Making Strides Progression Coach

Job Purpose 

To support SEND (young people with disabilities) on the Shaw Trust supported internships to progress on their work placements and make successful transitions into paid work. To provide training and support for business partners and families, to ensure success during the workplace placements and to seek out job opportunities both within and outside of the host employer.

Position available in Wakefield

Shaw Trust provides support to young people across schools, SFA that include providing information advice, guidance and support to ensure young people are able to assess their attributes and circumstances, planning to meet learning goals, supporting the intern to implement their plans and keeping these under review.

We would like individuals that are committed to supporting and engaging with young people to ensure they develop resilience and are able to make positive and sustainable transitions through education and training into employment. In particular, those that are energetic, passionate, dynamic and innovative in their approach to achieving the above.

Job Description

• Provides individualised support for interns at the host business worksite placement or competitive job which includes: job coaching, identifying job placements, assistive technology, etc.
• Attends host business induction to ensure student understanding and learning
• Works with managers and co-workers to educate on disability awareness 
• Communicates with parents on a regular basis
• Visits students and give feedback to all team members
• Meets daily with tutor to discuss student progress
• Meets regularly with business liaison, managers and peer mentors to discuss student strengths and challenges, issues, progress, etc
• Works with tutor to plan events such as induction, information nights/Open days and graduation
• Works with other team members to provide internal and external marketing for business and community such as newsletter articles, website information, tours, community presentations, social media etc.
• Communicates effectively with the tutor, other job coaches, the senior practitioner, employers, co-workers, family members, and school and agency personnel as it relates to the student being trained.
• Carries out steps of job coaching plan with students and other parties as appropriate.
• Work with employers, families, job placement specialist, agency personnel, school personnel and other appropriate parties to problem solve issues related to training and employment.
• Train students in the areas of grooming, hygiene, communication, interviewing, and behaviour as they relate to successful employment.
• Provides travel training to job site if necessary.
• Communicates with tutor to make final decisions regarding any issues that may affect student success at a worksite rotation or competitive job site. 
• Participates in decision-making process to identify and implement training strategies and/or services with other staff and host business staff.
• Adheres to and promotes standards of the host business and/or competitive work site in order to promote job productivity and efficiency.
• Submits and completes appropriate job coaching paperwork.
• Applies for Access to Work allowance on behalf of the students
• Provides basic information about benefits, work-related expenses etc
• Recognises and acts on the legal responsibilities concerning the safety and welfare of the students.
• To be knowledgeable about current trends, LMI, thoughts and initiatives in education
• To work as a member of a team to ensure the education and welfare of all students
• To ensure a clear understanding of the nature of each student’s learning difficulties and or social/emotional needs and take steps to address these needs
• To arrange access to stimulating learning environments both in and out of the work place
• To use and utilise a variety of support methods and resources appropriate to the needs of the students
• Be prepared to undertake a training programme such as first aid if appropriate

Person Specification

• NVQ Level 6 or equivalent qualification in Careers Education and Guidance, Youth and Community work or Social Care (or willing to work towards)
• Level 3 Education and Training Award (or willing to work towards)
• Strong communicator verbally, in writing and using various IT tools with a diverse group including Senior Managers, other professionals, young people and parents.
• Entrepreneurial and dynamic able to identify and implement new ways of working that enhances service delivery and outcomes for young people.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Experience of working with teams to set and maintain a positive culture.
• An ability to develop and sustain effective relationships with key organisations.
• Well organised and able to manage own workload.
• Strong track record of achieving contract KPI’s and achieving outcomes for young people.
• An ability to work in and create strong partnerships with other organisations.
• Track record of developing new services for young people.
• Track record of bringing in additional income or contracts
• Personal and professional demeanour which generates credibility and confidence with clients, managers, staff, external partners and all other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and guidance relating to Children and Young People’s Services and SEND