Empowering People

Changing Lives

About In-Work Support

In-work support helps people with barriers to work find and keep meaningful, paid employment in the open job market.
At MMSE, we provide structured, practical coaching that focuses on the person, the job and long-term success.

Person in a wheelchair entering a modern office conference room where three people are sitting at a table.

How It Works

Each person works with a dedicated job coach who takes time to understand their skills, interests and goals.
Together, they identify suitable roles, build confidence and prepare for work through tailored guidance and experience.

Once employment starts, our job coaches continue to provide support where needed.
This may include:

• On-the-job training and mentoring.
• Support with workplace communication and social interaction.
• Advice for employers on reasonable adjustments and inclusion.
• Ongoing check-ins to ensure both the employee and employer succeed.

Support lasts as long as required. The goal is sustained, independent employment, not short-term placements.

Our Approach

We focus on quality employment, not token opportunities.
Every job should pay at least the minimum wage and offer genuine progression potential.

Our approach is person-centred. Support is designed around individual strengths, not limitations.
Each plan is unique, practical and focused on achieving a good job match for lasting success.

Our Impact

This model has helped many people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions secure meaningful work that matches their skills.
We work closely with employers in hospitality and custodial services to create inclusive workplaces that value reliability, teamwork and growth.

In-work support builds stronger businesses, improves staff retention and promotes financial independence for everyone involved.

The 12 Core Values of in-work support

  • Large orange number one painted on a textured white wall with a glass partition reflecting light.

    Positive Contribution

    Understand the positive contribution people can make in the working environment.

  • Number 2 painted in white on a red running track.

    Real Jobs

    Real roles, real purpose, real need and real wages makes for meaningful, fulfilling work, and has a positive impact on all.

  • A black and white photo of a large number 3 sign attached to a chain-link fence.

    All Are Welcome

    Using a Zero Rejection Policy to build an ethos that with the right support all who want to work can.

  • White painted number 4 on a dark brick wall

    Job Training

    ‘Work Readiness’ is not always a useful concept to apply to all; better still ‘place, train & retain’.

  • Sign with the number 5 illuminated in the ceiling of a building.

    Get Moving!

    Job suitability and searches should begin at the earliest opportunity.

  • A black double door with a large white number six painted on it, surrounded by brick walls. The door has a small window at the top, a lock, and a handle.

    Choice & Control

    …is encouraged for workers to achieve their career aspirations. Support is individualised and effective.

  • Number 7 on a large, rough stone with moss and small leaves around it.

    Partnership

    The person, their family carers, employers and support workers all partner in a successful placement.

  • Reflected black billiard ball with white circle and the number 8 in the center on a white background.

    Full Inclusion

    People are supported to be full and active members of their workforces and wider communities; socially and economically.

  • Street art of a smiley face painted with white bricks on a brick building wall.

    Employer as Customer

    It is important to recognise the employer as a customer of in-work support in their own right with requirements that need to be satisfied.

  • Close-up of a wooden spoon with the number 10 painted in black on it, placed in a clear glass jar, with a blurred green and gray background.

    Social Roles

    Support work recognises that employment is a valued social role and becoming employed can help reverse societal devaluation.

  • Metal house number '11' mounted on a weathered blue wooden wall.

    Removes Barriers

    The removal of discrimination requires a change of approach and thinking in the way in which society is organised, in this case removing barriers to employment.

  • White number '12' painted on a dark green wooden surface.

    Development

    In-work support should encourage the career development of individuals by promoting training opportunities and seeking increased responsibility.

How Does In-Work Support
Help People to Stay in Jobs

  • Career Coaching

    A career coach meets with the person on a regular basis to help them learn how to do their job, deal with problems at work, and manage their relationships with other people at work. This stops problems before they get worse and helps people learn skills that will last.

  • Accommodations

    We work with the employer to make reasonable adjustments that meet the person’s needs. For example, the employer might write down job instructions, change the person’s work schedule, or change the way they are trained, helping people who have functional limitations to get by.

  • Maintenance Skills

    Career coaches help employees develop areas that will help their careers grow, like getting vocational training, changing their work hours or level of responsibility, looking for internal job openings, and learning new skills that match their interests and abilities as they change. 

  • Support Coordination

    The coach sets up support teams for the person that may include a vocational counsellor, healthcare providers, carers, employment agencies, and other professionals who can help them in all areas of their life.This level of care makes it easier to get and keep jobs, which is key to inclusion.

The 5 Stages of Supported Employment

  • Stage 1: Client Engagement

  • Stage 2: Vocational Profiling

  • Stage 3: Job Finding

  • Stage 4: Employer Engagement

  • Stage 5: On and Off the Job Support

Flowchart showing the steps for developing a career through employee-employer relationship, starting from understanding needs, getting to know the person, agreeing on a plan together, getting the right worker or support, and finally developing a career.