A paid job can be life-changing for someone with Down’s syndrome, offering purpose, independence and a powerful sense of belonging.
WorkFit partners with employers to shape tailored roles that highlight each candidate’s unique abilities and ensure a strong, personal job fit. Employers are encouraged to use ‘Positive Action‘ to create or ringfence hours of a role for someone who has a disability.
Sam has lots of experience working in a variety of hospitality roles and saw an exciting role that he knew he would excel at.
Supported by the WorkFit programme and family, Sam was able to secure his role at Eastleigh Care Home through a standard recruitment process, applying through the Indeed platform and attending a face-to-face interview.
Meriam, Sam’s mum, says: ‘The job application and interview process for a kitchen assistant role at Eastleigh Care Home was smooth and straightforward. Sam applied online through a job site, submitting a personalised letter that explained he has Down’s syndrome while highlighting his strengths and suitability for the role. The letter was well received, and Sam was promptly invited to interview at a convenient time.
‘Drawing on his training from Foxes Academy and Project Search at GSK, Sam understood the importance of presentation and chose to wear a suit to the interview, despite the kitchen-based role. This thoughtful gesture made a strong impression on the team.
‘After the interview, the team felt Sam would need minimal adjustments due to his solid work ethic and knowledge of kitchen operations but were open to whatever adjustments were needed.’
The manager of the care home added: ‘Sam applied for the role through Indeed, submitting a strong CV and responding promptly to our invitation for an interview. He arrived looking very smart and made a great first impression with his polite manner and confident attitude.
‘During the interview, Sam spent some time chatting with our Head Chef and shared his previous training and certificates, which he had thoughtfully brought along. His preparation, enthusiasm and positive attitude really stood out.
‘There was no doubt that Sam was the right person for the job. He was the strongest candidate, and we were very pleased to offer him the role.’
To support a smooth transition into the workplace, the WorkFit Employer Training was delivered to several members of the care home team which allowed current staff to gain an understanding of Down’s syndrome and discuss any adjustments that Sam might need once he started work. Meriam said: ‘They were very supportive and committed to making reasonable adjustments for Sam including providing Easy Read documents ahead of his start date.’
These documents will allow Sam to be safe and compliant in the workplace whilst supporting his independence. Sam can revisit these documents as often as is needed.
Adapting essential documents, such as manual handling, will not only help Sam but will be helpful to other staff members as a quick reference guide.
Meriam says: ‘Eastleigh Care Home was warm and inclusive, naturally adapting to Sam’s needs. Sam’s brother remarked how fitting it was that a care organisation extended the same compassion and openness to their staff as they do to their residents — a profound and heartening observation.’
Sam is enjoying his new role and feels well supported and part of the team already. He said:
‘I love everything about working at the care home, but I really like being in the kitchen chopping vegetables and preparing fruit salad. I also like preparing for and putting the deliveries away.’
While a standard recruitment process might not be suitable for every candidate, WorkFit provides the support and guidance that allows individuals to engage successfully within typical recruitment and onboarding processes, using reasonable adjustments to create an inclusive environment and broaden access to opportunities.
Learn more about ‘Positive Action’ here: Positive Action: Lawful steps that employers can take to support individuals with a disability | Workfit
To find out more about WorkFit and how we support people who have Down’s syndrome to access meaningful work opportunities that can benefit the rest of their lives, please contact the team on 0333 12 12 300 or email us on dsworkfit@downs-syndrome.org.uk For more information visit the WorkFit website: dsworkfit.org.uk