Sandwell has a specialist local route for residents who want paid work but need extra help because of a disability, long-term health condition or mental health need. This is not just general job searching; it includes job matching, coaching, support with adjustments and, in some cases, specialist programmes such as Connect to Work.
Who this page is for
This page is for Sandwell residents who are unemployed or at risk of losing work because of a disability, mental health need or health condition, and who want help that is more tailored than standard job-search advice.
Sandwell’s Specialist Employment Team (SET)
Sandwell Council’s Specialist Employment Team sits within Think Sandwell and supports residents with a disability or mental health condition who would like to find or return to work.
- Email: enquiries_recruitment@sandwell.gov.uk
- Phone: 0121 569 5981 or 0121 569 5563
- Base listed by the council: Hateley Heath Family Education Training Centre, Huntingdon Road, West Bromwich, B71 2RP
The public pages explain that support can include job coaching, matching people to the right job, benefits better-off calculations, work experience, mentoring in work, adjustments at work and involving the person’s wider support network.
Connect to Work Supported Employment Programme
Sandwell also has a Connect to Work supported employment programme. The current council page describes it as a 12-month voluntary programme for people aged 18 to 24 with disabilities, long-term health conditions or more complex barriers.
The programme can support both unemployed young adults and some people who are already in work but at risk of losing their job because of disability-related barriers.
What kind of help makes the biggest difference
- Working out what type of job is realistic and sustainable
- Travel support and confidence building
- Work experience or volunteering before moving into a job
- Interview support and job applications
- Employer contact and support around reasonable adjustments
- Mentoring after a person starts work
This is important because many people do not need permanent specialist support; they need the right local help at the point of transition into work.
Useful Sandwell links
- Support to find work if you have a disability or health condition
- Helping people with a disability find work
- Connect to Work Supported Employment Programme
- Employment support
- Sandwell Adult and Family Learning
