Job Coach Blog - Gemma Copeland
The Supported Internship programme is provided by The Legacy Project to support young adults with additional needs to gain employment. The project commenced in September 2021 and the Job Coach role enables me to apply my previous experience particularly in relation to empowering those I work with.
I joined the Legacy Project in November 2022 and although I wasn’t part of the Internship induction process that took place at the start of Academic term, I have been able to meet all students on placements and in College to get to know them well. I have had the privilege of witnessing the progression of all the Interns to date.
Being a Job Coach has been a massive learning curve and no day is ever the same! A common misconception with Internships is that the students are getting work experience and there have been barricades regarding what work can be carried out on placements due to ability. Admittedly, an Internship does help a student gain valuable work experience but is more tailored to introduce many aspects of full time employment whilst in conjunction with the School/College requirements. This is done via an Employability Course and is monitored through Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSB’s) that the Job Coaches record which element is met each week. Every Intern is recognised as an individual and being on placements allows them to explore their interests and form personal career goals. Job Coach’s break down any communication barrier that might arise and support the Interns to do a task to the best of their ability. It is also about supporting the Interns to be as independent as possible in order to do that job role, this has included support with using travel independently and planning lunches for the week at work.
Some of our Interns have started an Internship that has not necessarily been their first choice but this has led to finding out what they do want to do and are now thriving in a new placement. Everybody is different and it’s about the journey the Job Coach supports Interns on rather than the destination. Interns are recognising that although not entirely satisfied with where they may have been initially placed it has got them to where they are now which is on the right path to future employment.
The Legacy Project Internship Programme team work collaboratively with School, Colleges, Family members, and the Employer. As a Job Coach we effectively communicate with all those involved to ensure the best possible outcome for our interns. It can make all the difference being able to recognise changes in behaviour of our Interns and working together in order to provide the support they require.
The Job Coach role is proving to be invaluable in supporting those who may struggle to find employment on their own. As a Job Coach we promote inclusion and push boundaries whilst building trusted professional relationships with Interns and Employers. As we approach the final stages of the first academic year of the Legacy Project our Interns are in the process of having employment dates for when they complete the Employability Course. Others are in the process of applying for jobs, apprenticeships, entering further education or aiming to continue with the Legacy Project Plus. Next Steps involve a continuation of supporting our Interns to gain valuable references from their placement and adding this to their Resume as they pursue their full-time jobs. We are also working on gaining confidence for application and interview process.