What is the role of a Job Coach at Team Domenica?
At Team Domenica, we support people with learning disabilities and autism to gain and maintain meaningful workplace opportunities. Central to this mission are our Job Coaches – skilled and compassionate professionals who guide our candidates and partnered employers through their employment journeys.
But what exactly do Job Coaches do? In the below video, Jasmine, Lucy and Vivien describe the role of a Job Coach, and the life-changing impact of their work.
What is a Job Coach?
Job Coaches bring expertise, care and structure to a supported internship, working alongside our candidates and employers to ensure meaningful outcomes.
Supported internships are extended, unpaid placements that take place for 15+ hours a week, over approximately 26 weeks. Each internship is chosen based on our young people’s skills and ambitions, as well as the needs of our employers. The ultimate aim is for candidates to build new skills, and hopefully gain paid work.
Throughout these placements, Job Coaches offer personalised, hands-on support. Whether it’s breaking down tasks into manageable steps, modelling new skills, or supporting someone through a challenging moment, our Job Coaches are there to help candidates grow in confidence and independence.
They also play a vital role in building strong relationships with employers, identifying training needs, introducing resources and offering practical advice to help make the placement a success.
Job Coaches are an integral part of a candidate’s journey to paid employment […] they regularly go above and beyond to ensure success.
Amanda Thomson,Supported Internship Manager
How does a Job Coach support candidates?
Job Coaches provide one-to-one support that is tailored to the individual needs of the candidate. At the beginning of an internship, they will shadow the young person and help them learn the ropes. Over time, they will gradually fade their support, stepping back at agreed stages to encourage independence.
Other types of candidate support includes:
- Using a “show, don’t tell” approach to model tasks
- Facilitating regulation breaks and supporting emotional wellbeing
- Setting weekly goals to track progress
- Encouraging social interaction and positive relationships with staff
- Creating visual aids or personalised resources
- Helping our young people build resilience and problem-solving skills
It was nice having my Job Coach there to support me when things went wrong in training; I now feel like I can handle things on my own because of what they taught me.
Team Domenica candidate, Katie, employed at Brighton i360
How do Job Coaches support employers?
Job Coaches also act as a bridge between Team Domenica, the candidate, and the employer. They provide advice and reassurance to help employers feel confident in offering meaningful work placements. This support can include:
- Offering practical advice on communication styles
- Answering questions from staff and management
- Highlighting a candidate’s strengths, while being transparent about any challenges
- Providing ongoing support and check-ins
- Helping employers understand how best to include and train candidates
Everyone at Team Domenica is an expert in their field. If small things need adjusting, I have always felt comfortable reaching out, and the Job Coaches are amazing at picking up on things before we even need to. There is such a great level of communication and understanding.
General Manager at The Mercure
The difference a Job Coach makes…
Job Coaches play a vital role in helping young people with learning disabilities move towards employment. Their presence provides structure and encouragement, helping candidates build confidence, overcome challenges and develop the skills they need to succeed. For employers, they offer reassurance, practical guidance and an open line of communication – making inclusive employment not just possible, but a positive experience for everyone involved.
There are so many rewarding aspects of being a Job Coach. It is a delight to get to know [employers] and to spend time with amazing young people who have so much to offer to the world of work.
Lucy, Job Coach at Team Domenica
To find out more about how Team Domenica supports people with learning disabilities into employment, explore our programmes or click here to learn more about becoming an employer partner.
