How I Entered The Career of Employment Specialist

Around 13 years ago, I met with a case worker from WorkBC while waiting for surgery. As we chatted about why I was there, I remember wondering what it would be like to have their job. Then I thought about all of the education they must have completed to be in that role and I decided it couldn’t be something for me.

I recently found myself at WorkBC again after a major life transition. I met with my Case Manager a couple of times. We talked about what I enjoyed about my previous jobs and where I would like to go from here. I loved the job I had running our local laundromat and working with people. I’m a very social person so it was a perfect fit for me, but when I moved away for a new opportunity, I had to leave this job I loved. When I moved back, a full-time role wasn’t available anymore.

One day my WorkBC Case Manager called me and asked me to come in. She provided me with information regarding a course to become a Disability Employment Specialist. After reading it I was intrigued, but I was concerned I didn’t have enough of an education to complete it. She quickly assured me that this was something I could do, and I trusted her.

This was a 20-week course, 12 weeks of school, and eight weeks of practicum. Classes were mostly online via Zoom, with the exception of a few in person classes like First Aid. Some days were long, classes ran from 9:30 until 4:30 and were followed by homework, but it was a lot of fun. I looked forward to meeting with my classmates online and getting to know them.

I received so many certificates, including Standard First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Trauma Informed Care, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Inclusive/Customized Employment Levels 1 and 2, and more.

I have learned about different career theories, how to apply them to work with clients with varying needs, and accessibility and inclusion in the workplace (more certificates!).

I am excited about working with clients and helping give them the tools they require to navigate their career path. I have learned so much from this course. I started out not knowing what career theories were and now I understand what they are and how they are helpful. I have never worked before as a career practitioner but I am excited about my future as a Disability Employment Specialist. I know this will help me become better at my job, and I can already picture different scenarios where I can use different theories and models.

But I also developed skills for managing my own career. I now have skills in my toolbox to help slow down racing thoughts and to rationalize what’s going on a little better.

One career theory I’ve enjoyed most is the Chaos Theory of Careers. One of the main principles is to be open minded and curious. I’m not going to lie, when my case worker suggested this career to me, I was completely surprised. I had never seen myself in this kind of employment before although I had often thought it would be a great career. I was open minded and trusted her instinct, definitely curious, and started looking more into it.

This theory suggests experimenting with new things and looking for clues. So many of the things we experienced in the course are things I was wanting to do already: to help myself with helping others. For example, I had already been considering taking Trauma Informed Care certification and Mental Health First Aid. I think these things are the ‘clues’ that this was something in the right direction for me.

The Chaos Theory of Careers also looks at taking baby steps – I need to pay more attention to this one as I tend to feel very overwhelmed quite often, and there is so much going on all the time around me.

Finally, Chaos Theory of Careers asks us to understand the bigger picture. I have an understanding of many of the different things I can do with this training, and I am so thankful. Not only will this help me with my career but it is also very beneficial for any interaction with people on a daily basis.

I am very thankful for all I have learned in this class, and I am excited about the opportunities I now have in working with people.

 Written by: Tamara

Care Connections Program Expands With New Funding

Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets have put access to services and health care directly in our hands. However, for many people, this technology is unavailable. If someone is unable to access a smartphone — whether do to cost or digital literacy skills — it often becomes a barrier to receiving critical health care and supports.

This is why Free Rein Associates was excited to launch the Care Connections program for residents in Hope this past summer. Through Care Connections, we offer smartphones to increase access to health and social services for historically marginalized communities. The summer program had 10 smartphones available for people who self-identify as living with a disability and do not currently own a smartphone. The phones have no restrictions to use and are for participants to keep for their personal use even after the program ends.

Care Connections distributed all available phones in under two weeks.

With the proven success of the program, Free Rein Associates is excited to share we received additional funding provided by the Government of Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement. An additional 20 phones have been made available for persons with disabilities.

To learn more about the program and to find out if you’re eligible to receive a phone, contact Megan via email at megan@freereinassociate.ca or by phone at 604869-6160. You can also drop-in to the Reins of Freedom office at 895A Third Ave during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9am - 4pm, closed for stat holidays). With only 20 phones available, they are available first-come, first-serve.

