I have applied to the Opportunity Fund before, can I apply again?
1. There is no policy saying you can only apply once. All applications are viewed individually and decisions are made according to need, funds available, linkage to employment, and individual circumstances.
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I am looking for a job and need help but, I do not want the potential employer to know I have a disability. Can you still help?
2. Yes we can work in the background and not be known to the employer.
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I am in desperate need of a job. Can you help me?
3. Yes, we have a service called "Fast Track", we can get you in to our system quickly and try to assist you anyway we can.
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I am in jeopardy of losing my job. Can you help me?
4. Yes, if you are our client we can assist you with job maintenance, or other strategies to help you maintain your job.
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I have many barriers to finding work but I do not have a disability. Can you still help me?
5. No, you must have a disability in order for us to assist you. However, we can make a referral to other agencies that may be more appropriate.
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Am I eligible for training?
6. It depends on whether you have transferable skills from your current education and or training. It also might depend on your disability status or your financial situation.
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Will my disability affect my ability to find work?
7. Just because you have a disability does not mean you can not look for work or secure a job. It depends on whether you are job ready and have a clear and realistic occupational goal.
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Do I have to get a new resume?
8. An updated skills based resume has proven to be an effective tool in applying for work. Depending on your work experience and the type of work you are seeking a chronological resume or evan a combination of skills based and chronological resume may be best to represent you to the employer.
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Will Employment Nova Scotia provide me with funds to get a university degree?
9. Employment Nova Scotia does not fund a degree program but will consider a certificate or diploma program offered through a university.
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Can I be on sick benefits from my job and apply for your services?
10. If a person is on sick leave or sick benefits from their employer they do not qualify for our services. If you were working less than 20 hours per week and your hours will not increase you can apply for our services.
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I need retraining because I can’t perform the functions of my former career any longer. Is there a program where I can access funding support?
11. Yes. There is criteria to determine who is eligible for funding. You need to sit down and discuss this with your Case Manager to find out if you qualify.
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I’m not sure what you classify as a disability. I don’t consider myself disabled but I am finding it difficult to find work because I have weaknesses in my knees and all of my experience has been in employment that requires prolonged standing.
12. We work with people with a wide variety of disabilities. This means you don’t have to have a significant visible disability to qualify for our services. We work with people who have a range of disabilities such as mental health issues, Cerebral Palsy, Arthritis and Attention Deficit Disorder and a whole host of others.
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I don’t have a computer at home and need to have access to the internet to work on my job search. Can you help with this?
13. Yes. We have a computer/resource room located onsite that allows clients to access the internet, email, Microsoft Word, and more. We offer free printing and fax service as well.
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I need some support in helping me to find employment. I know what I would like to do and have received the necessary education, but I just can’t seem to break into my field. Can you help?
14. Yes. All that needs to happen is for you to work with your Case Manager and he/she can make a direct referral for job development services with the WorkBridge. You would be then matched with an Employment Facilitator who could help you with everything from job search assistance, to interview prep and practice, to identifying employment leads and contacts, and more.
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Although I would like to become employed, I don’t know if I’m really job ready. I’m scared that I won’t be able to perform well at a new job. What should I do?
15. Don’t worry! We have various resources available to our clients that enable them to engage in job readiness workshops and programs. These programs are designed to help clients gain work experience while preparing them to go out into the workforce with confidence. Talk to your Case Manager for more details to see if there is such a program available to meet your specific needs.
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Should I disclose my disability in a cover letter?
16. Not everyone discloses their disability in a cover letter. Sometimes, it is better to disclose during the interview so the employer has the chance to meet you personally. This gives you the opportunity to talk about your disability while relaying all your abilities related to the job. In some cases, where it is an equal employment opportunity it may be in your best interest to disclose in the cover letter as the employer is open to hiring persons with disabilities and may select those who self identify.
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Will there be support from my Employment Facilitator once I start a job?
17. Yes, An Employment Facilitator stays with their clients for a three month period of Job Maintenance where an Employment Facilitator will follow up every two weeks with you and attend to any concerns you may have. There is also funding, to help in the transition back to work that an Employment Facilitator can apply to help facilitate the transition back to work.
