DWP work coach anyone?

[relievedlady]

Hey all.

Just made it through the initial 500 word statement and online judgement test so now awaiting an invite hopefully for the recorded interview.

Just wondering if any of you lovely mumsneters are either in the same process or are currently or have been a work coach and can give me any insights please

It's a totally different career path but something I'm really interested in perusing

I've read in a few places how difficult it can be to get through to the end and how many people apply for the positions available.

Any hints tips or experiences gratefully received

[mumznet]

what behaviour is it going to ask in the interview and when is the interview? I had this interview but didn't make it, but I do have the questions somewhere which I can send to you.

[relievedlady]

@mumznet

Hi and thanks for replying

Il go back and look at my email to see what the questions are on and get back to you.

How did you find the recorded interview process?

I hate hearing myself also haven't interviewed for many years after being In the same company for over 20 years so was surprised I passed the situational judgement test to be honest!!

Il come back with the behaviours in a mo

Thank you

[relievedlady]

@mumznet

I have attached a pic of the behaviours on the application in my application account.

How long after passing the situational judgement test was it before you were invited for the recorded interview?
And do you automatically get an invite or does it depend on anything?

Sorry for the questions!

[MrsGrindah]

It’s a hard job but can be very rewarding. You need to be empathetic but resilient. You will get the blame for everything ..the complexity of the system, the lack of money etc. You also need to be confident in dealing with people under the influence of drink and drugs. You will hear some desperately sad life stories too. BUT it’s hugely rewarding when you help people and no better feeling than helping someone get a job. Most customers will be so grateful to you.
Work coaches get a lot of stick on here and I think that’s because a lot of people just don’t understand the job.

[relievedlady]

Thanks @MrsGrindah for commenting.

I've been in a client facing role all through my career so empathy and resilience is a big strong point of mine.

My main worry is the computer training side of it as I'm a bit rusty but not totally out of it.

Is the training good and supportive?

[Carolhh]

I didn't have the recorded interview, mine was face to face a while back and with the old competencies system. I'll get the questions and send them to you.

Although I did have a video interview recently, it was all good.
at one point the computer froze for a second or two then everything was fine.

Whether you get an invite that depends on what score you get for the personal statement once they've done sifting they will call all the candidates with over a certain mark. A score of 4 is a pass, but sometimes they can raise the pass mark. Usually after about 2-4 weeks I got an invite for an interview.

Just one more thing, does the job application mention anything about strength based questions? They use these as well in several job interviews now.

[Carolhh]

the training is brilliant, I'm not a work coach but in another area of DWP and training has been great and supportive.

[relievedlady]

@Carolhh yes I believe I've seen that somewhere within the details il have another look later.

Any help advice tips etc are gratefully recieved thank you all.

If your not successful in the sifting stage and don't get the recorded interview will they let you know either way?
Constantly checking my account and emails

[MrsGrindah]

Yes they will let you know but it might take a while.

[Carolhh]

yes they will let you know via email if unsuccessful. but hopefully if you've met minimum criteria you should be able to get an interview.

[user128472578267]

Maybe people who give DWP "work coaches" stick on here have been on the receiving end of their so-called help and understand very well what the job entails.

[GinandGingerBeer]

Make sure you have specific examples in addition to anything you have put on the application and that they fit the criteria of the strengths/behaviours. Answer the questions in the first person and use 'I' al the way through
Questions might be along lines of 'give an example of a time you've had to make an unpopular decision or a time when you've influenced a team. The clues to the questions are in the framework so make sure you have it!
There's strengths dictionary with key words so try and get them in your strength based answers.
Good luck!

[MrsGrindah]

Yes because all work coaches are the same aren’t they @user128472578267

[TheseAreTheRichesOfThePoor]

I love my work coach. She's absolutely brilliant.

Nothing useful to add but good luck

[relievedlady]

Hey thank you very much guys.

I would really like to try and make a difference and support people into work if I can.

I didn't have an easy start myself being a young single parent with not much support so I have empathy and know what would have been really helpful and positive so fingers crossed.

[KTD27]

Hi relieved I’ve just been through the video interview - it was fine. The questions were up on the screen after being asked and they were very clear about the behaviours being asked about. A good tip I found was to blur the screen so I didn’t have to watch my own face! I got 60 seconds to think and 3 minutes to respond (I used the STAR format) and you can end the recording before the 3 mins if you want to - it will time out at 3 mins though.
Good luck!

[Carolhh]

@user128472578267 its just like in all professions there are people with different personalities. I think the work coach does help the people with getting a job, but it all depends on the person themselves because they will need to apply for the job and go through the interview themselves.

Job searching is not easy and I believe school/college doesn't train you up for the job market and job searching properly.

[ClareyW17]

I have also applied for this... the advert said full time / part time. Does anyone know how possible or what kind of part time you can do? I have done the interview but because you don’t speak to anyone I haven’t as yet been able to ask the question.

[Hellotheresweet]

Op

How did you do? I’ve applied but not had interview

[Eggshausted]

Hi, I have applied and completed the situational judgement test on line. I felt fairly confident with my answers, but now biting my nails waiting to hear if I get an interview! Any of you who wrote on here, were you successful?