New Program Works To Connect Employers with Employees With Disabilities

The Right Fit helps people with disabilities find a job that matches their unique skills and provides on-the-job coaching to ensure employment starts off on the right foot.

'The Right Fit' is a new program in Hope that seeks to facilitate supported employment opportunities for people with disabilities and help create a more diverse, inclusive workforce.

Due to the current labour shortage, many employers are looking toward hiring people with disabilities. However, many of these employers cannot get past stereotypical preconceptions about this untapped resource and could benefit from guidance and education in regards to recruitment and retention of people with disabilities.

We also understand how difficult it can be to return to the work force when you have a disability and our program aims to make the process a little easier for our clients. We will support our clients throughout the process of procuring meaningful employment by assisting in the job search, accompanying clients to their job interview, and we will even accompany clients to their first shifts to support them in their training until they are confident in their new roles.

Our ultimate goal is to support our clients in achieving a permanent employment placement by matching clients with employers thus reducing the labour shortage while providing guidance to employers at the same time.

Whether you are a person with a disability hoping to find work or an employer looking to hire, 'The Right Fit' would love to work with you!

Meet the Team

Karen Legere – Community Engagement Coordinator

Certified CDP Employment Services Professional with a demonstrated history of working within the employment services industry. Skilled in Intake and Assessment, Case Management, Workshop Facilitation, & Skills Training Applications. Experienced with diverse groups of clients including immigrant, disability and older workers. Proficient with online database and case management systems. Effective with building successful networking relationships with service providers and community groups within the Fraser Valley. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me by email (karen.legere@freereinassociates.ca), phone (604-991-2278), or check out our Facebook page at your convenience.

Kirsten Pellow – Community Engagement Worker

Hello. My name is Kirsten Pellow, and my family and I are new to the community of Hope. My husband is a first responder in town, and we have two children who are in the local elementary school. We have enjoyed discovering all of our new favourite places in this great community. I have recently re-joined the work force, and am looking forward to helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment in this wonderful town! If you have any questions about what employment is right for you, or you would like information about hiring a great member to your team, please contact me via email (therightfit@freereinassociates.ca) or on Facebook.

To Disclose Or Not To Disclose: That Is The Question

Many people with disabilities have concerns when conducting a job search about whether or not they should disclose their disability to employers and, if they do, when should they do it.

This has been a topic of discussion for a long time and there are many different views on the subject. Ultimately, there is no one right answer. You need to determine the right decision for your situation. To do this, you need to know yourself enough, know how your disability affects you, and know how it could affect your ability to do the job you’re applying for.

No matter your disability, an employee has no obligation to disclose it to their employer. It is your choice whether or not you wish to share this information, and when you may want to share it.

Disabilities can be visible or hidden, and this plays a role in disclosure. Of course, you can’t hide something that is visible to all, such as a wheelchair. But as with visible disabilities, hidden disabilities can affect your ability to perform a job as well, so there is little difference when it relates to disclosure.

The more important question you want to consider is this: Does your disability, chronic illness or any other limitations you may have affect your ability to perform the job as stated in the job description?

You need to be honest with yourself in identifying potential problems you may face on the job and know just what you can and cannot do. When you begin a job search, you should know what type of jobs you’ll be applying for and review job postings and descriptions for the requirements of the job. This gives you the information about the position so that you can see the different tasks and duties that will be required of you.

Disclosure and Visible Disabilities

If you have a visible disability, you need to be prepared to explain how it will impact your ability to do the job and if there are any accommodations you would require when you go for an interview. Speak about your disability in positive terms, stating what you can do rather than what you can’t.

Practicing mock interviews with family or friends or your employment counsellor can help immensely with getting the wording right so that you communicate what you need to.

Disclosure then becomes a moot point because the employer would know up front and would have expressed their concerns if any. At this point, it is also about educating the employer about your disability and telling them about how you handle your limitations. Employers may not know and be too uncertain to ask questions to learn how to best support you, and this is your chance to do that.

Disclosure and Hidden Disabilities

If your disability is invisible, it becomes a personal choice. Again, keep in mind how your limitations would affect your performance of the job duties. If the limitations you face are stable or minimal then you may not need to disclose any information about your health, it is a personal choice and not required of a candidate. If you decide to disclose at this point, be prepared to discuss it. If you decide you will disclose it later, say when your probationary period is over, then that is again your choice.

