Supported internships

A job coach is a professional who partners individuals with disabilities to help them secure and maintain employment. They provide a valuable link between an employer and the employee, ensuring any concerns from either party are addressed quickly.

Within Bromley's supported employment initiatives, job coaches play an important role in supporting young people with learning disabilities, including those taking part in our supported internships programs. By engaging with such projects, individuals can benefit from job coaches who provide support with:

• On-site work training
• Job searching
• Sustaining employment

Access to a job coach is not limited to people enrolled in supported employment projects. Individuals with disabilities or health conditions that are hindering their job performance and who are in secure paid employment can also apply for a job coach through Access to Work. This easy-read guide gives more information on the Access to Work Scheme.

What job coaches offer

Job coaches within supported employment projects may:

• Provide one-on-one or small group support.
• Assist with helping to build interpersonal skills, particularly valuable for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Evaluate strengths and needs, either through personal assessment or existing evaluations.
• Offer support both within and outside the workplace.
• For individuals transitioning from education or training to the workforce, job coaches provide valuable support during this adjustment period. They help facilitate a smooth transition into employment, ensuring that individuals feel supported and prepared for their new roles.

Access to Work job coaches can:

• Provide individualised support.
• Offer on-site assistance in the workplace, allowing direct observation of the employee's capabilities.

Benefits of job coaches to employers

Employers also benefit from job coaches. By supporting employees with disabilities, job coaches can:

• Enhance employee productivity.
• Reduce the need for additional staff to support individuals.
• Utilise the full extent of the employee's skills and abilities.
• Build better communication within the team through initial support.
• Promote inclusivity and diversity within your organisation but also build a supportive and accommodating work environment where all employees can thrive.

For more information on the benefits of Supported Employment and what it is, Base have created this explanation What Is Supported Employment? | British Association for Supported Employment (base-uk.org)

How to get a job coach

One avenue to get the support of a job coach is by participating in supported employment projects like the supported internships program, where individuals receive support throughout a period of unpaid work experience.

Bromley Mencap’s Job Coaching agency provides trained job coaches who will support you with any employment matters such as support at interviews, inductions, travel training, performance at work and training.

Learn more about what it’s like to be a Job Coach.