What Is a Job Coach?

A job coach supports people with disabilities, special educational needs, or people who need support due to long-term unemployment as they prepare to enter the workforce. They may work with a person individually or in a group setting, either in or out of the workplace, as they build the skills and habits necessary for success in a specific job function.

Discover details about a job coach’s responsibilities, skills, and qualifications and offer some guidance on where to find a job coach.

What does a job coach do?

Ultimately, a job coach aims to enable and empower people to fulfill their job function without persistent one-on-one assistance. Some key responsibilities include:

• Connecting an individual’s capabilities and interests to potential jobs within their community

• Coordinating with employers to secure employment and negotiate customised job responsibilities on behalf of the individual

• Facilitating job training for tasks specific to the individual’s job function

• Working with the individual as they adjust to their new role

• Advocating for the individual throughout their employment period

Job coach vs careers advisor vs life coach

People seeking support with their careers have several options. If a job coach doesn’t sound right for you, you may be interested in finding a career adviser or life coach.

A career adviser— a career consultant, career development practitioner, or career coach—supports individuals as they decide on their career path, offering guidance on education, skill, and training options. 

A life coach helps individuals make decisions about their personal or professional goals, guiding them to assess their values, attitudes, beliefs, and situations, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary changes.

Who might work with a job coach?

Broadly, as a job coach, you may support any person with a disability. This covers a range of people with a variety of needs. Some examples include:

• An individual with an anxiety disorder accessing interview support

• A person with Down Syndrome starting a new job with a job coach accompanying them

• A person with a cognitive disability learning workplace skills

• An individual on the autism spectrum receiving support to catch a bus to work

• A military veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) accessing a work placement

Job coach qualifications

Although you’ll work closely with various personality types and job functions, job coaches often don’t usually need extensive qualifications. Typically, you’ll need GCSEs, strong interpersonal skills, employment planning knowledge, and experience working with people with disabilities. You'll likely receive role-specific training as part of your onboarding.

You may find employment with government agencies or help networks that serve people with disabilities. Some employers may look for job coaches with experience working with people with specific disabilities, knowledge of government support services, and established connections with local businesses. Specific requirements vary depending on the employer’s needs.   

Job coach vs occupational therapist

While a job coach helps individuals prepare for a specific job, an occupational therapist teaches and supports people with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities as they recover or develop the physical ability to accomplish daily tasks. You typically need a master’s degree in occupational therapy and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to be an occupational therapist.

How to find a job coach

You’ll find many non-profit organisations and charities that offer job coaches depending on a person’s circumstances and needs. Examples include:

• The Shaw Trust

• Disability Rights UK

• Mencap

• Send 4

Keep learning about job coaching on Coursera

Job coaches support people with additional needs to access the workplace and secure meaningful employment. You will help clients identify work opportunities by advising training options, matching skills with potential roles, and coordinating with employers.

If you want to explore your career success potential or help others discover theirs, consider the Career Success Specialisation from the University of California, Irvine’s Division of Continuing Education, available on Coursera. Work through each online course at your own pace from anywhere with an internet connection.

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