Frequently Asked Questions

Support Workers

Support Workers

Q: How do I apply for work?

A: See this page.

Q: What work can I do? What roles can I apply for?

A: A list of the roles and the qualifications needed is here.

Q: How do I become fully registered for work?

A: If your application is accepted and we currently have work available we will invite you to register with us. The registration process involves meeting with a Clear Links representative within your local area to check that you are eligible to work in the UK and that you are suitable for a particular role.

When you have attended the meeting to complete your registration process with Clear Links, and we feel you are suitable for a particular role, you are immediately considered to be eligible for work, subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references. When an assignment becomes available which suits your skills and availability, our database will include you on a shortlist of potential Workers, and you may be contacted with an offer of work. If we have work available to offer you we will contact you to explain the work to you. If you accept the work, you will then be sent a written Assignment Confirmation and given further instructions.

When will I hear about work?

A: The assignments offered through Clear Links are classed as temporary casual work. We have no control over the amount or frequency of work coming in, so we cannot make any guarantees about how soon you may be offered work. However, new opportunities for work are most plentiful in late September and October; and to a lesser extent in early February. During the rest of the academic year, new opportunities for work may be available less frequently.

Q: How much work is there?

A: Both the amount of work available and the rate at which it becomes available are very variable and also entirely out of Clear Links’ control, as the work is based on Clients being referred to us. Work is allocated in the form of an assignment, which is a set number of hours of work with one Client (usually weekly), in one specific role.

Q: What will be my daily/weekly hours of work?

A: This will depend on what work is available and when you are available. Before we can offer you work, you will need to inform us of your availability. The vast majority of our work takes place between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

As work comes in, we will allocate any hours to you that match your availability and suitability for the role. These hours may be spread across the week, or concentrated on one day. The hours may be flexible for you and the Client to arrange between yourselves.

Depending on the demand for Support Workers and your availability, you may be able to take on a number of different assignments.

Q: Can I work around my other commitments?

A: Providing you give us your timetable of availability at the start of each semester there is no reason why you should not be able to work around other commitments. Support work is very varied in the hours and times of the week for which it may be required, so there may be work to suit almost any pattern of availability.

It should be noted, however, that work is easier to allocate to people with fixed, regular timetables, and clear availability. If your availability changes a great deal, or you are at all unclear about when you are and are not available for work, you may find that work offered is less plentiful.

Q: What happens if I cannot do an assignment?

A: At Clear Links, we need our workers to be flexible, so we understand the importance of being flexible ourselves. If you are offered an assignment and you cannot do it, this will not necessarily stop us offering you future assignments. We understand that commitments change, emergencies happen, and indeed sometimes we offer work at very short notice, which is not necessarily convenient.

We do ask that you update us with as much notice as possible of any changes to your availability – and doing this will enhance your chances of work – but we also understand that this is not always possible.

Q: When and how will I get paid?

A: Clear Links pay workers fortnightly, by BACS. We operate a timesheet system. On each occasion you work with a Client, you must ask them to sign your timesheet. You must then return your timesheets for the fortnight, by post. A schedule of payroll dates is available in the Clear Links Online Resource for Support Workers.

Clear Links will make PAYE tax and NI contributions on your behalf.

We do not offer work on a self employed or freelance basis.

Q: Who can I speak to about my work?

A: You should direct any queries about your work to your Support Supervisor – you are directly responsible to Clear Links. When you are assigned work you will be sent an Assignment Confirmation. This will provide the name and contact details of your Support Supervisor for that particular assignment. You can also phone up and speak to anyone in the office; they will deal with your call or take a message to give to your Support Supervisor.

Q: I applied for work but have not heard anything; why?

A: We will only contact you when we are ready to register you or offer you work. If we decide not to register you we will write to let you know.

Q: Will I need a CRB check?

A: Clear Links require all Workers to have an enhanced CRB disclosure which has been issued within the last 36 months. Disclosures are arranged by Clear Links and are carried out by DDC, an umbrella body, and the cost is met by Clear Links.

Q: I do not have a National Insurance Number, can I still work for Clear Links?

A: You must have a National Insurance Number to work in the UK. You can apply for one at any JobCentre.

Q: I haven’t got my timetable yet, can I still apply?

A:Yes, just attach a blank file to the application form. Let us know your timetable as soon as you have it.

I am not well and will not be able to support my Client. What shall I do?

A: Contact Clear Links as soon as possible so that we can try to obtain cover for your Client’s support. You may also wish to tell your Client yourself.

Q: What should I do if a lecture is cancelled, and my Client and I both attended?

A: Contact Clear Links for advice.

Q: My Client is late for a support session. How long should I wait?

A: You should wait for 15 minutes, you should then contact Clear Links for advice.

Q: The Client I am working with is ill and will not be attending the lecture. Should I still go to the lecture?

