Job Description

BACKGROUND

Just Straight Talk

was established in October 2012. JST provides advice and support to unemployed and economically inactive individuals seeking employment, training opportunities, education, and assistance for digitally excluded people, as well as those requiring help with their health and well-being.

We have launched a new project, Digital Divide, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. We are seeking a Full-Time Digital Coach for this initiative, with a strong background in coaching and supporting individuals in using digital devices and online services.

Role Fixed Term: Until July 2026

Job Purpose

Just Straight Talk (JST) are delivering the Digital Divide project within disadvantaged communities across Dudley to individuals often excluded to introduce, engage and encourage digital learning, confidence and progression, which will result in lifelong outcomes and development, for the rest of their lives. JST is a grassroots organisation with projects at the core of the community, embedded within and having trusted routes into neighbourhoods with those who face the most significant barriers.

The core focus will be to 200 individuals who are most excluded, digitally, socially and economically, from living in poverty and distress, and those without the means to get online, including refugees and migrants, those with physical and mental health issues, those with disabilities, long-term unemployed, low-income families, young people and those facing redundancy. Our support is tailored and entirely person-centred, addressing the entry point of each individual and supporting them from novice to starter, and ultimately ready to progress.

Key Tasks

The post holder will operate and work flexibly to ensure the project delivers its outcomes for people in Dudley. The role will include:

Development and Delivery

Engaging with local people from deprived wards in Dudley to promote the Digital Divide Project

Complete Individual Learner Record forms and enrolment paperwork to get learners onto the project and begin support

Upload Learner record to the Learner Entry Tool

Work towards the aims of objectives and progression targets from the Digital Divide Plan: 60 % to receive support to access the NHS App, 60 % into accredited learning and 20% into Employment

Supporting both individuals and groups with the confidence and skills in equipment such as devices, tablets and internet access

Monitor participant progress against agreed action plans, providing advice and support and onward referrals and signposting, if required.

Manage a caseload of Learners requiring digital support and skills before entering employment.

Delivering group and 1-1 activities, ensuring interesting, diverse and varied sessions, including essential device functions, emails, online services, NHS app, securing and Scam Awareness

Adapting manuals/guides and approaches with the learners to meet their needs.

Facilitating partnership working across Dudley to ensure successful delivery of the project

Working with a range of statutory and non-statutory partners to encourage referrals

Ensure all activities from the project and relevant data collection is completed in a timely and accurate manner

Maintain participant records in line with contract and funding requirements

Continued technical support to groups and Learners

Knowledgeable and be able to offer impartial advice on technology from devices to internet options

Use diagnostic screening, assessments, and skills analysis to support learners in considering all available options to gain employment.

Coach people on how to use/get the most from their devices at home, e.g., shopping online, sending and receiving emails, and making video calls with family and friends using platforms such as Skype/Zoom/FT/MS Teams.

Contacting people to arrange a date/time to support them (home visits or supporting them remotely)

Re-building participant confidence and self-efficacy in the post-COVID landscape through supportive interaction and signposting to required activities and training.

Feeding back on progress & data to project manager and funding body by keeping records and providing regular update reports

Undergoing training in technology, particularly adaptive technology

Seeking, sourcing and recruitment of volunteers into the project

Completing all relevant paperwork and maintaining written documents to be stored on a database and then storing these away to comply with the Data Protection Act

Produce monthly narrative progress reports and case studies as directed by the Delivery leader

To protect the interests and dignity of individuals who are vulnerable and keep up to date on changes with safeguarding procedures

Identifying the needs of people and be ready to adapt to the changing needs

Ensuring people are fully involved in the support provided and encouraged to access further learning

Ability to adhere to good working practice as laid down by JST policy and procedures

To independently supervise and facilitate tech activity sessions

To carry out any other duties as requested by management.