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What services can an Employment Facilitator offer me when looking for work?
18. An Employment Facilitator offers support through identifying employers that match your skills and abilities and may have access to certain employers that hire persons with disabilities. An Employment Facilitator assists the client with Job Searching techniques. Internet job sites, networking exercises and cold calling to employers are just some of the areas you may explore.
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How long after I secure work can I still have the support of my Employment Facilitator?
19. During the next three months you Employmnet Facilitator is there to support you. He or she will contact you following your second, fourth, eighth and twelfth weeks at work. If you have any concerns regarding your job you are encouraged to contact your Employment Facilitator. Once you have successfully completed the three month period we send a letter to you stating that your file will be closed. However, at any time you can reopen a file if your situation changes.
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I have been out of work for a long time and I am nervous about going back to work and having to go through an interview. What help can you offer me?
20. One of the resources available to our clients is workshops that focus on Interview Skills. This is a two part workshop and will provide you with a mock interview. This allows clients the hands on experience of going through an interview tailored towards your field of interest. The Employment Facilitator will also provide one on one support to clients to discuss ways to approach the interviewer and tips on what you should and shouldn’t do during an interview.
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Will an Employment Facilitator find me a job?
21. When you are working with an Employment Facilitator, it is a partnership. Employment Facilitators are here to assist you with everything involved with your employment goals: job search strategies, resumes, cover letters, etc. You will work together to brainstorm ideas about possible opportunities and gain valuable tools and resources to make your job search easier.
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I’ve sent out a dozen applications, and have not heard back from any employers. Should I make a follow-up call after I send the application?
22. Following up after sending an application is one of the most important things to do. Not only do you get confirmation that your application has been received, it also gives you a chance to express your interest over the phone, or in person.
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Is it okay to send the same resume to every employer?
23. When you have a completed resume, you have a great foundation to work from when you are applying for various jobs. Each job will have different qualifications and requirements, so focusing your resume to highlight your skills and experience in those specific areas is always important.
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Which workshops do you offer at the WorkBridge?
24. We continually revise our workshops to better meet the needs of our clients. At present, our workshops are: "Express Resumes", "Where the Jobs Are (Labour Market Research)", "The Job Search Club", "Win Win Interviews" (with real employers), and "Talking About Your Disability". Many more workshops are being planned for the coming months.
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What happens if I have to put my job search on hold?
25. If there is a period of inactivity with any client, the file will be closed; however, our services can be accessed again once you are ready to resume activity.
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I need a job, do I need to see a Case Manager?
26. No, but we advise you to speak with a Case Manager to make sure you are aware of the resources available to you and your needs are met.
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What happends if I find a job, can I still use your resource center and workshops?
27. Yes, you are welcome to use our facilities for your employment needs.
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How long will it take to find a job?
28. It will depend on your participation, how many contacts and resumes you send out. Normally an active job search takes about 3 months.
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My E.I. is getting ready to run out and I haven't been able to find work. I think I need to seek new training. Is there anything you can do to help me?
29. We may be able to help but you would need to make an appointment with your Case Manager to discuss training options and to determine your eligibility for any funding that may be available to you.
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My application for funding was sent in to Employment Nova Scotia by my Case Manager a few weeks ago and I haven't heard anything yet. How long do I need to wait?
30. Employment Nova Scotia states that it could take approximately 4 weeks to process an application. If after 4 weeks and you haven't heard anything, you should check in with your Case Manager to see what steps should be taken to check on the status of your file.
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My funding application has been sent to Employment Nova Scotia. Will my Case Manager call me to let me know if I've been approved for funding?
31. Generally speaking, the case worker assigned to process your application at Employment Nova Scotia will be the first one to contact you. You may expect a letter and/or an in-person meeting at Service Canada to discuss your application and any next steps taken.
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What do I need to do to get started with the services of TEAM Work Cooperative?
32. You can either be referred by another agency, or you can simply drop into our office and fill out an intake form. Someone will contact you within 5 business days with an appointment to meet with a case manager.
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