Sandra Mustera, head of the Foundation's Guidance, Employment and Training Service, has been working with us for 15 years.
During these years, Sandra has been a key player in the creation and management of projects that allow people to train and find job opportunities to improve their quality of life. If you want to know her experience, keep reading!
1. How did you become part of the Foundation?
One day I accompanied a friend who had an interview here at the Foundation and the girl who was doing the interviews said to me, “ And you, wouldn't you like to work here too? ”
Since I don't know how to say no (laughs), I said yes and after two days they called me to start working in one of the homes. It's been 15 very intense years but with lots and lots of learning.
2. What services does the Foundation's Orientation and Employment Service (SOO) offer?
We generate opportunities for support, training and job placement. We take into account the individuality and characteristics of each person, carrying out personalized support actions to obtain and maintain a job, either in an ordinary company or in a Special Employment Center.
We have three areas of support: guidance and monitoring, training and integration .
3. What are the most common challenges you face in service?
Integrating people with intellectual disabilities into the workforce poses several challenges that require appropriate strategies. The main one is the stigma and misperceptions towards the group, which often make hiring them difficult.
We still have a lot of work to do in raising awareness and demonstrating the skills, abilities and value that people with intellectual disabilities can bring to a company.
4. How does the job search support and employment preparation process work?
When a new person enters the Orientation and Employment Service, we assess all the factors related to insertion: training, work experience and skills. This way we detect the needs and the degree of employability of the person. This allows us to design a personalized Intervention Plan to improve the employment options of each individual in the ordinary company.
5. What strategies do you use to facilitate job integration and job retention?
When the person starts working, our support continues. Especially during the adaptation and learning process, present in all jobs.
When a person finds a job, we activate the Supported Employment agreed with each individual. This is adapted to the needs and characteristics of the workplace, promoting independent personal and professional development.
6. What alliances do you have in the territory with companies or other organizations?
We have a database of over 100 companies that support our projects. We have alliances with local companies, chambers of commerce, business associations, as well as agreements with educational institutions and other social entities in the public sphere.
For us, the key factor in the relationship with the business community is to establish a relationship of trust between the company and the entity in all phases of the process.
7. Can you tell us about something you are particularly proud of?
I would highlight three moments: the first insertion of the Special Employment Center into an ordinary company, the first SIOAS program and when we opened the new SOO training classrooms in Indústria 16.
8. How do you see the Foundation's Guidance and Employment Service in 5 years' time?
I see it continuing to be a reference service in the region and serving people with intellectual disabilities who need support in the social, personal and work areas.
8 things about Sandra...
· A book: The Girl with the Pearl Earring, by Tracy Chevalier.
· A place: The sea in winter.
· A film: Everest.
· A hobby: Being with my daughter.
· A dream to fulfill: traveling to Africa.
· A character to have dinner with: Salvador Dalí. I would have a good time... wouldn't I? (laughs).
· A dish: My mother's fries with ribs and sausages.
· A personal motto: In life, everything is attitude.
