A. 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.

A. Yes. We can work in the background and not be known to the employer.

A. Yes. We have a service called "Fast Track." We can get you into our system quickly and try to assist you anyway we can.

A. Yes. If you are our client we can assist you with job maintenance or other strategies to help you maintain your job.

A. No. You must have a disability for us to assist you. However, we can make a referral to other agencies that may be more appropriate.

A. 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.

A. Just because you have a disability does not mean you cannot look for work or secure a job. It depends on whether you are job ready and have a clear and realistic occupational goal.

A. 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 even a combination of skills-based and chronological resume may be best to represent you to the employer.

A. Employment Nova Scotia does not fund a degree program but will consider a certificate or diploma program offered through a university.

A. 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.

A. Yes. There are 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.

A. 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, Attention Deficit Disorder and a whole host of others.

A. 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.

A. 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. 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.

A. 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.

A. Not everyone discloses his or her 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.

A. Yes, An Employment Facilitator stays with their clients for a three-month period of Job Maintenance. The 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.

A. An Employment Facilitator offers support through identifying employers that match your skills and abilities, and may even 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.

A. Three months after you secure work, your Employment 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.

A. One resource available to our clients is a workshop that focuses 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.

A. 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.

A. 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.

A. 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.

A. 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." New workshops are always being planned.

A. 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.

A. No. But we advise you to speak with a Case Manager to make sure you are aware of the resources available to you and that your needs are met.

A. Yes. You are welcome to use our facilities for your employment needs.

A. It will depend on your participation, how many contacts and resumes you send out. Normally an active job search takes about three months.

A. 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.

A. Employment Nova Scotia states that it could take approximately four weeks to process an application. If after four 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.

A. Generally speaking, the caseworker 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.

A. 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 five business days with an appointment to meet with a case manager.