How do you feel about working with ex-offenders?
"I suppose I would feel fine about it unless I was given a reason to be cautious. But I have faith that the DWP would take precautions to enjoy the safety of their work coaches. So, as long as my personal safety was ensured, I would have no issues with this."
"Everyone deserves a fresh start. Without knowing the circumstances that led to that person being an ex-offender or prison leaver, who am I to judge? I'll go into each day with a fresh perspective and do my best to help each individual to the best of my ability, regardless of their unique circumstances or backstory."
There are a wide variety of customers facing different challenges whom a work coach may serve and assist. The DWP sees these high-need customers as those who are truly in need of their services. So this question aims to assess your comfort level and drive to help those who may have different backgrounds and struggles than your own.
Watch the video on the DWP Work Coach Microsite, and you'll learn a little more about the role. "There will be customers who are facing significant vulnerability and significant complex needs. Those who have mental health issues that they have to deal with, ex-offenders, those fleeing domestic abuse, care leavers, those with drug and alcohol abuse, and prison leavers. Those customers are priority customers that really rely on our support. We want our work coaches to have the training and the confidence to sit down and give one-to-one support to those customers, either face to face or digitally or on the telephone. We do truly change lives. It's challenging, but it's fantastic and rewarding."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I have no problem working with ex-offenders as they might want to change. I do not judge an individual's past I judge them who they are today. Also in my current role, I encounter ex-offenders and I suggest what career they can take.
Jaymie's Feedback
This reassures the interviewer that you are compassionate, non-judgmental, and can remain focused on your professional duties. Good job!
Anonymous Answer
I see working with ex-offenders as positive. I think it’s great the COVID service supports people from all different backgrounds. Ex-offenders have served their time and deserve to be treated with the same compassion and respect as anyone else.
Jaymie's Feedback
Perfect! Your response displays compassion and kindness and is judgment-free.
Anonymous Answer
Being a work coach and being able to help people get back into work must be a very fulfilling job but when you can help people who may have a harder time getting into work that must be even the most fulfilling attribute of the job.
I have also seen people who may have been ex-offenders or just ran with the wrong crowd or even dropped out of school and witnessed them do a 360 and turn their lives around. I would feel honored to actually help people turn their lives around.
I try to live my life by the 3 words " just be kind" I feel the world needs more acts of kindness.
Jaymie's Feedback
Excellent! Your compassion, empathy, and desire to help others, no matter their background or past, is evident.
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