Connect to Work Job Coach

This recruitment is for two fixed-term positions: one post until 31 October 2028 and the other post until 31 March 2029.

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Empowering people to achieve their potential through meaningful employment.

Connect to Work is a new national programme focusing on supporting residents who are economically inactive to move into and sustain meaningful employment. The Council is delivering the Local Supported Employment part of the programme and it sits alongside Gateshead Council's existing Working Gateshead service. Connect to Work Job Coaches deliver a high-quality supported employment programme aligned to national frameworks, working with individuals who may face significant barriers such as learning disabilities, autism or other disadvantages in the labour market. Job Coaches deliver a person-centred, community-based way, providing tailored, practical support while building strong partnerships with employers, internal services and external organisations. Together, the team is committed to improving life chances, promoting inclusion and enabling people to achieve greater independence through sustainable work.

What you will get to do

• Provide one-to-one job coaching support to help economically inactive individuals (including those with learning disabilities, autism or from disadvantaged groups) achieve their employment goals
• Engage, onboard and manage a caseload across all five stages of the supported employment model
• Develop vocational profiles and action plans by identifying skills, experience, needs and support networks
• Carry out job analysis, job matching and employer engagement, including creating opportunities through job carving
• Work collaboratively with employers, offering specialist advice, supporting workplace inclusion and completing risk assessments
• Deliver in-work support (e.g. systematic instruction, travel training, personal safety and skill development) to build independence
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal services, partners, stakeholders and community organisations
• Deliver outreach support across communities boroughwide
• Ensure safeguarding policies are followed for vulnerable adults
• Maintain accurate, timely records and evidence in CRM systems in line with funding and quality framework requirements
• Carry out additional duties appropriate to the role

What you will bring

• Level 4 Information, Advice & Guidance / Employability qualification (or willingness to work towards), alongside strong knowledge of supported employment principles, the Supported Employment Quality Framework, Department for Work and Pension's services and the local labour market
• Strong understanding of equality legislation, inclusive recruitment practices and reasonable adjustments, ensuring fair and accessible employment opportunities for all
• In-depth knowledge of learning disabilities and autism in relation to employment, including awareness of relevant local and regional specialist support services
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding vulnerable adults and the ability to apply this confidently in practice
• Understanding and practical application of systematic instruction to support individuals to learn, develop and sustain skills in the workplace
• Awareness of barriers to employment faced by disadvantaged groups (including carers, homeless individuals, care leavers and survivors of domestic abuse or modern slavery) and the ability to tailor support accordingly
• Proven experience delivering employment support, managing caseloads and building effective relationships with employers and partners, combined with strong communication, coaching and organisational skills to achieve sustained outcomes

If successful you will have to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme : We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides:
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours : Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options and a requirement to be office based for a minimum of 40% of your working week.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme : Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme : Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Everyone's welcome here

Were an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we’re an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who’s truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We’ll go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.

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