Identifying new and existing opportunities within the local community and encouraging people to engage with relevant services

Supporting the sustainability of this 16-month project

Other

Promoting and championing the WMCA Digital Divide project, The JST Organisation and its other projects

Providing narrative reports and case studies to manager by deadlines

Undertaking regular supervision with the Delivery Leader

Actively participate in relevant staff training and development opportunities

Attend and actively contribute to team meetings, including the sharing of best practices

Adhere to and implement all relevant policies and procedures

To undertake out-of-hours working as required

Other activities as required for the success of the JST Project

Other duties commensurate with the post

Experience in interfacing with a range of different support agencies

Car driver with access to own vehicle

Good Leadership skills and experience of working with volunteers with the ability to help others develop their leadership skills

Networking and influencing skills to find additional resources for the community

Experience in problem-solving to find solutions that work for a variety of people

The ability to travel around Dudley regularly as required by the demands of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

All candidates will be considered on their ability to meet the requirements of this person specification.

Essential Experience, Knowledge & Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively guide and support users.

Strong technical knowledge across various digital platforms and applications.

Confidence in presenting to varying group sizes with experience of facilitation and delivery in person and /or online

A good knowledge of working to address the needs of people who are currently digitally excluded and living in deprivation

Ability to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles.

Patience and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot technical issues

Understanding of adult learning principles

Experience in coaching and working with others to explain information clearly, calmly and concisely

Experience in delivering training sessions, both in person and online

Experience of working with diverse communities and marginalised groups of people

Experience in using individual and community assets towards capacity building and building self-resilience/ community resilience

Experienced in the delivery of digital group sessions and activities

Understanding of the barriers encountered by people and other marginalised groups in accessing digital technology/ internet usage

Ability to build rapport and engage with others, especially those who may feel disengaged or lacking in confidence

Excellent level of IT skills - specifically mobile devices, tablets and laptops and the ability to access and navigate the internet and use a wide range of new media, including social networking applications, effectively and safely

Safeguarding - Display an awareness, understanding and commitment to protecting and safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults.

Excellent interpersonal skills - approachable, responsive, ability to build trust and rapport with people, ability to facilitate

Effective written and verbal communication skills - an excellent communicator with active listening skills

Be able to develop effective working relationships.

Ability to think creatively and generate ideas and solutions

Good organisational skills

Experience of setting up 1-1 or group sessions

Able to maintain a database and produce reports when required, paying attention to detail

Ability to accurately record information in systems and follow processes

Ability to adapt communication to meet the needs of a range of diverse learners, including those living with learning disabilities and other physical, sensory and mental impairments

Qualifications/ training

Minimum of GCSEs grade 4 in English and Maths or equivalent.

Evidence of continual professional development

Information, Advice and Guidance qualification Level 4. Coaching qualification at EMCC / ILM Level 5 Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring (or equivalent),

Level 3 in Teaching award or working towards

Personal qualities and attributes

Responsive to people's needs, a high level of empathy and patience

Proactive and positive with a 'can-do' attitude

Ability to encourage, motivate and inspire people

Demonstrate a flexible approach to the job role

Non-judgemental and able to demonstrate respect for and understanding of people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, cultures and faith

Be compassionate, empathetic and caring to everyone

Enable yourself and others to act with confidence and authority to achieve the best outcome for everyone

Work with others. Be inclusive by understanding and valuing others to achieve the best results for everyone and everything we do. Act with transparency and honesty; respect and value others to do the right thing at the right time for everyone.

The post-holder must complete an

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service

Check,

as the Project specifically targets legally defined vulnerable adults.

Just Straight Talk promotes integrity and good conduct in all employment matters. We will ensure all applicants are treated fairly, consistently, and impartially for all posts. JST will seek to avoid discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, disability, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief and pregnancy or maternity throughout every stage of the recruitment process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 25,000.00-25,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Willingness to travel:

75% (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bilston WV14 9LJ

Application deadline: 04/07/2025
Reference ID: JST57
Expected start date: 21/07/2025