Wondering what a work coach at the Jobcentre actually does? Let’s take a look at how they can help you with your job search…
Finding a job, especially if you’re new to the world of work, can be challenging.
If you’re a young person looking for work, or you’re unsure about who can help with your job search, Jobcentre Plus and their work coaches could help you.
Let’s take a closer look at what work coaches at Jobcentre Plus locations do, how they can help you find secure employment, and achieve your goals.
What does Jobcentre Plus do?
Jobcentre Plus is a part of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). It’s an employment agency and social security office that provides help with job searching and financial support to people who are unemployed, looking for work, and claiming benefits.
It’s job is to help you prepare for, find and stay in work. Whether you’re looking to claim benefits or find a job/training, Jobcentre Plus can provide you with the resources and guidance you need to get started.
What does a jobcentre plus work coach do?
Jobcentre Plus work coaches will provide individual support to people who are unemployed, looking for a job and claiming benefits.
When you are claiming benefits, like Universal Credit, and you are able to work, you will be assigned a work coach. They’ll provide advice on job vacancies and training opportunities, and help you improve your job search skills.
Essentially, the role of a Jobcentre Plus work coach is to provide personalised support to help you find work and stay in secure employment.
How will a Jobcentre Plus work coach help me?
Their goal is to help you find employment in a stable, rewarding job that allows you to be financially independent. To do this, they will:
Help you identify your skills
Work coaches will help you identify your skills and strengths to find suitable jobs based on your interests and qualifications.
When you first meet, you’ll likely talk about your career goals, experience and skills to discover what you’re best at and how these skills can be applied to different jobs. They’ll also help you find areas for improvement or training opportunities to make you a more competitive job candidate.
Find opportunities
As we just mentioned, a work coach will help you explore potential job opportunities that are suitable for you and your abilities. They can assist with job searches, review job vacancy listings, and connect you with potential employers.
You can also get help looking for training opportunities, including apprenticeships. There are many free classes, courses and programmes available through the government, Jobcentre and other organisations which can help boost your CV and land an ideal job.
Provide practical support
Your work coach can also help you through the preparation, application and interview stages of job hunting.
This includes help on creating a strong CV, cover letter, and completing application forms so that you feel confident to do this by yourself, and completing mock interviews and getting feedback.
Help you understand the benefits process
Your work coach will also manage the process of claiming benefits. They’ll assess eligibility and your individual circumstances, ensure your details are up to date, provide money managing advice, and support you if there are any issues.
If you need extra support, including debt advice, housing support and mental health services, your work coach can signpost you towards this.
Provide support and advice
Once you’ve found a job, you’ll still receive support and advice if you need it. If you’re in employment and still claiming benefits like Universal Credit, your work coach will continue to review your entitlement and support you with any financial issues you may have.
They can also advise you on navigating your new working life, solving workplace problems, dealing with health issues that are work-related or impact your ability to work, and planning for your future career progression.
What will my work coach require me to do?
You’ll meet with your work coach to discuss your job search. How frequent this is will depend on your individual needs and what kind of benefits you’re claiming.
If you’re able to work, you’ll be required to commit to searching for employment, with the help of your work coach, as this is what the service is helping you to do.
Working towards this commitment is very important, as not doing so can affect the benefits you receive, including reducing or stopping your benefits.
How do I get a Jobcentre Plus work coach?
Jobcentre Plus work coaches only provide personalised support to those unemployed and claiming benefits. This means when you start to claim financial support, you’ll be automatically assigned a work coach.
You can find more information about the different types of financial support here, and see what you’re eligible for.
Jobcentre Plus Support
See how the Jobcentre can help young people get jobs, training, work experience and other opportunities, and explore Frequently Asked Questions to understand what support you could receive.
More Jobcentre Plus Information
