The Municipality of Athens has announced the launch of a new, specialized employment counseling service aimed at people on the autism spectrum as well as recipients of mental health services, according to an official statement.

Mayor of Athens Haris Doukas was quoted as saying that employment is both a fundamental right and a key pillar of social inclusion. He noted that through the interactive JobsLink platform for Asperger’s syndrome, the municipality is strengthening its Job Center by partnering with specialized organizations to ensure targeted and effective support.

A fair city, he underlined, is one that rejects discrimination and creates equal opportunities, enabling everyone to participate in the labor market with confidence.

As outlined in the announcement, the service will operate in collaboration with the Hellenic Association for Asperger’s Syndrome at the municipal Job Center on Liosion Street. Its objective is to support beneficiaries in entering or re-entering the workforce through a comprehensive framework that combines career counseling, skills development, and direct links with employers.

At the heart of the initiative lies JobsLink, a nationwide equal-opportunities employment program developed by the association and supported by a purpose-built digital platform connecting jobseekers and employers. The platform targets individuals whose often exceptional abilities in specific fields remain underutilized due to barriers in accessing employment.

The model is based on structured mediation, with trained mentors facilitating the connection between candidates and employers. This staffed support system is designed to create tangible job opportunities for people who have traditionally been excluded from the labor market.

The service is delivered by a specialized psychologist and offers beneficiaries career guidance for workforce integration, employer counseling and awareness-raising on autism-friendly workplaces, skills enhancement and confidence building, as well as free support for both employees and businesses through the JobsLink platform.