berkshire - Autism charity in Berkshire, delivering specialist services, training and social and leisure activities throughout the county, guided by a team of trustees with personal and professional experience of autism.
