DWP Work Psychology Service. Jehnna Stratford Work Psychologist DWP Work Psychology Services Durham & Tees Valley

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1 DWP Work Psychology Service Jehnna Stratford Work Psychologist DWP Work Psychology Services Durham & Tees Valley

2 Improving Health Through Work The Government instigated review Working for a Healthier Tomorrow - Dame Carol Black, 2006 Around 1.96 million people are workless and receiving benefits because of long term health conditions or disabilities Families without a working member are more likely to suffer persistent low income and poverty Persistent low parental income is not only associated with children living in poverty but also with poorer health outcomes The link between health and wealth can run in both directions. Having a higher income is likely to improve a person s health status whilst being in good health increases a person s earning potential. When a parent or carer is unable to work due to ill health or disability the household s income usually declines. Around a quarter of children in poverty live in a household with a disabled adult and the risk of poverty for this group is 31% 2

3 Is Work Good For Your Health and Wellbeing? (Waddell & Burton, 2006) Unemployment is generally found to be harmful to health including; Higher Mortality Poorer general health and long standing illness Poorer mental health and psychological distress Higher medical consultation and hospital rates When health permits, sick/ disabled people should stay in or aim for work because; It can be therapeutic Helps promote recovery and rehab Leads to better health outcomes Reduces the risk of long term incapacity Reduces poverty Improves quality of life and wellbeing 3

4 Is Work Good For Your Health and Wellbeing? Understanding and addressing common health problems requires a bio-psycho-social approach. This takes account of the person, their health problem and their work environment. One study focused on the views of GP s working with those on sick leave. It was found that work could be of therapeutic benefit to patients due to the contribution to self esteem and self respect. Being off work was thought to impact negatively on mental health, partly explained through lack of interaction and routine. Also thought that having too much time on their hands lead people to dwell on things, becoming more anxious and depressed (Mowlam and Lewis, 2005) Concluded that Work IS generally good for health and wellbeing 4

5 NE Region Work Psychology Services Currently 3 Work Psychologists based throughout NTW and DTVs districts We provide a number of services involving the application of Occupational Psychology to help individuals with health conditions or disabilities find or retain employment Through the application of psychological interventions we enhance employment opportunities, helping people get a job and keep it. 5

6 NE Region Work Psychology Service Employment Assessment; Brief Interventions Project work Work Psychology Services Consultancy service Case conferencing Master classes, coaching & mentoring 6

7 Employment Assessment Helps individuals with a disability or health condition, which is impacting on their ability, to find or keep a job. This may include; head injury, mental health problems, multiple disabilities, general learning difficulties, and specific learning difficulties. It is a voluntary process the individual must want to take part, and be interested in gaining employment. 7

8 Employment Assessment Helps individuals to identify their skills, abilities, strengths, and areas for development Helps individuals identify suitable work goals based on their skills and strengths Helps identify next steps, work solutions, and support needs, to enable an individual to progress towards work or work-related training. 8

9 Employment Assessment In-depth interview Advice on work solutions, and adaptations Employment Assessment Occupational testing Action planning Work/career advice Specialist cognitive assessment 9

10 Employment-Related Interventions Brief (1-2 hours) one to one session(s) to help a customer address a specific work related issue for example; lack of confidence, anxiety about travel or attending an interview, low mood impacting on job searching abilities etc. Can also use the 3-way interview with the customer, adviser and Work Psychologist to help identify the next steps for the customer 10

11 Good News Story 1 Background, Conditions and Impact Claimant had learning disability, low mood and alcohol misuse Literacy, numeracy, memory, communication, motivation and confidence issues Claiming JSA for 5 years and casual work as an event steward Previously been sent to mandatory provision for basic skills and employability techniques which hadn t been successful Assessment Work focused interview identified new job goals Cognitive assessment identified specific strengths and interests plus areas of difficulty short term memory, working at speed and literacy. Appropriate level of in work support was defined. Outcomes Advocacy support to re-work CV, prepare for interviews and find suitable job vacancies Ref to specialist provision for in work support this included induction, additional time and support with paperwork and memory aides. The customer went on to secure 2 part time jobs and a volunteer position also 11

12 Good News Story 2 Background, Conditions and Impact Customer was in their early 40 s had been on IB and then ESA for approx. 15 years No qualifications Long standing depression, anxiety and ADHD Only brief periods of work history. Mainstream provision hadn t helped in the past. Assessment Work focussed interview and psychometric testing highlighted skills, abilities and interests and identified the preference would be to work self employed Outcomes Customer decided to start his own livery business advantageous as he could set his own working pattern in accordance to his health. Recommended specialist provision for self employment advice with the Pinetree Trust to ensure knowledge about the business was sufficient e.g. running costs, marketing, client base, tax returns etc. Supported from the Job Centre with regards to ensuring other benefits were in place such as In Work Credit, DLA if necessary. Customer found his health improved as he had a positive focus in something he enjoyed. 12

13 QUESTIONS? Jehnna Stratford DWP Durham JCP (Elvet House) Tel; / ; 13

14 References Burgess, S., Propper, C and Rigg, J (2004) The impact of low income on Child Health: Evidence from a Birth Cohort Study, CMPO Working Paper Study, No. 04/098. The Health of Children and Young People, The Office for National Statistics Bell, Matthew, Y., Kossykh, M. Ridge and N. Wooley, An empirical analyses of the effect of health and economic growth in the UK, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Research Report (2008) Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 1994/ (2007) 14