Employers are required by law not to discriminate against people with disabilities, but you will never know if you have been declined a job offer due to your disability. Employers will tell you that there is a different reason you have not been accepted for a position such as not being the right fit, or that another candidate has the skills they needed. This is the reason a thorough discussion with your Case Manager or Employment Counsellor will be so important in coming to a decision about disclosure.

For more information on disclosing a disability to your employer and the laws that protect you from discrimination, check out this helpful guide from the Disability Alliance of BC.

Care Connections: Connecting Those In Need With Access To Mobile Services

September 15, 2022 Update: All phones under the Care Connections program have been distributed to the community. There are no additional phones available at this time.

December 21, 2022 Update: Care Connections 2.0 has launched. Up to 20 phones are available first-come, first-serve.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, more services than ever went mobile. This included our access to health services including accessing mental health counselling and doctor’s appointments. Even government services moved to a virtual-only model and it was near impossible to access services in-person as we distanced to keep each other safe.

Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets have put access to services and health care directly in our hands. However, for many people, this technology is unavailable. If someone is unable to access a smartphone — whether do to cost or digital literacy skills — it often becomes a barrier to receiving critical health care and supports.

This is why Free Rein Associates is excited to introduce the Care Connections program. Through Care Connections, we are offering smartphones to increase access to health and social services for historically marginalized communities. This program will have 10 smartphones available for people who self-identify as living with a disability and do not currently own a smartphone. The phones have no restrictions to use and are for participants to keep for their personal use even after the program ends.

To learn more about the program and to find out if you’re eligible to receive a phone, contact Megan via email at megan@freereinassociate.ca or by phone at 604869-6160. You can also drop-in to the Reins of Freedom office at 895A Third Ave during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9am - 4pm, closed for stat holidays). With only 10 phones available, they are available first-come, first-serve.

We have received funding from the Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC) and Fraser Health Authority, as part of the Connect to Care grant program to provide smartphones to clients without access to a mobile phone.

Returning To Work While On CPP Disability Benefits

Most people who receive CPP Disability benefits experience severe and/or prolonged limitations that prevent them from working at any job on a regular basis, but most would benefit from the additional income that a part time or temporary job would bring.

Many are under the impression they can’t work because their CPP benefits would be cut off or lessened to the point that it would not make financial sense to work. This is not entirely true.

You must contact Service Canada when you begin working, and once you have earned $6,400 (before tax) in 2022. Your disability benefits may be impacted by your gross (before tax) earnings:

• If you earn below $6,400 (before tax), this alone should not affect your disability benefits.

• If you earn between $6,400 and $17,489.40 (before tax), this may show that you are regularly capable of working and it may affect your disability benefits.

• If you earn $17,489.40 (before tax) or more, this demonstrates you are regularly capable of working and you will likely no longer qualify for disability benefits.

So, let’s look at this $6,400 before tax amount. If a person works two 4-hour shifts per week at minimum wage ($15.65), the weekly wage before tax will be $125.20. Multiply this by 52 weeks to determine the annual wage before tax, they would be earning $6,510.40 in a year. While this amount is slightly higher than the amount allowed, the effect to the benefits will be very minimal.

It’s not until you start earning substantially more that Service Canada will begin to ask if you are capable of working on a regular basis. This means a person can work and earn extra income without penalty. So, a part time job of 8 hours a week is possible for you. You can also consider a temporary or seasonal position too.

I also think there may be small business employers who will appreciate having an employee who doesn’t want many hours but can be a reliable part-time employee.

While your benefits will stop once you have reached the $17, 489.40 threshold, it doesn’t go away permanently. If you return to work on a regular basis, you may be able to continue to receive your disability benefits for three months. This gives you and the CPP time to evaluate your ability to work regularly.

If you are no longer able to work after your benefits stop, you may qualify for the Automatic Reinstatement or the Fast Track application process. These options are designed to get you back into pay as quickly as possible when you are unable to continue working due to a reoccurrence of the same or related disability. Communication with Service Canada about this subject is key, keeping them informed about what you are trying to do lets them know what is happening if they see you reporting income earnings.

Allowing someone to work while on CPP Disability gives them an opportunity to earn extra income which in turn gives a person increased self confidence, greater independence, and a sense of contributing to their community.