DWP seeks 'Work Coaches' to earn up to £31,000 a year helping people find jobs in Milton Keynes

Applications are open today for the posts, which pay between £27,565 to £31,877 a year.

The role involves helping people identify their key job skills, improving their CVs, perfecting their interview techniques and steering them into the right post.

"You’ll use your judgement to help people through some challenging times in their lives, and your tailored coaching will make a huge difference to their ability to find, stay in, and progress in a job." states the job description.

The DWP’s Work Coach recruitment spokesman said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the UK economy hard and as a result, DWP has seen a significant surge in the numbers of people looking for work and claiming benefits.

"DWP is recruiting now to increase the numbers of Work Coaches in the organisation. This will ensure that everyone who needs our services can access the help and support they need to find another job.

"Work Coaches have a critical role in the Jobcentre network. They are the people that our customers work with on a daily basis for the advice, coaching and support needed to secure themselves a job."

The move follows a successful initial phase of recruitment which saw 4,500 Work Coaches hired as part of DWP’s response to the pandemic. The Government is doubling the number of jobcentre Work Coaches available to support people to 27,000 by March 2021.

Mims Davies MP, Minister for Employment said: “Any Work Coach will tell you just how rewarding their job is. Helping someone back into work is really fulfilling and knowing the positive difference you’ve made to someone’s life is a real boost.

“If you’re looking for a new challenge and want to support your community, put yourself forward for what is a crucial role at the forefront of the UK’s economic recovery.”

These new recruits will be vital to ensuring that people have access to expert mentoring and jobs support. More expert Work Coaches means more personal, tailored support for jobseekers who are looking to get going with a new career or to move on from a struggling sector.

Work Coaches will also help arrange more structured support including:

* The £2 billion Kickstart scheme which puts young people receiving benefits first in line for new, high quality, six-month roles provided by employers from all sectors. The placements give them a wage for the duration and the chance to build their experience and professional networks.

* The £238 million JETS programme targeting those out of work for three months with a range of help from expert providers, including specialist advice on how people can move into growing sectors.

* A mixture of work experience and training through SWAPS (Sector-based Work Academy Programmes), which received a £17 million funding boost this summer and will help people move into new sectors.

You can apply here to become a Work Coach.