How do you have a conversation with a potential employer about anxiety? How do you get a job that involves computers and calls if you have vision or hearing challenges?
These are the sorts of questions WorkBC Vernon is ready to answer during B.C. Disability Employment Month this September.
The organization is taking the opportunity to remind the community about its wide range of supports for job-seekers and employers.
“The reality is many of us have some sort of barrier or challenge, whether it’s visible or not. We’re here with resources and supports for anyone who needs help getting or maintaining a job, and any employer hiring those with disabilities,” said Johanna Currie, manager of facilitation and placement services at Vernon’s WorkBC Centre.
Job seekers can get started with a case manager to uncover their strengths and find roles that would be a good fit for them, before making placement connections with potential employers.
Once on the job, WorkBC clients can access government-funded assistive technology to help make employment attainable. This technology can include screen readers, voice recognition or even hearing aids.
What happens if someone's barrier to employment is a mental health challenge such as anxiety or depression?
“We offer some very helpful and practical ways to help those clients get and keep a job at every step,” said Currie.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association B.C. Division, half of the population will have had or will develop a mental health problem by the age of 40. With more and more job seekers identifying as having mental health challenges, WorkBC employment supports include a workshop called Let's Talk that covers disclosing barriers and supports like counselling.
Employers can also turn to WorkBC for services such as disability awareness training and accessibility audits.
Throughout September and year-round, job-seekers and employers can stop in at Vernon's WorkBC Resource Centre at 3105 33rd St., or learn more online at workbccentre-vernon.ca. The Vernon office is now supporting clients both in-person and virtually.
