Being a DWP Work Coach Team Leader - Lots of opportunities to grow and develop

Taking control of your career and investing in yourself

‘No two days are the same'

This is probably one of the most important things I learnt on becoming a Work Coach Team Leader in the jobcentre.  One of my initial tasks was to develop and implement a bespoke induction strategy for newly recruited work-coaches to jobcentres across Greater Manchester.

Empowering work coaches to deliver

I found those early challenging weeks hugely rewarding as my role included empowering staff to recognise they had transferrable skills to thrive in the role; and by sharing my own experience of starting out in DWP I was able to build rapport as they were confident I could relate.

By helping staff develop their skills, confidence, and strategies they needed to advance to the next level of their role, I directly influenced the delivery of the welfare agenda supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

Lots of opportunities to grow and develop!

I learnt to build trust and develop leadership strengths by encouraging staff to be the best they can be. Every aspect of the Work Coach Team Leader role provides great opportunities to enhance key behaviours i.e planning, training, ‘coaching the coaches’ team building and decision-making to mention a few.

Crucially, it also allows you to see the bigger picture and helps guide you towards the next step of your career. For example, I had the chance to collaborate and deliver improvements with colleagues across the district, leading on priority areas, such as implementing a policy change across our teams to support our over 50s customers.

My work and contribution to the team led to an unexpected nomination from a senior leader for a leadership development programme.  I have been given the opportunity to thrive –  working in an environment where my work is recognised, I’m inspired, and I’m motivated to be my best.

On the leadership programme I had a senior leader sponsor who championed my growth, helped me create a customised personal development plan, which suited my strengths and career goals and supported me on the next stage of my progression journey.

This has resulted in securing my role as the Diversity and Inclusion lead across my wider business area. I implement local programmes that connect with the wider departmental strategy, reflecting DWPs commitment to diversity and inclusion on a daily basis, an area I have a passionate interest in.

Being a Work Coach Team Leader is a highly rewarding role with opportunity to grow, support the development of others whilst offering a caring, supportive service to your local community.