Career Coach for Students with Disabilities in London

Do you want to play a direct role in helping young people with learning disabilities and additional needs take their first steps into the world of work? Are you a confident relationship-builder who can work equally well with vulnerable students and with employers? If so, this is a role where your contribution will be meaningful and visible every day.

As our Job Coach, you will work directly with students with learning disabilities, disabilities and mental health needs, helping them build confidence, develop employability skills and access meaningful work experience and employment. You will assess each student's capabilities and interests, create individual and group work programmes, source and manage employer placements, and support students throughout the entire process, from preparation and travel to on-placement coaching and advocacy.

This is a varied, outward-facing role that takes you out of the College and into the community, working closely with a wide range of employers and external partners to create opportunities that genuinely match each student's needs. Please note that this post is 38 weeks per year, aligned to the academic year.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct individual assessments to identify students' work capabilities, interests and training needs, and use these to create tailored individual and group work programmes.
• Source, arrange and liaise with external employers and partners to secure well-matched placements, completing all essential paperwork including health and safety, safeguarding and contractual agreements.
• Accompany and support students on placements individually and in groups, assisting with travel arrangements and acting as an ongoing link between students, employers, supervisors and co-workers.
• Write individual Vocational Plans, monitor and assess students prior to and during placement, and maintain accurate monitoring records and progress reports.
• Prepare CVs, arrange and attend job interviews with students, and train and coach students throughout college preparation and placement to meet employer standards.
• Act as an advocate for students where necessary, respond promptly to wellbeing concerns and provide personal care and welfare support as required.
• Liaise with Curriculum Managers, Course Leaders and SSA Coordinators to identify suitable participants, contribute to self-assessment and quality review, and represent the College at events and open days.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

What You'll Bring

• Experience of working with people with learning disabilities, additional needs or mental health conditions in a support, care or education setting.
• Experience of supporting individuals into work experience, employment or vocational training.
• Confidence in engaging and building relationships with employers and external partners.
• Ability to conduct assessments and produce clear, accurate written plans and records.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with students, families and professionals.
• Good organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload independently.
• Willingness to support personal care and welfare needs as required.
• A full driving licence or ability to travel independently to support students at external placement locations.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Even Better If You Have...

• A qualification in supported employment, SEND, social care or a related field.
• Experience in a Job Coach, Employment Advisor or Supported Employment role.
• Knowledge of supported employment models and vocational profiling.
• Experience working within an FE or educational setting.
• Experience producing CVs and supporting individuals through job application and interview processes.

Benefits

• The College offers employees a generous holiday allowance of 31 days annual leave for our support staff plus bank holidays. Pro Rata'd for part time employees.
• Annual Season Ticket Loans.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Employee Support Helpline.
• Eye Tests for DSE Users.
• Flu vouchers.
• Gym Facilities.
• Hair Salon Services and Beauty Treatments.
• High Street Discounts.