Project

Empowering Participation through Coaching-Based Work Rehabilitation - OSAAVAT

Project sponsors

Abbreviation
Osaavat
Focus area
Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation
Implementation time
1.8.2026 - 28.2.2029
Unit
School of Health and Social Studies
Financing program
European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) 2021-2027
UN Sustainable development goals
Project description
The discontinuation of rehabilitative work activities and the ongoing reform of the service system have created a need for new types of services that support functional capacity, social inclusion, and readiness for working life. The OSAAVAT Project (Strengthening Inclusion Through a Coaching Approach in Work Ability Support Activities) addresses this need by developing a service model that supports functional capacity for individuals who require long-term support in their daily lives, well-being, and future planning.

The project's objective is to strengthen participants' work ability, functional capacity, social inclusion, and everyday life management while also producing a new, evidence-informed service model for professionals that has been tested and proven effective in practice.

What does the project do?

The project develops, pilots, and evaluates a new service that supports functional capacity. Activities include:

  • Weekly group activities for participants
  • Individual guidance and support
  • Methods that strengthen functional capacity, social inclusion, and well-being
  • Training for professionals and development of a coaching-oriented working approach
  • Evaluation and research on the impacts of the service model
  • Production of an operational model and handbook to support broader implementation
Who is the project for?

The project's primary target group consists of unemployed individuals and other working-age adults who need support in strengthening their functional capacity, social inclusion, everyday life management, or readiness for employment. The target group particularly includes individuals who need new service solutions supporting functional capacity, either as a replacement for or in addition to rehabilitative work activities.

A second key target group comprises professionals working with unemployed people and others in need of support. These professionals work in wellbeing services counties, employment services, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, and other service organizations.


A Service Model Developed Through Co-Creation

Co-creation is at the heart of the project. The new functional capacity support service model is designed, tested, and evaluated together with jobseekers and the professionals who work with them. This ensures that the service genuinely responds to the needs of both service users and the organizations providing the services.

Participants' lived experiences, professionals' practical expertise, and research-based knowledge are combined in the development process to create a comprehensive and effective service model.

Further Information

Katri Karjula
Project Manager
Tel. +358 50 456 7777
firstname.lastname@jamk.fi

Project results

The main outcome of the OSAAVAT project is an evidence-based service model built on a coaching-oriented approach that strengthens the effectiveness and quality of services supporting work ability and functional capacity. The project will develop and pilot a transferable and scalable group coaching model for individuals who need support in everyday life management, social inclusion, functional capacity, and pathways toward employment or education.

Key project outputs include a practical implementation handbook, a training programme for coaches and professionals, and a co-creation forum for service development. In addition, approximately 140 participants will receive concrete support to strengthen their agency, social inclusion, and functional capacity, while around 40 professionals will enhance their competence in applying a coaching-oriented approach.

Project outcomes will be evaluated through both quantitative and qualitative methods, using validated instruments that measure functional capacity, inclusion, resilience, and personal agency. The results will be widely disseminated through publications, training activities, seminars, communications, and professional articles to support the broader adoption of the model across services promoting work ability and social inclusion.

2.10.2026