A day in the life of a jobmate
15th February 2010
Chris Days, the Senior Jobmate for the West of Doncaster gives an insight into a typical working day.
8:30am: Chris arrives at one of the Jobmates team offices in the Martinwells Centre, Edlington. His first job is to call any new clients who have been referred to him via the Success Doncaster Helpline and to make appointments with existing clients.
10:00am: Chris meets a new client at Conisbrough library. After introducing the Jobmates programme, an individual action plan is developed to help the client take the first steps to finding employment. A second meeting is arranged allowing two weeks for Chris and the client to start working through their action points. Chris will be gathering information on relevant training, volunteer and work opportunities.
Chris also advises the client about the Jobmates counselling service which offers a safe and friendly environment to discuss and explore any problems or issues that may be preventing the client from moving forwards.
11:00am: Chris’s next appointment is with a client at Denaby library who has received support with job search, writing CVs and filling in job applications, but is feeling nervous about interviews. Chris will help to build the client’s confidence and to prepare for any interview situation.
12:30pm: Chris visits Andrea Lunn, the Jobmates Engagement Officer for the West of Doncaster. She has arranged for the Success Doncaster Bus to be situated in Edlington, where people can drop in and have a chat about starting and finding work. Representatives from other Success Doncaster partners also attend to offer support.
2:00pm: Chris has a partnership meeting with Jobcentre Plus. They have agreed to work together to make sure that clients receive the right support from the right people at the right time.
3:00pm: Final meeting of the day at Mexborough Resource Centre with a client who has just been successful in getting a job. At this stage, Chris makes sure that the client has everything they need to start their new job, for example appropriate clothing and access to transport.
