Job Description

We're looking for Connect to Work Job Coaches, Interested?

Do you want a role where you're recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, please keep reading as you're just what we're looking for!

The team...

Do you have a passion for helping people reach their potential and lead a fulfilling working life?



If so, we've set up a brand-new team to deliver the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Connect to Work local supported employment programme. Based within the Business Employment and Skills service, the team is helping people with autism, learning disabilities or belonging to specified target groups gain and sustain work.

About the roles...

We are looking for two Job Coaches to join our growing team and work with motivated, passionate and dedicated colleagues to make a difference to people's live and create long-lasting impact.



You will work one-to-one with Gateshead residents participating in the Connect to Work local supported employment programme to help them achieve their employment goals. Job Coaches will deliver a high-fidelity service in line with the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) to drive a high-quality customer experience and the sustained achievement of contractual performance measures.

The

posts are grant funded and are therefore subject to funding terms and conditions. They are offered on a fixed term basis to 30 June 2029.

Successful candidates will have knowledge of the core values of supported employment and the SEQF, out of work benefits and Department for Work & Pensions services, in-depth knowledge of the local labour market, equality legislation relevant to employment, inclusive recruitment practices and reasonable adjustments in the workplace



Knowledge of learning disabilities and autism applying to gaining and maintaining employment and the agencies and local/regional support services available to provide specialist support, systematic instruction and knowledge of safeguarding vulnerable adults is essential.



It is essential candidates understand barriers to employment experienced by those facing disadvantage in the labour market including carers, a person who is homeless a care experienced young person or care leaver, a victim/survivor of domestic abuse or modern slavery.



Candidates must hold either a Level 4 information, advice and guidance qualification or Level 4 employability practitioner or be prepared to work towards one.



If successful, you will be delivering services from go-live in autumn 2025. It is essential you have extensive experience delivering employment support or supported employment contracts with contractual job outcome performance measures.



A track record of providing information, advice and guidance with people with health conditions or disabilities to help them achieve work or learning goals is essential as is developing effective relationships with employers to help people who are unemployed or economically inactive access employment.



Successful candidates must have experience of action planning, effectively managing a caseload and using customer relationship management systems to record support provided, individual progress and outcomes achieved. Experience of working collaboratively with partners, stakeholders and specialist support organisations is essential as it will be a team effort to help people achieve their goals.



Exceptional interpersonal skills including empathy, patience, active listening and the ability to build trust and rapport are essential and candidates must demonstrate coaching and mentoring skills with the ability to motivate, empower and encourage others.



Candidates must have exceptional communication skills with the ability to adapt to different situations and audiences and be able to work collaboratively with employers, partners and stakeholders.



The skills to self-manage performance, quality and continuous improvement is a must and the ability to work independently, prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and solve problems is essential.



Candidates must have strong IT, written and presentation skills and demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy to deliver a high-quality service across all five stages of the SEQF.



If successful you will be required to apply for an enhanced Disclosure

A bit about Gateshead Council...

Gateshead is a constantly changing borough combining modern facilities with a fascinating heritage and the demand for our services continues to grow. We engage with many partners and contract a high number of services to deliver the best outcomes for our community. We're truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a sector leading service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.



People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.

What's in it for you? Well, there's so much on offer and here's just a few of the highlights!

You'll be paid a competitive salary 36,363 to 39,152pa We'll help you save for your future with an outstanding employer contribution to your pension. You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year. You'll have the opportunity to participate in the Council's Flexi time scheme, subject to management approval and business needs, which could be up to 26 flexi days per year. We offer hybrid working arrangements to ensure a positive work life balance. A robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas. You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better You'll have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping

It's time to apply!

We're delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile via this link

JOB PROFILE

. It's important that you read it in full and check that you meet the essential criteria, because when we start choosing people to come and meet us we'll be checking to ensure that they meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.



For an informal discussion or if you need any assistance, please contact

Julie Killick

by email juliekillick@gateshead.gov.uk including a contact telephone number before 19 December 2025 or between 5-8th January 2026.



Interviews are currently scheduled to take place Friday 23 January 2026



Previous applicants need not re-apply.