A Day in the Life of a Job Coach  

 
Charlotte S - QAC Job Coach  

As a Job Coach, I support young people all through their supported internship journey, helping them build confidence, learn skills, and complete tasks to gain independence in their work. As every young person is an individual, we take the time to understand what they need and help them to achieve their goals. 

I have recently been out on several placements this year including the Belfry, The Black Country Living Museum, Nando’s, and William Lench Court. To set these placements up, I start by making initial contact with the employer by email, phone, or face-to-face contact. Next, I set up a meeting to visit the site where my student will be attending work placement, to meet the staff and get the documents needed. After we have all the relevant documents, a visit/interview is arranged for the student to attend to familiarise themselves with the workplace and staff and to see if the placement is a suitable fit for the employer and student. 

Work placement day

On the day of a work placement, I meet the student either at the Pinewood campus or the main campus ready to travel to placement in the Job Coach car or by bus. I have recently been supporting a student at William Lench Court. When we arrived at this particular placement, the maintenance team were repainting a wall. Both my student and I watched the team member demonstrate how to use the tools correctly, then it was my student's turn. First, I directed the student using verbal prompts but found this wasn't the best approach for them. I then provided topographical support, showing the student step-by-step what to do. I continued to try different approaches until the student was able to follow the task.  

Once finished on work placement, I drove the student back to campus. Following a placement I ensure my students complete a diary sheet for that day and then provide additional support if needed. I also upload notes of what happened during the placement on Databridge, which includes an outline of the skills a student has used and what support was needed. Finally I complete my registers and update the 'access to work' spreadsheet for that day.  

Day in the office

A day in the office can be quite varied for a Job Coach. I have days where I am networking with employers by email, phone or visiting businesses directly. As part of my role I am also responsible for setting up placements for the wider college which includes liaising with the employer, arranging interviews, setting up visits and making sure the correct paperwork is collated. Once these placements are up and running, I then collect information from tutors to input data onto Databridge and our work placement tracker. I also make sure all relevant paperwork is completed including our student's support plans for access to work and ensure health and safety checks are done including risk assessments. 

If you would like to find out more about our Supported Internship programme please visit the following link: Supported Internship - Entry 3 / Level 1 / Level 2 - Queen Alexandra College