A: Contact Clear Links for advice. It is not usual procedure to attend lectures on behalf of a Client, but may be permissible in certain situations.

Q: My Client has not attended support sessions which have been arranged. What should I do?

A: You should wait for 15 minutes. You should then contact Clear Links for advice.

Q: What should I do if I cannot obtain a Client signature for a Timesheet?

A: Inform Clear Links immediately. We will suggest a solution.

Q: I am a Support Worker and also a student at university, do I have to pay tax?

A: Nearly everyone who is resident in the UK, for tax purposes, receives a ‘Personal Allowance’ which is an amount of taxable income you are allowed to earn or receive. If you earn more than this you will pay tax.

For more information go to: www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/personal-allow.htm or http://studenttaxadvice.direct.gov.uk/?page_id=24

Q: Who covers the cost of Note Taking materials?

A: Clients should provide the resources for note taking purposes. Please contact us if you need advice.

Tutors

Q: Will a room be provided for me to carry out tuition?

A: No. Some Institutions do have rooms that Tutors or Clients can book. Most Tutors however will be required to meet their Clients at a mutually agreed public location within the institution.

Q: Do I get travel expenses?

A: No.

Q: Who covers the cost of materials/paper/printing/ink etc?

A: Tutors provide the teaching resources and materials for Study Skills sessions.

Clients

Q: How do I obtain a Support Worker?

A: If you are a disabled or dyslexic student on a Higher Education Institution course contact the Student Support Services at your institution who will explain how to arrange the Needs Assessment which is necessary for you to access Disabled Student Allowance. This allowance covers the cost of the support.

If you are a disabled or dyslexic person in employment and require a Support Worker you will need to contact Access to Work to arrange an assessment of your needs. For more information visit:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347

Q: In my Needs Assessment I have been recommended support through Clear Links. What do I do next?

A: Contact us by email or phone. We may have already received a referral from your university, or we may need to see some of your documents, for example evidence of funding approval from your funding body. We may also need to contact your University’s Student Support Service for further information.

Q: Can I continue to work with the same Support Worker next year?

A: If your support is funded for the next academic year and both you and your current Support Worker are in agreement, we will endeavour to match you with the same Worker. Constraints such as changes to your timetable or your Support Worker’s availability may mean this will not be possible.

Q: Can I have a different Support Worker?

A: You can change your Support Worker at any time. Contact your Support Supervisor at Clear Links to arrange this.

Q: What should I do if my support requirements change?

A: If your requirements change you should discuss this with Student Support Services at your institution.

Q: My Support Worker is sometimes/always late for support sessions.

A: It is important to contact Clear Links for advice. We will discuss the issue with you, and may decide to offer the support session to another Support Worker.

Q: My Support Worker did not attend the last support session.

A: Contact Clear Links straight away.

Q: I am not well and will not be able to attend my lecture/support session. What shall I do?

A: Contact Clear Links as soon as possible so that we can try to contact your Support Worker. It is not usual procedure to permit a Support Worker to attend a lecture if the Client is not present. However, it may be permissible in certain situations.

Educational establishment/university

Q: This University is interested in outsourcing part of the Support Worker service. Is this possible though your service?

A: Clear Links provides a flexible and individually tailored Support Worker Service for disabled and dyslexic people in education and in the workplace. Our role may involve:

Clear Links aims to listen, understand and respond to the individual requirements of our service users, customers and contacts.

Please contact us for more details.

Q: Is there any charge to the University in relation to using Clear Links Support Ltd to organise the Support Worker Service?

A: There is no charge.

Assistive Technology Equipment

Q: My funding body has given me permission to order my equipment. What shall I do?

A: Contact us for guidance. We will probably need to see a copy of your funding confirmation letter.

Q: When will you deliver the equipment?

A: We deliver all hardware and software within 10 working days of confirmation of your funding. One of our engineers will deliver and set up your equipment. We will arrange a convenient time for you.

Q: I have been recommended a desk top computer on my needs assessment but I would prefer a laptop. Is it possible to change?

A: It is sometimes possible to change – contact us for more information.

Q: I have been recommended a computer in my needs assessment but I would like a higher specification. Is it possible to upgrade?

A: Yes, it is possible to upgrade as long as you are prepared to pay the upgrade cost yourself and provided the upgrade does not compromise the original purpose of the computer in the needs assessment. If you would like to discuss any potential upgrades please contact us.

Q: I am an NHS funded student, I have received the money for my equipment, what do I do now?

A: Before Clear Links can deliver your equipment you will need to pay Clear Links. You can pay by cheque or bank transfer. Please contact us to arrange the payment.

Assessors

Q: What are Clear Links’ charge rates?

A: They are located here.

Q: How can I get an equipment quote?

A: Simply email your requirements to quotes@clear-links.co.uk or contact us for a log in to our online quotation builder.