Becky

After completing an internship encouraging employers to be more inclusive in their hiring strategies, Becky was inspired to find a job which would allow her to provide more hands on, practical support for people looking for work. So, when she came across a vacancy for a Job Coach with ECL’s Inclusive Employment team she wasted no time in applying…

I’ve been through the highs and lows with my customers but it’s 100% worth it when you get to watch as they achieve something they never thought possible!

Before her master’s degree, Becky Miller interned on a programme encouraging employers in developing countries to be more inclusive. She enjoyed the project but resolved to find a permanent role which would give her the opportunity to directly support others, instead of helping from afar. Her search threw up a vacancy for a Job Coach with ECL’s Inclusive Employment team and it looked like the perfect fit.

Becky says, “When I saw the advert for a Job Coach I was immediately drawn to the idea of helping other disabled people settle into work, having benefited from a supported employment programme as a student. I know first-hand how much of a difference they can make, and I’d always wanted to build a career based around disability advocacy and inclusion, so this was a great opportunity to get a foot on the professional ladder.”

Despite being new to the care sector, Becky’s passion shone through in her interview and her life experience made her the ideal candidate. Having been offered the job, she set about learning how best to support people with autism or learning disabilities as they start out in the world of work. After just six months in the post and with a Supported Employment Diploma already underway, Becky felt ready to take the next step and applied for a promotion to Inclusive Employment Consultant. “I’ve been so well supported at ECL that I didn’t hesitate in going for it when this opportunity came up,” she says.

“The team is amazing and always happy to share their knowledge, but I’ve been really impressed by the values demonstrated by the wider company, too. How I feel fluctuates day-to-day because of my own disabilities, but ECL is great at finding ways for me to work where and when suits me. It’s the most supportive environment I’ve worked in, showing that the business practices what it preaches.”

Like any job which involves building close relationships, Becky acknowledges that there are hard days but that the rewards are limitless. She says, “As an Inclusive Employment Consultant with ECL you get the chance to form real bonds with the people you support and that’s not without its difficulties, but it’s so rewarding when you see them make progress. I’ve been through the highs and lows with my customers but it’s 100% worth it when you get to watch as they achieve something they never thought possible!”