Work & Learning Coach

This position is on a Fixed Term contract until 31st March 2026

About Us

YMCA Brighton is a registered charity. We provide supported accommodation to over 300 people across the city of Brighton alongside our Evolve Work and Learning Service.EVOLVE Work and Learning is funded in part by OHID (Office of Health Improvement and Disparities) to deliver work and learning coaching to Brighton and Hove residents who are in treatment with the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services in the city. This includes the CGL treatment service, St Thomas Fund, Brighton Housing Trust Rehabs and the Oasis women’s service. We have worked in partnership with the treatment service for the past 12 months and have just received further funding for the next 12 months.As a Work and Learning coach, you will provide 1:1 coaching support for up to 12 months to Brighton and Hove residents who are in treatment with the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services in the city, to pursue, achieve, and sustain their work, learning and volunteering aspirations. Depending on each individual’s goals and circumstances, the timeframe can be tailored to meet the client\’s need.Our MissionWe provide the home, the community and the services that equip people to overcome barriers and achieve their aimsOur VisionWorking together to create an inclusive community where everyone can belong, contribute and thriveOur ValuesCommunity, Compassion and EmpowermentYou will receive:Comprehensive Induction into the roleComprehensive Training package – face-to-face and online training on a wide range of subjects to ensure you are equipped with the skills and knowledge to carry out your duties and tasks required and further develop your career.You will receive regular Supervision Support from your Line Manager.Work in a supportive environment.An encouraged culture to support staff health & well-being and a healthy work-life balance.Opportunity to access debriefs, counselling and reflective practice sessions when the job is challenging.Staff benefits from a wide range of health & well-being services.Annual Leave Entitlement 25 days plus Bank Holidays pro rata.Well-being time per week.We are a National Living Wage Employer.This position is based in Brighton, East Sussex.

About the job

Overview of the roleService users are supported to access any opportunity to achieve their aspirations through:1-1 support sessions up to 12 months.Varying levels of support to suit individual needsAccompanying service users to appointments/courses/interviews.Facilitated workshop sessionsWorkshops and events on a wide array of topics, including skills and confidence building, preparation and readiness, as well as creative, wellbeing and therapeutic activities.Referrals/signposting into citywide servicesPractical support to access activities or items needed, for example, exploring options for travel cost, clothing, and funding towards accessing training/courses identified.Occasional working outside of office hours may be necessary to offer maximum flexibility to potential and existing coaches.Key Responsibilities1. Work alongside the City’s partners in the wider drug and alcohol treatment service to identify individuals who would benefit from taking steps towards work, learning or volunteering opportunities.2. Undertake work and learning, welcome meetings with prospective coaches to identify their strengths and aspirations and how these can be met.3. Manage a caseload of individual coaches, to assist with their own decisions, solve issues that are holding them back, learn new skills, and progress towards their goals.4. Provide regular reviews and agree on timescales with individuals, using a range of agreed methods of contact.5. Provide practical and emotional support where necessary, aimed at building greater confidence and independence, with gradually-reducing practical assistance such as accompanying to assessments, travel and assisting with enrolments.6. Facilitate drop-in sessions and workshops on a diverse range of topics including activities aimed at confidence and self-esteem, creativity and work-readiness e.g. CV writing; interview skills; workplace behaviour; getting online, and accessing clothing and equipment.7. Working closely with charities; statutory organisations; Job Centre Plus; employers and learning providers to source individualised opportunities for clients, based on their identified strengths, interests and aspirations.8. Maintain accurate records of each individual’s progress. Create and manage own correspondence, reports, casework and diary notes9. Participate in multi-agency meetings; joint planning with other providers; and case conferences as appropriate.10. Represent Brighton YMCA at external and community meetings as required.11. Ask about and act upon any disclosure of violence, abuse, or safeguarding concerns, completing reports to statutory and other organisations in line with Pan Sussex safeguarding policies, Brighton YMCA policies and following instructions in full consideration of the client’s wishes.12. Adhering to Brighton YMCA’s published policies and procedures. Following these procedures at all times, including but not limited to those relating to EDI, Safeguarding, Health and Safety.13. In line with GDPR and Confidentiality, clients, volunteers, and/or staff information is confidential. It is a requirement of employment that you will not use or disclose any confidential information obtained under data protection legislation.14. All staff have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of service users, volunteers, their families, and carers. You have a duty to ensure you are familiar with safeguarding policies, attend safeguarding training, and know who to contact if you have concerns about an adult or child’s welfare.15. To actively engage in training, wider learning and development opportunities at an individual and team level.16. Attend internal team meetings to monitor and progress the service’s performance in accordance with Brighton YMCA’s policies, budget, aims and plan17. Participate in personal supervision, performance appraisal, and reflective practice.18. Contribute to the safety and well-being of the service, other staff, visitors and coaches.19. Provide monitoring data to ensure that targeted, outcome-focused support is achieving positive change in line with expectations from our commissioners and other external organisations, including contributing to regular outcomes reports for the service.20. Promote Brighton YMCA’s ethos, values and practices, modelling positive, professional and compassionate behaviour.21. Follow Brighton YMCA’s Code of Conduct and policies relating to diversity and inclusion and Safeguarding protocols at all times.22. To undertake any other duties which reasonably fall within the range and responsibilities of this post, as directed.Person Specification Work and Learning CoachKnowledge and UnderstandingUnderstanding of coaching approachesAn Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) or coaching/mentoring or related qualification or accreditationAn understanding of working with adults with compound needs.Understanding of the barriers that homeless, marginalised or socially excluded people face in relation to work, learning and volunteering, and ways of overcoming themUnderstanding of trauma-informed care and psychologically-informed approaches.Understanding of welfare benefits/welfare reform and the impact of these upon transitioning to workA clear understanding of, and commitment to, client confidentiality and professional boundariesDemonstrable experience in supporting people to achieve their personal goals and bring about positive changeExperienceExperience in delivering information, advice and guidance servicesPrevious experience in delivering workshops, learning or coaching activitiesExperience in managing challenging behaviour or circumstances in an assertive, positive and supportive wayResourcefulness and adaptability – able to work to own initiative and as part of a teamSkills and AbilitiesExcellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with and motivate othersProficient in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Outlook, databases and the internet.Excellent organisational and time management skills and the ability to work towards multiple deadlinesAbility to work in partnership with outside agencies and others, identifying and developing new partnerships as appropriate to key clientsOther requirementIs emotionally resilient, self-aware and able to reflect on their own approach and practiceCommitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, including amongst those facing additional barriers to seeking helpCommitment to taking a client-centred, strengths-based approachCommitment to participating in learning and personal developmentIf you think this is for you, we would love to hear from you – by completing the questions listed below and uploading your up-to-date CV.Closing Date: Midday Wednesday 21st May 2025Interviews will be held within 14 days of the closing date.Employment with YMCA Brighton is conditional on a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, a minimum of 2 satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.We are an equal opportunities employer who constantly strive to be representative of the communities we serve. We value the unique perspectives and talents that people bring from a variety of cultural backgrounds and experiences, and we recognise the added value that diversity continually brings to the organisation.

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