AMH aims to source and support employment opportunities, training placements and further training for people engaging in the AMH Employment Programme.

AMH Employment Programme offers employers the chance to help individuals who have a wide variety of skills, experience and enthusiasm for returning to work.

Any Human Resource Manager will tell you that matching the right person to the right job is the key to success. AMH has in place a range of quality assurance methods and practices to make that match work including:

Assessment
When clients are first referred to an AMH service their needs are assessed during an informal interview, which reviews their aspirations and work history to date.

Action Planning
An action plan is put in place to assist the client to meet his or her goals. Part of this plan may include work sampling or training. Many clients will complete / undertake accredited training courses relevant to their future careers.

Accredited Training
AMH offers clients accredited employability skills training. This training considers the barriers and benefits to work, CV preparation, job searching and interview techniques and is accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN).

Ongoing Support
Once in a work setting the client and the employer can receive ongoing support for an agreed period. This is to ensure that not only do clients access work and/or training but remain in their chosen course or occupation.

Work is essential to the recovery of people with mental health needs as it can improve a person’s self-esteem, provide them with social contact and structure to their day. AMH advocates a “person centred” approach in assisting clients to return to work or further education. There are seven options in total available to employers and clients:

Work Based Training Placement (WBTP)
This refers to clients who undertake an external work placement in support of the training identified in their action plan.  WBTP are limited to 12 months duration and there is no limit to the number of hours per week a client may engage in their placement.

Permitted Work Scheme
Under this government scheme the client is paid by the employer for working less than 16 hours per week and may remain on their benefits.  (Permitted Work rules apply)

Voluntary Work
This offers clients the chance to help a range of voluntary/charitable organisations.  Clients volunteering can remain on their social security benefits and there is no maximum or minimum number of hours that a client can undertake voluntary work.

Work Preparation Programme (WPP)

As a sub-contractor to USEL AMH provides opportunities for clients to engage in individual and small group work to discuss work related matters followed by a 10 week work placement.

New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP)—Job Broking Service
AMH in partnership with Mencap, offers the NDDP programme to individuals on certain disability benefits. The Job Broking Service helps people to get into paid work with ongoing support for up to 26 weeks.

Workable (NI)

AMH in partnership with Mencap, delivers the Workable (NI) programme to clients in paid work who require ongoing support to sustain their employment.

Open Employment
This is when clients are able to secure full or part time work in the open competitive job market.

Further Training & Education
Some clients may decide to return to full or part-time education or take part in government training schemes such as the Steps to Work programme.

For further information and guidance please contact your local AMH Employment Officer in one of our AMH New Horizons or AMH Accept offices.