Work coach support health appointments

allison445

I have recently migrated from tax credits to universal credits at my first appointment my commitments were monthly appointments and to keep handing in fit notes I am also in the process of completing the UC50 form and have submitted my second fit note.

I have just had my 2nd appointment and have been informed I now need to attend weekly work coach support health appointments the work coach was not very clear on what these appointments entail different work coach to first appointment can anyone advise me in simple terms what these appointments are for thanks.

Newcad

This sounds like a 'Health and Work Conversation', they are a type of Work Focused Interview for those who submit a UC50 to report a health condition, and who are going on to a Work Capability Assessment.

However that is a one off and not weekly, has there been a missunderstanding about that?
(Although it is possible that you have had that and the weekly appointments are something else. Can you tell us what it says about it on your journal?).

The HWC appointment is mandatory and you do have to attend, however any actions that you agree to at the appointment are entirely voluntary.

As for what happen at one then the Work Coach guidance is probably the best explanation:

1. The health and work conversation (HWC) is an opportunity to engage with claimants early in their journey before their work capability assessment (WCA). The HWC is a mandatory work focused interview.

2. The HWC is an opportunity to have:
• an open conversation with the claimant,
• get to know them and

• build a rapport, confidence and motivation

3. During the conversation you will work with the claimant to:

• identify realistic goals and
• agree voluntary actions a claimant can take to move them closer

to moving into work.

4. How the conversation flows is claimant led and gives them the opportunity to discuss their circumstances and needs and to offer their own solutions to any identified issues.

5. The HWC looks at the claimants needs holistically. Discuss the claimant’s background and the things that really matter to them. The discussion does not have to focus on health requirements. How much, and if, health conditions are discussed is up to the claimant. The emphasis is on what the claimant can do and help them prepare for work if they are able to in the future.

It carries on about administrative details:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/work_and_health_conversation_and/response/2521217/attach/7/Health and Work Conversation.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1

allison445

Newcad said:

This sounds like a 'Health and Work Conversation', they are a type of Work Focused Interview for those who submit a UC50 to report a health condition, and who are going on to a Work Capability Assessment.

However that is a one off and not weekly, has there been a missunderstanding about that?
(Although it is possible that you have had that and the weekly appointments are something else. Can you tell us what it says about it on your journal?).

The HWC appointment is mandatory and you do have to attend, however any actions that you agree to at the appointment are entirely voluntary.

As for what happen at one then the Work Coach guidance is probably the best explanation:

1. The health and work conversation (HWC) is an opportunity to engage with claimants early in their journey before their work capability assessment (WCA). The HWC is a mandatory work focused interview.

2. The HWC is an opportunity to have:
• an open conversation with the claimant,
• get to know them and

• build a rapport, confidence and motivation

3. During the conversation you will work with the claimant to:

• identify realistic goals and
• agree voluntary actions a claimant can take to move them closer

to moving into work.

4. How the conversation flows is claimant led and gives them the opportunity to discuss their circumstances and needs and to offer their own solutions to any identified issues.

5. The HWC looks at the claimants needs holistically. Discuss the claimant’s background and the things that really matter to them. The discussion does not have to focus on health requirements. How much, and if, health conditions are discussed is up to the claimant. The emphasis is on what the claimant can do and help them prepare for work if they are able to in the future.

It carries on about administrative details:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/work_and_health_conversation_and/response/2521217/attach/7/Health and Work Conversation.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1

On the Journal it says work coach support - Health booked than the appointment date and time
She defiantly said it would be weekly appointments which would be mandatory she mention getting my cv up to date and something about courses and looking at options for less strenuous jobs to my previous occupation.

allison445

The Journal entry does not really tell me anything and the details are the same as for a work focused appointment 

Newcad

Ah right - this is a new type of WFI that they are doing, but as you haven't yet been assessed then it sounds a bit early for those. This is the DWP though.......

I had one of those new appointments last month and I've just checked my journal,
it was indeed called "Work Coach Support - Health" .

 (It's a government policy and we are not supposed to discuss policy here, but it's basically someone decided that we need to develop a 'positive mental attitude' about what work we may be able to do. Apparently we will then magically be able to find work that we can manage to do despite our health issues).

They were wanting me to go fortnightly for 'extra help'.

I managed to persuade the WC at mine that there was nothing wrong with my attitude and that it's purely the effects of my condition(s) that prevent me from working, I would obviously prefer to be able to hold down a job.
She agreed with me and cancelled my participation, so no future appointments for this (but I'll still have the usual 3-monthly WFIs).

TBH I am not at all sure that participation in "Work Coach Support - Health" is mandatory for those with LCW, (It is voluntary for LCWRA as are all WFIs).
However you are at an inbetween stage and don't have LCW/LCWRA yet - so mandation may still apply in your case if they want it to.

You are in a waiting period where you have not yet been assessed as having Limited Capability for Work, so are only being 'treated' as LCW until an assessment is carried out and a decision made.
As such you are still subject to full jobseeking conditionality, they are just using discretion not to give you any.

The only advice I can offer for this appointment is what I did, listen to what the WC has to say and then explain that it's the effects of your condition that is preventing you working, (and not your mental attitude, but be careful about saying that so bluntly), so any 'extra help' would not make the slightest difference.

tomtom256

It's just a box ticking chat, the aim is to try and support you back in to work quicker, if you are able to do some work. They should be looking at courses etc that may assist you.

allison445

Thanks everyone for the replies I never did find out what this appointment was for as it was cancelled a few days before and another monthly appointment was booked.

niecsey

Hi I know it’s been a while how did it go? I’ve just had the same phone call. I’m awaiting an assessment too. She’s asked me to go in after the next phone call appnt .  It’s knocked me right off my bearings . Long story long term health condition and all mental stuff that goes with it . And basically left to fend for myself until I cracked up with it all and asked for help .    We was on working tax and had to migrate to uc.  A few months ago . I’m currently under mental health and awaiting hospital appoints for long term complaints   .   I’ve told her I will have to bring someone with me I can’t go alone .  It’s really worrying me now .   I didn’t like been told someone’s got one of the conditions I have but manages to do xyz!      No they havnt ! We are unique what one suffers with another won't. I feel under pressure now .  I did say at this moment there’s not much of me that is t affected , 

TimeLord1

I think a lot of contact will be depending on claimants age and group they're in plus the type of condition that affects their ability to return to training or future employment. Weather that is mandatory or voluntary is unsure.  I remember years ago the job centre being told to phone anyone interested in doing returning to work help. 

kkkklinky

From what I've heard they are focusing on getting people with certain mental health disorders back into work mainly those that are Treatable with medications and/or therapy and are NOT classed as lifelong(requiring medication for life even if functioning for example DID, Bipolar, Schizophrenia). Anxiety and Depression are the main targets of this scheme because they comprise the majority of mental health disability claims for PIP/WCA.