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JSA claimant advised by work coach to claim UC
Poor advice:
I Have a client who was claiming ESA - failed WCA and did not challenge. Was able to claim JSA as his postcode not full service area at the time - it is now.
Has been merrily claiming JSA with a lenient work coach and has been on a couple of courses only.
Also gets PIP with a DP and SDP within his JSA.
Work coach is wanting him to increase his commitments - and because he has asked for a bit more time to adjust to doing this, she advised him to claim UC and submit fit - notes instead even though he says he is wanting to look for work (but I guess just not on DWP terms)....
So, he has lost his DP, his SDP and is now on the assessment phase of UC and, assuming if he is really lucky, with a move into limited capability for work status. Paid of course as the assessment rate.
At no time did the job coach advise him of this dramatic loss to his income…...
Given there were no issues or threat of sanction, he has just done what he was advised….I’m a tad infuriated.
All I can see is a complaint pending unless anyone else can see any other challenge.
(Threat of) a JR??
The link below does not mention advising on benefit entitlement.
Nor does this job description
Do you have a passion for public service? Would you like to make a difference to someone’s life? If so we would like to hear from you. DWP delivers services to 22 million claimants and customers a year. DWP is responsible for helping people move into employment, supporting pensioners and protecting some of the most vulnerable in our society. We help people lift themselves out of poverty and to stay out of poverty, through work, saving and support. This is a hugely important public service and our challenge is bigger than ever.
We must become an extraordinary Department and we need people like you to help us deliver this. We are looking for people who can provide excellent customer service, can demonstrate good communication skills and a positive attitude to change, and are able to work under pressure. You must have a clear commitment to, and where possible, show examples of delivering an effective service to customers
Our immediate vacancies are for Work Coach opportunities based in Jobcentres.
About The Work Coach Role
The Work Coach role requires face to face, digital and phone interventions with claimants on a daily basis and typically involves:
Having an assigned caseload of Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance & Income Support claimants for whom they will be responsible, providing consistency and continuity of service.
Offering quality, dynamic, flexible, advice, and support to underpin claimants’ personalised commitment to job search actions, and support them to develop the skills and activities they need to look for and obtain work in a digital environment.
Building positive relationships with claimants that encourage, motivate and build trust through recognition, praise and reinforcing of positive behaviours and completion of tasks, encouraging the achievements of further more stretching goals and achievements.
Proactively developing in-depth knowledge of the local labour market and provision, recognising the roles that our Partners and Employers have in helping our customers secure employment.
The ability to confidently use Digital services, navigate and coach others to use digital job search methods i.e. job search websites, email, uploading documents, social media.
Promoting the benefits of claimants planning their own Work Search or Work Preparation Activities.
Supporting Universal Credit customers to make the most of their work and earnings potential and become financially independent.
Being accountable for the level, frequency and intensity of contact they have with each claimant by managing their own diary.
Making timely decisions, based on the needs of the claimant, to refer them to appropriate support.
Promoting high attendance rates at group sessions by explaining benefits to the claimant.
Being accountable for the decisions made during interviews with claimants to help move them back into sustained employment or prepare for work.
A very few roles involve home visits e.g. to help customers make applications for benefit or to obtain information.
To be successful you will need to demonstrate effective communication skills across a wide range of diverse customers, along with the ability to understand complex information and give explanations to the customer.
You must also be able to navigate a range of computer systems to action tasks as well as coach others to use digital work searching. You’ll also be required to handle telephony queries and have the ability to manage difficult situations.
You will be required to undertake a work based qualification, in the form of an apprenticeship that will support you in further developing your professional knowledge and skills for this role, and your future career development. The qualifications will be undertaken in work time.
More information on the typical duties of a Work Coach is provided in the Candidate Information pack along with information on some other Executive Officer job roles within DWP.
Essential Criteria
Good standards of literacy and numeracy;
Ability to confidently use Digital services, navigate and coach others to use digital job search methods i.e. job search websites, email, uploading documents, social media;
Ability to communicate face to face and by phone;
The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of diverse people/customers;
The ability to understand complex information and give explanations to people/customers;
The ability to navigate a range of computer systems;
The ability to handle sensitive and challenging situations with people/ customers.
Transferable Skills
You gain these from previous jobs, projects, voluntary work, hobbies and interests.
Could you adapt these skills to become an exceptional Work Coach? Some examples below:
Do you have previous experience as self-employed?
Are you self-motivated and can motivate others?
Can you develop relationships with a diverse range of people?
Do you have good negotiation and influencing skills?
For further information and details of how to apply please visit the Civil Service Website
Wow. I look forward to seeing these paragons in action.