Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
919. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of job coaches employed in regard to the use of job coaches for disabled jobseekers as a way of improving access to the labour market; the cost for the relevant Department or State agency to recruit a job coach; and the amount allocated for her Department to spend on job coaches. [31867/21]
View answerMy Department provides a range of employment-related supports for jobseekers, including jobseekers with disabilities. Employers can avail of supports if employing a jobseeker with a disability or to retain an existing employee who has or who acquires a disability.
Customers in receipt of disability or illness related payments are not subject to the compulsory activation engagement process. However, they can avail of the Department's employment services on a voluntary basis through their local Intreo Centre.
Jobseekers with disabilities, who seek support from their local Intreo Centre, may be offered one-to-one engagements with a Case Officer/Job Coach. If required, a Personal Progression Plan will be developed and agreed, which may include referral to further education or training, employment support schemes and other supports.
Case Officers or Job Coaches may also refer jobseekers with a disability to the Employability service, delivered under contract on behalf of my Department. The goal of the EmployAbility Service is to provide support to people with disabilities, including those recovering from illness or serious injury, to secure and maintain paid employment in the open labour market leading to independence and career progression.
As you may be aware the capacity of Intreo Centres has been enhanced with the allocation of an additional 100 Job Coaches, provided for under the July Jobs Stimulus Package 2020. The Job Coaches support the provision of employment services to people of working age, including jobseekers with a disability. The cost of this measure is estimated at €4,761,800, based on an individual average salary of €47,618 which includes the employer’s PRSI contribution.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
