Life Coach jobs in Pontefract

Our vision is a future where people with learning disabilities can live the best life possible. We achieve this by working together to campaign for positive change, provide personalised support, and create opportunities for independent living.

Role Purpose

As a Job Coach (term time only) based at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, your primary goal is to support people with learning disabilities to move towards meaningful, paid employment within their communities.

You will help individuals to:

Develop practical and transferable employment skills
Gain real-world work experience
Increase independence and confidence
Achieve personal aspirations
Make informed choices about their future
Stay safe and supported throughout their journey

You will work closely with local employers, Job Centres, third sector organisations, local authorities, and families to identify and secure suitable employment opportunities.

As part of the Supported Employment team, you will guide individuals from skill development through to sustained, long-term employment.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Support & Development

• Provide tailored, person-centred employability support, including job coaching, job search, and interview preparation
• Deliver on-the-job training, breaking tasks into manageable steps using Training in Systematic Instruction (TSI)
• Support individuals during work trials and placements
• Promote independence through structured and gradually reduced (“graded”) support
• Help individuals develop key workplace skills such as communication, timekeeping, and professional behaviour
• Support travel training, workplace integration, and social inclusion
• Workplace Integration
• Liaise with employers to understand workplace expectations, culture, and policies
• Support individuals to integrate successfully into their roles and workplace environments
• Identify reasonable adjustments and assistive technology to support success
• Ensure individuals understand and follow health and safety procedures

Planning & Progression

• Contribute to and implement individual employment plans
• Monitor progress and adapt support strategies as needed
• Encourage long-term employability skills beyond current placements
• Support access to resources and funding opportunities where appropriate
• Collaboration & Communication
• Work in partnership with families, carers, employers, and professionals to resolve challenges
• Communicate effectively with managers and stakeholders regarding participant progress
• Deliver or support disability awareness and inclusion practices within workplaces
• Attend and contribute to meetings, training sessions, and reviews

Employer Engagement

• Build relationships with local and national employers
• Identify and develop employment opportunities
• Promote inclusive employment practices

Compliance & Administration

• Complete accurate records and reports in line with organisational and commissioner requirements
• Ensure risk assessments and support plans are in place and regularly reviewed
• Follow organisational policies, including health and safety standards

You will be:

• Passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities
• A strong communicator with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of people
• Patient, adaptable, and solution-focused
• Organised and able to manage a varied workload

Essential Requirements
GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade 5 or above)
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work

Additional information: This role requires flexibility, as duties may vary depending on the needs of the individuals and employers you support.

This is a term-time only position, working 39 weeks per year (including INSET days where applicable). The salary is pro rata, reflecting the reduced working weeks, and will be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.