As a complex and unpredictable disease, MS can have varying effects on a person’s ability to work. New symptoms might make you question whether you can continue working and, when those symptoms subside, you might wonder why you were worried about work at all.
Call an MS Navigator today at 1-800-344-4867 to discuss your employment concerns.
Below you will find resources that are available to help with employment issues you may be facing.
Multiple sclerosis can have a significant impact on every aspect of life, including the world of work. Therefore, we are pleased to present a series of teleconferences on a variety of topics regarding Employment and MS.
Each teleconference lasts just one hour.
A 21st Century Approach to Job Searching (1/12/12)
Network your way to find that next job. Learn about the role online job boards and social networking websites can play in your job search. This program will include an optional online component for those who have internet access.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
The following may also be useful:
- How to Use Social Media in Your Job Search: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/networking/a/socialmedia.htm
- How to Hunt for a Job Using Social Media: http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/9692483-417/how-to-hunt-for-a-job-using-social-media.html
- How Social Media Will Help Your Job Search: http://socialmediatoday.com/jorgen-sundberg/358886/how-social-media-will-help-your-job-search
Get Informed: Legal Protections in the Workplace (1/26/12)
Learn about key employment laws, such as the ADA and FMLA, and how you can use them to make an informed decision about employment.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
- Job Accommodation Network: On the Job with Multiple Sclerosis Presentation
- Job Accommodation Network: Accommodation and Compliance Series- Employees with Multiple Sclerosis
- Job Accommodation Network: Accommodation and Compliance Series- The ADA Amendments Act of 2008
The following may also be useful:
- ADA and People with MS: National MS Society publication: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/multimedia-library/brochures/employment-issues/download.aspx?id=66
- The Win-Win Approach to Reasonable Accommodations: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/multimedia-library/brochures/employment-issues/download.aspx?id=66
- National MS Society Employment page including resources regarding legal protections: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/employment/index.aspx
Managing Challenging Resumes (2/9/12)
Do you need to restructure your resume due to gaps, layoffs, or a career change? Are you over 50 and need a resume makeover? HR professionals will address these and other resume challenges.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
- Writing a Winning Resume: What You Need to Know
- Corporate Restructuring and Your Resume: How to Deal with Mergers, Acquisitions, Company Closings, and Layoffs
- Dealing with Resume Gaps
- Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview Strategies for Older Workers
- Resumes for Older Workers
- When You Have a Challenging Background
The following may also be useful:
- AARP’s WorkSearch Information Network (www.aarpworksearch.org) for information for job seekers
- Suggested article from Magda Moncrief regarding resume gaps - http://money.cnn.com/2009/09/02/news/economy/resume_gap/index.htm
- Suggested article from Magda Moncrief regarding resume gaps - http://humanresources.about.com/od/careerandjobsearchhelp/a/employment_gap.htm
Reinvent Yourself (2/23/12)
Hear from others living with MS who changed careers after their diagnosis, along with a vocational specialist, on how to navigate this transitional period.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
- Navigating the Transition for a Career Change
- Self Assessment vs. Job Comparison Worksheet
- Symptom Worksheet
- Transferable Skills Inventory
- Work Values Worksheet
Home-Based Employment: What Employers Want (3/8/12)
Learn from employers about what they look for when hiring people to work from home.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
- Convergys Home Agency Presentation
- How to Find Work at Home Companies
- Pearl Interactive Network--Job Seeker FAQs
- What am I Doing Wrong?
- Telecommute Resumes vs. Standard Resumes
- Construction Executive Resume
- Hospitality Industry Resume
- IT Leader Resume
- Sales Leadership Account Executive Resume
- Medical Transcriptionist Telecommute Resume
Don't Do It Alone: Employment Resources (3/22/12)
Learn about agencies and resources available to help you gain and maintain employment.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
Staying in the game
>Find out more about topics in MS and employment
Disclosing Information about Your MS in the Workplace
>Should you tell your employer? What effect will it have?
Knowing Your Rights
>Understand the legal protections available to you.
Workplace Decisions
>Explore employment options and make decisions about your career.
Career Crossroads: Employment and MS was designed by employment and MS experts to help individuals living with MS remain in the workforce.
The program is a six-part series:
- Working With MS
- The Law's on Your Side (available as webcast)
- My Little Secret (available as webcast)
- Maximize Your Potential
- You're Not Alone
- Taking Charge
Contact the Blue Ridge Chapter at 1-800-344-4867 to request this self-guided program.
Education and preparation can be your most powerful secret weapon. The National MS Society is here to work with you as you navigate your employment options. We have the resources to add to your employment tool kit such as brochures, publications and videos; staff trained in employment issues; and education programs.
Armed with knowledge of resources and legal employment protections, you can set goals that are achievable, challenging, and exciting.