Hur används specialisterna i etableringsuppdraget? : en intervjustudie med fokus på identifiering av funktionsnedsättning hos nyanlända

Abstract

Introduction: Since late 2010, the Swedish Public Employment Service is responsible for the integration of newly arrived immigrants and their establishment into the labour market. For newly arrived immigrants and particularly refugees who are in a vulnerable situation, illness and disabilities need to be identified at an early stage in order to enable the use of the activities of the establishment program. The specialists (occupational therapists and physiotherapists) who have a consultative role usually support individuals with disabilities into working life. However, they are not used as often in the establishment program as in other programs at the Swedish Public Employment Service.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the use of specialists in identifying disabilities at an earlier stage in newly arrived migrants participating in the establishment program. Method: Seven specialists who work with the establishment program in Stockholm County were interviewed through semi-structured questions about their approach. The interview material was processed through qualitative thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke.

Results: The study revealed that it has taken a long time to find forms of cooperation with the employment officers in the establishment program. The fact that the program was new and that it has taken time for employment officers to organize themselves were two reasons. Moreover, many newly hired employment officers had started and they lack the knowledge and experience of working with rehabilitation cases. There were also doubts whether the system with “coding disabilities” used by the Swedish Public Employment Service, should be applied or not. Furthermore, to newly arrived immigrants, more basic needs like housing and economy can be more important than health issues.

Conclusions: Since the establishing program is a new mission for the Swedish Public Employment Service, finding routines for cooperation between employment officers and specialists have been time consuming. Meanwhile, the specialist perceived that the health aspect of the newly arrived immigrants has not been a priority for the employment officers. Though, in several offices it starts to work better. Consultation forums constitutes a great learning opportunity for new employment officers, also facilitating is, to have officers specialized in rehabilitation issues. Uncertainties concerning “disability coding” in the establishment program should be clarified.