Daniela is a Clerical Assistant in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work on a placement as part of the Inclusive Employment Scheme at Queen's University Belfast.

What is your job and what does it entail?

I work as an administrator/receptionist, welcoming visitors, dealing with teachers and students, assisting the main receptionist, Margaret, and covering when necessary. I have been inputting data and important information about students on the PC using Excel, Word, printing materials, and dealing with the stock department. I have been included in employee Zoom meetings, where I have been learning about Queen's University and events and courses that were happening.

What attracted you to apply for the placement at Queen's?

That is a good question. I have the vision to improve and learn new things. What’s more, to share with others who have mental health or different issues. My priority is to learn how to socialise and communicate with others as best I can.

This placement gave me the opportunity to improve my knowledge and skills, which I believe are important for my life.

I am also a volunteer member of the Charity Black & Minority Ethnic Woman Network and I am applying for a position as a Vice Chair.

What do you enjoy most about working for Queen's?

I like to learn new things and help people generally. I had a nice experience at Queen's University, where my health issues were understood and taken into consideration.

The most IMPORTANT thing about my placement was that people were KIND to me and helped me when I needed it.

What do you hope to get out of the placement?

I hope to get out of the placement good references and maybe to get the opportunity in the future for a paying part-time job for just a couple hours to feel important and appreciated.

About the Inclusive Employment Scheme at Queen's

Commenting on the Inclusive Employment Scheme, Sonia Erwin, Employment Officer, Action Mental Health - Daniela's Support Worker - said: 

Daniela is taking part in the SkillSET programme at Action Mental Health’s New Horizons Service in Belfast, and since September has been on placement in Queen's University through their Inclusive Employment Scheme.

Daniela has gained a great amount of experience working as a Clerical Assistant/Receptionist in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work.

The role has been busy and varied and has given Daniela a whole new set of competencies to add to her CV, including communication and IT skills.

Daniela enjoyed getting to know her colleagues and the students who came in to the school and her confidence has really grown during the last six months.

Patricia Reilly was a supportive and inspiring placement supervisor and I would like to thank her for providing such a worthwhile opportunity for Daniela.

We look forward taking part in the scheme again in the future.

Patricia Reilly, School Manager in the School of SSESW, added: 

Daniela started at the School in September 2023 for a one-day-a-week placement. She has spent much of her time at the School's reception, responsible for answering queries, directing visitors and communicating with staff members. She has had a busy start to both the autumn and spring semesters, including a move to new premises in November when the School's professional services staff relocated. Daniela is incredibly hardworking and eager to please and learn. She has a wonderful way with people and a warm welcoming smile. She has endeavoured to provide support where requested and has achieved much in her time here. We have enjoyed hosting her at our School and wish her the best for the future.

This is the sixth year of the Inclusive Employment Scheme at Queen's, which the University runs in conjunction with NIUSE (Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment) and various disability organisations. The scheme aims to give individuals the opportunity to regain skills, learn new skills and enhance their employment opportunities.

The placements range from clerical roles to operational and technical work and span a range of Schools and Directorates.

If you would like further information about the Inclusive Employment Scheme at Queen's, please contact Leeann Matchett in the Diversity, Inclusion and Staff Wellbeing Unit: leeann.matchett@qub.ac.uk.