When Paula* arrived in Edinburgh with her four children, Jane from Harbour Homes’ Community Works team helped her find family-friendly employment.
Paula* a single mother in her early 40s recently arrived in Edinburgh with her four children. She was on a very low income. Paula had found an agency based cleaning job in a school, but was under considerable pressure from Universal Credit rules to increase her income.
Formerly a nursing home housekeeping assistant, she was looking for a job that would fit around her primary school age children and increase household income to allow her to be less reliant on Universal Credit. After in-person appointments to build confidence and support, we worked on her transferable skills and building up her CV.
We referred her to a free two-week childcare course with a guaranteed job interview for a job run by Capital City Partnership (an employability service provided by the Council). Paula was successful and about to start a job with an award-winning after school childcare provider on a decent income.
Unfortunately, the company could only offer a role on the other side of Edinburgh, which would not be possible with primary school age children and childcare
costs. We looked at other more local options with permanent part-time contracts, ideally a large public sector organisation. We provided Paula with a character reference.
With increased confidence in making job applications, Paula applied for a role with the Wheatley Housing Group as a carer and was delighted to gain a local social care role with good family friendly terms and conditions. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right job which is secure and really meets the person’s skills, experience and passions.
*Name changed for confidentiality.
To find out more about Community Works, email john.murray@harbour.scot or call 0131 553 8757.