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Original poster

Dwp work coach

19 replies

Needajob1 · 06/02/2019 16:41

I have applied to be a work coach. Can anyone tell me what you do on a daily basis. Do you get crap from people you see? And what hours do you work?

OP posts:
Original poster
Needajob1 · 06/02/2019 18:43

If anyone can advise I'd be very grateful.

OP posts:
workcoach · 08/02/2019 20:03

Work coach here under name change.

You will have a caseload of customers to coach. New coaches are only being trained for Universal Credit (I do a mix of UC and JSA)

It's very varied and I find it stressful. A customers journey can vary massively depending on what work coach they have. Some who have been a coach for a long time can be quite strict. I'm relatively new compared to some so have a bit more experience of what it's like job seeking in today's climate. I also have a husband who's disabled so can empathise on that side as well.

You'll find yourself dealing with all walks of life. I work in a deprived area with lots of homelessness and issues with substance misuse/alcoholism etc which is challenging. And yes, you will get loads of crap.

I only do this job because I have to. As soon as this isn't the case I will be handing my notice in as I detest a lot of the system. Sorry it's not more positive. On a plus the salary isn't bad, my office is great with flexi and home life balance and there's progression if you want it. It can be very rewarding when you feel you've helped someone but I wish there was more opportunity to help rather than trying desperately to sort out issues.

workcoach · 08/02/2019 20:05

Mon-Fri 9-5 but lates once a month and it's a distinct possibility that Saturday working will be introduced

SwimmingJustKeepSwimming · 08/02/2019 20:06

I saw this advertised and wondered about it. I could do with a decent job with training/ojay pay etc.

The form all looks full of supporting people from different backgrounds etx but the reality is shocking isnt it. I dont think i could sanction people knowing it was leaving them without money to pay bills and food.

Sanctioning is evil.

SwimmingJustKeepSwimming · 08/02/2019 20:08

Salary, flexi and work life balance, career progression (to what?) woild all be in favour for me!

If it was genuinely helping people that would be good. I used to teach but it seems such a horrid system.

Original poster
Needajob1 · 09/02/2019 18:19

I scored 85% so really hoping they call me for interview. I desperately need a FT well paid job.

OP posts:
Original poster
Needajob1 · 09/02/2019 18:23

It does sound stressful but the work life balance, flexi and salary sound good. Thank you for your replies.

OP posts:
Original poster
Needajob1 · 12/02/2019 17:42

Just wanted to let you know I have an interview in a few weeks. Fingers crossed x

OP posts:
SwimmingJustKeepSwimming · 12/02/2019 17:44

Good luck. Would love to hear more about it if you get it! I didn't apply in the end...

Original poster
Needajob1 · 12/02/2019 18:05

Thanks Swimming. Now I just need to not screw it up!

OP posts:
janesav1 · 07/09/2020 18:42

Hi can you please give me some insight regarding the test if possible?
Thanks

Sososad1 · 07/09/2020 19:12

@janesav1
Do you mean the situational judgement test?

janesav1 · 07/09/2020 19:22

Yes and verbal apparently.
Thanks @Sososad1

Sososad1 · 07/09/2020 19:28

@janesav1
The situational judgement test is a series of questions about work scenarios. You have to indicate what the best action would be . These can be practiced online . I would recommend doing that if you have never done them before .

The verbal test is looking at how you pick out relevant information. You read a statement and will be asked a question about it .

The test aren’t timed so you don’t need to rush through . You get your scores for the tests relatively quickly . There will be a minimum score for that particular role . I got an interview with around 66 percent . That can change though as a lot of people may score well and the minimum acceptable score will be upped .

janesav1 · 07/09/2020 21:40

@Sososad1thats great information thanks very much. Would you recommend a site to practice the verbal tests please?

Hellotheresweet · 16/12/2020 10:14

How did you do OP? I have applied

relievedlady · 06/01/2021 21:49

I applied for this role back in October

Got through the situational test but didn't make it to interview stage.

Just had an email today as more positions available again so am going to re apply again.

Looks good to me compared to what I'm doing and earning now

PawPawNoodle · 07/01/2021 12:39

Didn't work as a job coach but I spent some time working in a job centre under an initiative to give additional support in applying for jobs. I had a man scream at me and literally come at me because I wouldn't do his job searches for him. This was in a very deprived area of London, there were a number of incidences of people being forcibly escorted out and the police called in the relatively short time I was there.

I would think this isn't the norm in most roles however it's possible that you will encounter someone that will be abusive to you so you will need to be prepared for that.

relievedlady · 09/01/2021 22:51

@PolPotNoodle
Thank you for your response here.

The current role i have worked in for over 20 years involves working with anything upto 15-20 different people a day.

I need a challenge and this is my perfect type of career change,not to mention the the pay and pension prospects compared to where I am now.

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