A mentor can give you support during a period when you have special needs – for example, when starting a new job, participating in a program, or during education. The mentor scheme is about having someone in your corner who helps you succeed.
The scheme is particularly useful in transition phases. When you start a new job, begin an education, or participate in a new program, there are many things to navigate. A mentor can help with everything from practical matters to emotional support.
The mentor is not a replacement for your manager or teacher. The mentor is an extra resource that helps you overcome the barriers that your disability may create.
What is a mentor?
A mentor is a person who supports and guides you during a period when you need extra help. The support can cover many different areas:
- Practical support: Help with structure, planning, and overview of tasks and deadlines.
- Social navigation: Help understanding unwritten rules, navigating the social environment, and functioning with colleagues.
- Emotional support: A sounding board for challenges and worries.
- Daily routines: Help getting up in the morning, keeping appointments, or other everyday challenges.
- Work tasks: Support in learning new tasks and routines.
The content of the mentoring depends on your specific needs and the situation you are in.
Who can receive a mentor?
The mentor scheme can be used by people with disabilities who:
- Are starting a new job: You need extra support to succeed in your new position.
- Are in a work trial or wage-subsidized employment: You are testing your opportunities at a workplace.
- Are participating in a program: You are in upskilling, rehabilitation, or job clarification.
- Are in education: You need support to complete a course or education.
The key is that you have a specific situation where mentor support can make a difference for your ability to succeed.
How long does the mentor scheme last?
The mentor scheme is temporary. The idea is that you receive support for a period until you can manage on your own or find other solutions.
- Typical duration: The scheme can last up to 6 months at a time.
- Possibility of extension: If there is still a need, the scheme can be extended.
- Flexible phasing out: The hours can be gradually reduced as you become more independent.
The idea is not that you should have a mentor permanently. The scheme is designed to help you through a transition phase.
Who can be a mentor?
Your mentor can be:
- A colleague at the workplace: Someone who knows the workplace and can help you navigate.
- An external mentor: A person who comes from outside and has mentoring as their primary task.
- A professional mentor: A person with specific expertise in your type of challenges.
The choice depends on your needs and the situation. The Jobcenter (Danish employment office) helps find the right mentor for you.
The difference between mentor and personal assistant
It is important to understand the difference:
- Personal assistant: Helps with specific practical tasks that you cannot do yourself. Is typically needed permanently.
- Mentor: Supports and guides you through a transition phase. Is typically temporary.
A personal assistant compensates for a permanent limitation. A mentor helps you through a period until you become more independent or find other solutions.
You can have both a mentor and personal assistance at the same time if you need both.
How to apply for a mentor
- Contact your caseworker: Talk to your caseworker at the Jobcenter about your situation and your needs.
- Describe your challenges: Be specific about what you need help with and in what situations.
- Assessment: The Jobcenter assesses whether the mentor scheme is right for you.
- Match with a mentor: A suitable mentor is found based on your needs.
- Start-up: You meet your mentor and together agree on how the mentoring should work.
Tip: Be open and honest about your challenges. The more clearly you can describe what you need help with, the easier it is to find the right mentor and set up the right support.
Practical tips
- Contact your caseworker early if you think you need mentor support
- Be specific about what challenges you expect to face
- Be open to different types of mentors
- Use the mentor actively – ask for help when you need it
- Give feedback if something isn't working
- Consider combining with other schemes if needed
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a say in who becomes my mentor?
Yes, you can express preferences and wishes. The Jobcenter tries to find a mentor that fits your needs and situation. If the match doesn't work, you can discuss alternative solutions.
Can the employer refuse that I have a mentor?
No, the employer cannot refuse. It is a support you are entitled to. But a good dialogue with the employer about the arrangement is important for it to work best.
Can I have both a mentor and personal assistance?
Yes, the schemes can be combined. If you have different needs – e.g., practical help and transition support – you can have both schemes at the same time.
Next step
You now have a good understanding of the mentor scheme. In the next and final guide, we look at Priority access – a scheme that gives you the right to a job interview when you apply for public positions.
Contact your caseworker at the Jobcenter to discuss whether the mentor scheme is right for you.