The guidance staff are trained in the use of guidance tools and these are used as aids to assist the client indentify their interests, aptitudes and preferred behavourial style for the career of their choice. The objective is to devise an appropriate future focused progression plan.  The agreed plan includes step by step long and short-term goals which are realistic and achieveable.  As part of a career plan clients may be referred to other local support agencies and to training/education, while the guidance staff continue to offer ongoing assistance and encouragement until attainable goals are reached.

The staff work mainly through one to one interviews using various assessments and guidance tools. 

• APTITUDE - These tests are used to measure a person's potential for certain activities.
  
  

• INTEREST - These tests examine a person's interests and how they may fit a suitable career area.  Interests consist of what a person likes and enjoys doing.

• PERSONALITY - A personality test looks at patterns of behaviour, thoughts and feelings.  Each individual has a unique personality and this is also applicable in the occupational setting.

The aim is to identify the barriers that may prevent clients progressing onto education, training or sustainable employment.  The guidance staff support clients to access a range of education and training programmes.  These range from basic skills and literacy to technical skills and degree programmes. 

The Ballymun Job Centre has a Psychological Testing Policy which aims "to ensure the use of Psychological Testing within the BJC is in line with standards set out by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and the International Test Commission (ITC)".  This policy covers such areas as the welfare of the client, the storage of tests, the scoring, administration and interpretation of tests, the process of feedback, consent and the importance of confidentiality.  The document ensures that established standards are adhered to by all staff members who administer tests to clients.

CAREER GUIDANCE GOALS

• To discover and develop educational, vocational and employment potential

• To equip individuals to have a clearer understanding of themselves and potential for future career development.

• To direct towards opportunities in the environment which best fulfil their needs and aspirations.

CAREER GUIDANCE PROCESS 

• Careers advisor/Practitioner

• Establish one-to-one relationship with client

• Confidential & conducted in private interview situation

• Focus on the individual

• Vocational Counselling approach

• Administer psychometric tools

ALL GUIDANCE TOOLS ARE BASED ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PREMISE OF A PERSON ENVIRONMENT FIT (P.E. FIT).  THIS MEANS THAT IF A PERSON IS SUITED TO AN ENVIRONMENT THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO STAY THERE AND FLOURISH.

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