Volunteer HR Coach for Job Search

What will you be doing?

Careers Springboard is based at Gerrards Cross, South Bucks, but this matters little because all coaching sessions and contact with job seekers takes place online from anywhere in the UK.  We have a weekly online Zoom meeting on a Monday evening when there is a presentation on a job search related topic. Attendance on a Monday evening averages 50+.  Over the past 30+ years, we have helped over 3,500 job seekers to secure new employment.  Job seekers can apply for coaching using a simple application process outlined on our website. Applications for coaching are initially handled by co-ordinators who obtain a "picture" of what coaching is being requested before contacting our volunteer coaches to take the application forward.   The volunteer coach recruitment procedure which is used by Careers Springboard Gerrards Cross (CSGX) aims to ensure the highest standards are maintained in relation to the recruitment of volunteer coaches. Qualified and experienced coaches will submit an expression of interest by email to Reach Volunteering. Equal opportunities principles will be adhered to in recruiting volunteer coaches.   To safeguard our volunteers and members, a risk assessment is in place. CSGX provides professional indemnity insurance. The volunteer coach applicant will be interviewed online by one of our most senior and experienced coaches, and will be formally 'approved' by the Executive Committee to join the Coaching Team. Following recruitment, volunteer coaches will be supported through coach meetings and coaching supervision. Coaches will be required to attend at least 2 x Coach meetings and Supervision sessions each year (one held per term.) Volunteer coach co-ordinators will oversee the scheduling of coaching sessions in close liaison with the qualified coaches and are the first point of contact for any concerns or complaints.

What are we looking for?

Most of the job seekers will be management and professionals plus some graduates.  Operating within a self help group, volunteer coaches will be highly focused on all the qualities necessary to provide successful online coaching - patience, flexibility, sensitivity, confidentiality, perseverance, responsive.  This coach opportunity is aimed at and requires someone with at least three years of professional experience in coaching. Volunteer coaches are required to have completed a recognised Coaching qualification, accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) or the Association for Coaching (AC) or individual Accreditation. These courses are typically taken over 4-6 months in length with several client and supervision hours and a final assessment. Evidence of the qualification and experience will be required.

Coaches will be asked to attend a Careers Springboard Programme (Jan to April, May to July, September to December) to gain an understanding of the topics, concerns and questions of Careers Springboard members. During this ‘discovery period’ the volunteer coach will be invited to meet 2-3 other Coaches and Careers Springboard Executive Committee members for an informal interview. On completion of the above the Volunteer Coach will be asked to read, sign and abide by relevant Careers Springboard policies including Data protection, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Complaints and the Volunteer Policy.

Coaches are expected to abide by a Code of Ethics as set out by one of the following accredited bodies International Coaching Federation (ICF), European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) or the Association for Coaching (AC) or individual Accreditation.

What difference will you make?

Your input will make a very positive impact on those who are seeking help to pull themselves back into employment. You will shape how we present ourselves to our service users.     With your help we will be able to continue to promote our coaching services for the benefit of our end users - the job seekers. You will help us reach out and spread the word of Careers Springboard 1-2-1 services  Your networking and contacts will help amplify the work already being done by an excellent team of volunteers. You can provide online personalised support, guidance and encouragement to job seekers who join Careers Springboard. Our informal self help group helps job seekers to come to grips with their situation, generating confidence and demonstrating how a job search is best managed. Coaching sessions usually last one hour. Follow up coaching sessions may also be provided in some instances. Over the years several of our coaches have progressed to establish their own successful coaching consultancy business. The voluntary coaching work with Careers Springboard is a sound and meaningful launching pad for coaching experience.