At a Glance
- Tasks: Support BOSS trainees in developing skills and confidence over a year-long programme.
- Company: Spectra, an arts company empowering people with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Freelance contract, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in the arts and support meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience working with learning disabled individuals and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 14332 - 14332 £ per year.
Spectra is seeking a Job Coach who will work alongside the two BOSS trainees to support them in developing their skills, knowledge and experience over the course of a year.
Terms: Freelance contract, September 2026 to September 2027
Fee: £14,332.50
Location: Hybrid – Sandwell, West Midlands, and working remotely
Deadline: 5pm on Tuesday 7 July 2026
About Spectra
Spectra is an arts company that works with people with learning disabilities to make positive change in their own lives, their communities and the world around them. We’re based in Sandwell and have been making performances, visual artwork and gardens since 2014.
What is BOSS?
BOSS is a training programme for learning disabled people who are passionate about the arts making a positive difference in the world. In September, two trainees will join Spectra staff to learn about being leaders in an arts organisation over the course of one year.
What will the role involve?
- Developing a positive, trusting relationship with the trainees
- Working in a person-centred and responsive way that centres the independence and capability of the trainees
- Understanding and responding to the needs of the trainees
- Supporting trainees to understand different aspects of managing Spectra. This might include:
- Breaking down tasks into manageable ‘chunks’ for trainees
- Creating resources such as timetables and easy-read documents to help trainees learn effectively
- Teaching specific roles and tasks in a way that best suits the trainees
- Supporting the trainees to identify, understand and advocate for their own needs
- Facilitating communication between the trainees, the team and wider networks
- Helping the trainees to think about their goals and develop plans for achieving them
- Supporting the trainees to reflect on their progress and develop their confidence, self-esteem and interpersonal skills
- Helping the Spectra team to develop the Job Coach role and BOSS programme as we go along
How will the role work?
The contract is for 73.5 days across the course of the programme. Your working hours may vary from week to week – some weeks you may work 1 day, and others 1.5 days, depending on the trainees’ needs and Spectra’s schedule. Spectra’s activity is normally scheduled Monday to Wednesday, and the whole team normally works together on a Tuesday at Spectra’s offices in Bearwood. You will work at various locations, including Spectra’s offices in Bearwood and community venues where Spectra activities are taking place. As this is a new programme, we expect that there will be a lot of learning as we move through the year. The Job Coach will play an instrumental role in how the programme and the role itself develops, so a degree of flexibility will be required.
This role would suit you if:
- You have lived or professional experience of working with learning disabled people in a person-centred way
- You are flexible and able to adapt to lots of different tasks and situations
- You are a clear communicator with strong interpersonal skills who actively centres care and can balance warmth and compassion with directness
- You enjoy working collaboratively, seeking to value the input of people with different lived experiences than your own
- You believe in the work that Spectra makes and its impact – and that an intersectional, radical approach running throughout all aspects of the organisation is necessary to that work
- You are authentic, inclusive, collaborative and enjoy a laugh
- You are organised, reliable, resourceful, have a strong work ethic, and like to take initiative
- You enjoy reflecting and are open to learning with the aim of making a more meaningful impact
Timeline and Key Dates
- Closing date for applications – 5pm on Tuesday 7 July 2026
- Interviews – Thursday 16 July 2026
- Start Date: w/c 7 September 2026
- Trainee Start Date: w/c 14 September 2026
Equitable opportunities
Given our work’s active celebration of diversity and exploration of intersectionality, we want our team to reflect these values. We encourage applications from people who are from marginalised or minoritised backgrounds. Our welcome extends beyond the recruitment process; we are committed to creating a working space that is safe and caring for all.
Job Coach employer: Spectra
Spectra is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, particularly for those passionate about making a positive impact in the arts community. With a focus on personal development and collaboration, employees have the opportunity to grow alongside trainees, enhancing their skills while contributing to meaningful change. Located in Sandwell, West Midlands, the hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a balanced approach to work and life.
