At a Glance
- Tasks: Support benefits claimants by providing guidance and helping them build confidence and skills.
- Company: Join the Department for Work and Pensions, a key player in public service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: 18-month role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while kickstarting your civil service career.
- Qualifications: Care-experienced young people are encouraged to apply; no specific qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 35615 - 37016 £ per year.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is recruiting Work Coaches (Executive Officer) through the Going Forward into Employment scheme for care‑experienced young people. This 18‑month, full‑time, office‑based role is in Croydon or Sutton with 37 hours per week and a salary of £35,615–£37,016 per year.
As a Work Coach, you’ll support benefits claimants by providing guidance, helping them build confidence, develop skills and move toward employment, using face‑to‑face, telephone and digital methods.
Work Coach (EO) — Start Your Civil Service Career in London employer: Drive Forward Foundation
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As a Work Coach in Croydon or Sutton, you will not only have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of care-experienced young people but also benefit from comprehensive training and career progression pathways within the civil service. Join us to be part of a team that values inclusivity, collaboration, and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Work Coach (EO) — Start Your Civil Service Career in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Drive Forward Foundation.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Drive Forward Foundation!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Drive Forward Foundation, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Drive Forward Foundation or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Work Coach (EO) — Start Your Civil Service Career in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Drive Forward Foundation:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Drive Forward Foundation! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Drive Forward Foundation
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
