At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to achieve meaningful employment and develop essential skills.
- Company: A passionate organisation dedicated to empowering people with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy varied responsibilities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be a catalyst for change and help others gain independence and confidence.
- Qualifications: GCSE in English and Maths, strong communication skills, and a full UK driving licence.
Our vision is a future where people with learning disabilities can live the best life possible.
We achieve this by working together to campaign for positive change, provide personalised support, and create opportunities for independent living.
Role Purpose As an Employability Coach based at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, your primary goal is to support people with learning disabilities to move towards meaningful, paid employment within their communities.
You will help individuals to: Develop practical and transferable employment skills Gain real-world work experience Increase independence and confidence Achieve personal aspirations Make informed choices about their future Stay safe and supported throughout their journey You will work closely with local employers, Job Centres, third sector organisations, local authorities, and families to identify and secure suitable employment opportunities.
As part of the Supported Employment team, you will guide individuals from skill development through to sustained, long-term employment.
Key Responsibilities Participant Support & Development
- Provide tailored, person-centred employability support, including job coaching, job search, and interview preparation
- Deliver on-the-job training, breaking tasks into manageable steps using Training in Systematic Instruction (TSI)
- Support individuals during work trials and placements
- Promote independence through structured and gradually reduced (“graded”) support
- Help individuals develop key workplace skills such as communication, timekeeping, and professional behaviour
- Support travel training, workplace integration, and social inclusion
- Workplace Integration
- Liaise with employers to understand workplace expectations, culture, and policies
- Support individuals to integrate successfully into their roles and workplace environments
- Identify reasonable adjustments and assistive technology to support success
- Ensure individuals understand and follow health and safety procedures Planning & Progression
- Contribute to and implement individual employment plans
- Monitor progress and adapt support strategies as needed
- Encourage long-term employability skills beyond current placements
- Support access to resources and funding opportunities where appropriate
- Collaboration & Communication
- Work in partnership with families, carers, employers, and professionals to resolve challenges
- Communicate effectively with managers and stakeholders regarding participant progress
- Deliver or support disability awareness and inclusion practices within workplaces
- Attend and contribute to meetings, training sessions, and reviews Employer Engagement
- Build relationships with local and national employers
- Identify and develop employment opportunities
- Promote inclusive employment practices Compliance & Administration
- Complete accurate records and reports in line with organisational and commissioner requirements
- Ensure risk assessments and support plans are in place and regularly reviewed
- Follow organisational policies, including health and safety standards You will be:
- Passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities
- A strong communicator with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of people
- Patient, adaptable, and solution-focused
- Organised and able to manage a varied workload Essential Requirements GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade 5 or above) Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work Additional information: This role requires flexibility, as duties may vary depending on the needs of the individuals and employers you support.
- Interviews will take place on 17th and 18th August via Teams
Employability Coach in Wakefield employer: Hft
Join a dynamic and supportive work environment where your leadership in the Sales Ledger function will be valued. We prioritise employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Located in a vibrant area, our company offers a competitive benefits package and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, making it an excellent place for motivated individuals seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employability Coach in Wakefield
✨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 Hft.
✨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 Hft!
✨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 Hft, 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 Hft 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 Employability Coach in Wakefield
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 Hft:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hft! 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 Hft
✨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.
