At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals achieve financial independence through tailored coaching and support.
- Company: Join the UK's largest public service department, dedicated to welfare and pensions.
- Benefits: Access learning opportunities, a supportive buddy system, and a diverse work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and the ability to navigate digital tools are essential.
- Other info: This is an 18-month office-based role with multiple locations available.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
This role at Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is available to people who served in the Armed Forces, OR be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame OR Military Spouse/Partner: Your current partner must still be serving OR was discharged within the last 12 months.
We want you to join us, learn new skills and bring your experience to our organisation. We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and we want to ensure that all our staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to do so. As part of your employment, you will have access to a range of learning and development, and a buddy who can help you to understand the Civil Service and enable you to make the most of the opportunities it offers.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. We are the UK\’s biggest public service department and administer the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers.
Role details
Organisation: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Job Title: Work Coach
Job Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
Positions available: 19
Salary: National £30,975
Locations:
- Erdington B23 6TD (2)
- Leicester Charles St LE1 3JD (1)
- Luton LU1 2ER (1)
- Bedford MK40 2EH (2)
- Leamington Spa CV32 4JE (1)
- Hereford HR1 2LX (1)
- Leominster HR6 8JE (1)
- Doncaster DN1 3LL (1)
- Hull HU2 8NF (1)
- Sleaford NG34 7DT (1)
- Sheffield Bailey Court S1 3SY (1)
- Sheffield Cavendish Court S1 2DR (1)
- Sheffield Hillsborough S6 2GG (1)
- York YO31 7JZ (1)
- Barnsley S70 2RL (1)
- Mexborough S64 0BD (1)
This is an office based role in a Jobcentre.
Contract Length: 18 months
DWP is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and we aspire to being the most inclusive employer in the United Kingdom.
The Work Coach role is rewarding, varied and complex and no two days will be the same as you will be dealing with different customers face to face and their specific support needs each day.
If you’re looking for a career that makes a clear and positive difference to people’s lives, then a DWP Executive Officer role may be an ideal for you!
Job description
As a Work Coach you hold a vital role in the Department, helping individuals and their families towards financial independence through work and enabling them to claim the support they need as they progress.
Work Coaches are customer-focused, dedicated individuals and able to deliver exceptional service with empathy and compassion to people who need their support.
As a Work Coach, you will use sound judgement to help people through some difficult, challenging times in their lives, and your tailored coaching can make a huge difference to their ability to find, stay in, and progress in a job.
Key Accountabilities
The Work Coach role is wide-ranging and diverse. You will be working with customers, employers and colleagues through a combination of face to face, digital and telephone contact on a daily basis. Some of the main activities are set out below:
- Providing support to customers claiming Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance and Income Support.
- Offering quality advice to customers about job search actions, supporting them to job search effectively in a largely digital world, and matching to suitable vacancies.
- Meeting your legal duty to comply with the Equality Act 2010 and making sure your customers get the additional support and advice to help them access our services.
- Building positive relationships with customers that encourages, motivates, and builds trust.
- Developing an in-depth knowledge of local employment opportunities and the support our service partners offer.
- Making timely decisions, based on customer needs, and referring them to appropriate help and support.
- Be accountable for performance and management of your caseload.
Person specification
What we are looking for:
- Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing to a wide range of diverse customers.
- The ability to understand complex information and give clear explanations to the customer.
- You will be able to coach customers to improve their movement into work.
- You must be able to navigate a range of computer systems to action tasks as well as coach customers to be confident using digital work search tools.
- You’ll also be required to handle telephony queries and have the ability to manage difficult situations where required in a calm and professional manner.
A Day in the Life of a Jobcentre Work Coach
How to Apply
To apply we will need:
- A completed Expression of Interest form – Please request from GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk quoting GFIE- 450 (v,s&p)
- A copy of your CV
Candidates who meet the GFIE criteria are guaranteed an informal conversation with DWP about their suitability for the role.
Informal conversations with candidates are expected to take place in September/ October and it is hoped that successful candidates start following successful security checks.
Closing Date: 24 September 2025
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GFIE-450 - DWP Work Coach (Multiple Locations - see below) employer: Going Forward into Employment
Contact Detail:
Going Forward into Employment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land GFIE-450 - DWP Work Coach (Multiple Locations - see below)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the DWP's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to supporting individuals towards financial independence will help you align your responses during informal conversations, showcasing your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in coaching or mentoring roles. Highlight specific examples where you've helped others overcome challenges, as this will demonstrate your ability to empathise and support customers effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Research local employment opportunities and support services in the areas where you're applying. Being knowledgeable about the job market will show your initiative and readiness to assist customers in finding suitable roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills, especially in handling difficult situations. Role-playing scenarios can help you feel more confident in managing challenging customer interactions, which is crucial for the Work Coach role.
We think you need these skills to ace GFIE-450 - DWP Work Coach (Multiple Locations - see below)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the Work Coach role at DWP. Read through the job description carefully and note the key responsibilities and skills required.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the Work Coach position. Emphasise your communication skills, ability to handle complex information, and any previous coaching or customer service experience.
Complete the Expression of Interest Form: Request the Expression of Interest form from the provided email address. Fill it out thoroughly, ensuring all sections are completed accurately to reflect your suitability for the role.
Prepare for Informal Conversations: Be ready for an informal conversation with DWP about your application. Think about how your background in the Armed Forces or as a Military Spouse/Partner has prepared you for this role, and be prepared to discuss your motivations and experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Going Forward into Employment
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Work Coach at DWP. Familiarise yourself with the key accountabilities and think about how your past experiences can relate to these duties.
✨Show Empathy and Compassion
As a Work Coach, you'll be helping individuals through challenging times. Prepare examples from your past where you've demonstrated empathy and compassion, as these qualities are crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools
Since the role involves coaching customers on digital job search tools, ensure you're comfortable with various computer systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with technology and how you can help others become confident in using these tools.