Municipality Council running a four-step job integration model

Users undergo an assessment before being trained in obtaining a job. Support then continues during the start of the job, making reasonable adjustments, and continues with a follow-up evaluation and contact throughout the work experience. Since its launch in 2013, 356 people with disabilities have participated and 118 have found employment.

Providencia is a district in the Chilean capital of Santiago de Chile. The Municipality Council runs the Providencia Labour Inclusion Programme, a four-step model supporting people with disabilities into work. Jobseekers undergo an assessment of their experience and needs and then receive job skills training. Support continues through to the signing of an employment contract and starting a job to follow-up evaluation and contact. From 2013 to 2020, 118 people found a job through the programme.

Problems Targeted

People with disabilities can face difficulties in identifying, obtaining, and sustaining long-term employment.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The Municipality of Providencia’s employment department offers a four-step Labour Inclusion Programme to people with disabilities. (1) Jobseekers undergo a semi-structured interview to assess their education and work background, support networks and needs, and health status. (2) Training is offered in job-searching skills such as CV writing and interviewing, as well as support to find and apply for jobs. (3) Once a job is secured, the municipality works with both the employer and employee to support contractual on-the-job training and any reasonable adjustments. (4) The final stage involves ongoing support to resolve any issues and to review progress and performance. The municipality’s employment department is in an accessible building, offers online video-interpretation in sign language, and easy-to-read formats are used in the assessment, training, and monitoring processes. From 2013 to 2020, 356 people with disabilities enrolled in the programme, and 118 have found work. Many of the positions have salaries above the average wage in Chile.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Providencia receives US$32,000 annually from the Servicio Nacional de Capacitación y Empleo (National Training and Employment Service) to cover staff costs, including occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers. In 2018 some additional funding came through the Government Laboratory Public Innovators Network. Providencia aims to develop a programme for companies to support them to further develop their inclusion practices for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The project has not been replicated, but Providencia has shared its experience with other local employment offices and companies.

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