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Government Recruitment Service; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Credit Work Coach roles in North Scotland are office-based with two vacancies in Kirkwall and Lerwick. Daily in‑person attendance at Jobcentre locations is required, and candidates should be prepared to work onsite from their local communities.

These roles support customers to progress into work, while meeting equality and inclusion commitments in the public sector. The posting is managed on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions by Government Recruitment Service.

Job description

Universal Credit Work Coach - North Scotland

This campaign has 2 roles available, 1 in Kirkwall Jobcentre & 1 in Lerwick Jobcentre. Work Coaches are office‑based roles where you will need to attend in person every working day so please consider this fully when applying. Candidates who are made an offer for any of the locations they have expressed a preference for and decline or are unable to take up post within a reasonable timeframe will be withdrawn from the campaign.

Please note that these vacancies are not currently eligible for new applications for Visa Sponsorship on the Skilled Worker route, for any candidates who do not currently have permission to be in the UK as a Skilled Worker where they were sponsored before 4 April 2024, even if relying on tradeable points (including the new entrant tradeable points option) as they are not included in the published Immigration Salary List. This information is offered as guidance only, and we recommend that applicants seek specialist advice on their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship (if applicable) when considering whether to apply for any role.

About the job

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. We are the UK's biggest public service department and administer the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers.

DWP is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and we aspire to being the most inclusive employer in the United Kingdom.

The Work Coach role is rewarding, varied and complex and no two days will be the same as you will be dealing with different customers face to face and their specific support needs each day.

If you’re looking for a career that makes a clear and positive difference to people’s lives, then a DWP Executive Officer role may be ideal for you!

About us - Department for Work and Pensions GOV.UK

As a Work Coach you hold a vital role in the Department, helping individuals and their families towards financial independence through work and enabling them to claim the support they need as they progress.

Work Coaches are customer-focused, dedicated individuals and able to deliver exceptional service with empathy and compassion to people who need their support.

As a Work Coach, you will use sound judgement to help people through some difficult, challenging times in their lives, and your tailored coaching can make a huge difference to their ability to find, stay in, and progress in a job.

If you're looking for a job that makes a clear difference to people's lives, a Work Coach role in DWP could be just what you are looking for.

Key Accountabilities

• Providing support to customers claiming Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance and Income Support.


• Offering quality advice to customers about job search actions, supporting them to job search effectively in a largely digital world, and matching to suitable vacancies.


• Meeting your legal duty to comply with the Equality Act 2010 and making sure your customers get the additional support and advice to help them access our services.


• Building positive relationships with customers that encourages, motivates, and builds trust.


• Developing an in-depth knowledge of local employment opportunities and the support our service partners offer.


• Making timely decisions, based on customer needs, and referring them to appropriate help and support.


• Be accountable for performance and management of your caseload.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Company: Government Recruitment Service

Salary: £32,137 to £32,137 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Kirkwall

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 23 Sept 2026

Closing date: 7 Oct 2026

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.