EmployAbility Dublin West

BITCI's EmployAbility Service supports people with disabilities and health challenges to return to work

BITCI’s EmployAbility Service provides guidance, opportunities and support to people with disabilities, injuries and health challenges who feel ready to return to work. We work hand in hand with employers to maximise success when our jobseekers make the journey back to work.

From 1st February 2024, Business in the Community Ireland is contracted to deliver EmployAbility Dublin West. Please get in touch for more information.

If this applies to you or somebody you work with, please contact us on at employability@bitc.ie  or 01 8747232 or enquire about BITCI’s EmployAbility Service at your Intreo Centre.

EmployAbility Services are funded by the Irish Government through the Department of  Social Protection. Tá Seirbhísí Infhostaitheachta maoinithe ag Rialtas na hÉireann tríd an Roinn Coimirce Sóisialaí.

 

Our flyer is available in pdf here

We have delivered an EmployAbility Service since 2019. From 1st February 2024 we EmployAbility Dublin West. We are a small but dedicated team, focused on getting the best outcome for each individual and for the businesses we link with. 

Over 50% of those engaging with our Job Coach have progressed into employment.

Over 20% move into other positive outcomes such as training or education. 

Almost all of the participants have said that the service has increased their confidence and motivation for finding employment. 

If you are in contact with people who are affected by a health condition, injury, illness or disability and who are progressing towards a return to work, you can make first contact with our service by emailing employability@bitc.ie or calling 01 8747232.

After the initial contact with us your client will need to be referred by an Intreo Employment Advisor. We can help with this step.

You can make first contact by emailing employability@bitc.ie or calling 01 8747232 to arrange an informal chat with our team.

Or you can go directly to your local Intreo centre to be referred.

Following referral by your local Intreo Centre you will start to work one to one with our Job Coach. If our service isn’t suitable, we will signpost you to an appropriate alternative service.

Participants build a working relationship with our Job Coach. The Job Coach will:

  • Work to understand needs and challenges
  • Identify short and long term goals
  • Help to develop a CV
  • Support with applications and the interview process
  • Empower the individual to take control of the jobseeking process

  • Networking workshops – our online workshops presented by employers provide a space for EmployAbility participants to interact with businesses and learn about different recruitment processes.
  • Mock Interviews – practice interviews are highly valuable. We can link you with a volunteer from a recruitment agency or other company to get that experience and honest feedback.

 

Participants may be able to test and improve their own job readiness through a work experience placement. We ensure that placements are:

  • Supported – someone in the business acts as a ‘buddy’ to the participant to help them to get familiar with the role and the company and our team are there to deal with any issues that may arise.
  • Usually 4 – 8 weeks, part time – part time hours are arranged to allow for child care and other appointments and to encourage participants to build a routine gradually.
  • Monday – Friday – placements don’t include weekends. During week days our team are available to support participants and businesses

Work placements are a highly effective way for participants to develop workplace and life skills.

Starting a job can be stressful. Our service helps with issues such as:

  • Completing forms.
  • Online registrations.
  • Providing documents.
  • Dealing with social welfare.
  • Working out the roster.
  • Understanding a payslip.

The job coach also helps with communication between employer and employee.

Intensive support is offered for up to 6 months and is then reduced to enable the employee to gain independence and confidence.

We recognise that it can take time to make the transition into employment. We are available for up to 12 months to support.

In this time participants may gain help with managing time and responsibilities, developing a routine, communicating with colleagues, and looking at further training.

We can also signpost to other organisations to access health and housing support if required.

Other Employment programmes:

EPIC is our employment programme for asylum seekers and refugees which offers 6 weeks training, one to one guidance, opportunities for work experience and business supports. Find out more about EPIC.


The Women@Work programme is for women who have completed employability programmes but need further help to access employment. This includes single mothers, women who have left employment to provide care to children or other family members, women migrants and refugees, women with disabilities or who have had mental health, addiction or other challenges. Visit the Women@Work page to find out more.


The Traveller Employment Programme supports Travellers to gain and sustain meaningful work over the long term. Find out more about the programme and how to apply. 


For further information please contact:

Nichola O'Brien
EmployAbility Dublin West

(01) 874 7232

employability@bitc.ie