Mark Parrin, Employment Support Officer

How long have you been in post?

Eight years.

Could you briefly describe a 'typical' day?

I work with all disability groups referred by both care management and Job Centre Plus.

I go out and identify prospective jobs and employers who are aware of disability issues as well as educating employers around disability awareness.

Giving advice on working benefits is part of my work. I also identify natural support in the workplace for clients and run a job coaching service.

What is the best thing about your job?

The best bit is empowering clients to make decisions about the type of work they wish to undertake and giving them the tools to be able to carry this out.

Is there anything you'd change about it if you could?

We as a team would appreciate our own admin support as we work with both clients and employers and have paperwork which takes up a large portion of our time which would be better spent working with more clients.

How would people get into this sort of work? (Any particular career path or qualifications needed? If not how did you get into the work?)

You need to have a good knowledge of disadvantaged groups, a working knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act, be committed to giving people equal opportunities and be a good team player.