Leanne – Job Coach
A job coach plays a key role in shaping the future of the job seekers they work with. From leading and designing employment plans to helping employers recruit for vacancies to regularly meeting with participants, a job coach is an essential allrounder. Our Job Coach Leanne, based in Norwood, South Australia, empowers people with disability to find employment, while also getting a few laughs in along the way.
How did you become a job coach?
After being long-term unemployed, I was lucky enough to get a 3-month contract with Salvation Army Employment Plus as an asset registry Officer. I loved this role, going to every office, meeting the staff, building confidence, and having the opportunity to find my strengths and weaknesses. Because I loved what I was doing, I finished the role in 2 months, so they put me in Admin for the last month. Well, I thrived, and because I had been on the other side, it just made sense. On the last day of my contract, I was so upset. But then I got a call from HR, and they offered me a full-time Admin position.
Little did I know this was just the beginning.
After 12 months in Admin, I learned to be a Job search trainer and held that position for 7 years before they unfortunately lost their contract. I then gained a position with Workskil as a job coach/job search trainer, transferred to post-placement Support, and returned to job Coach, where I was employed for 13.5 years in total.
I joined Aimbig in 2023 and celebrated 2 years strong in March 2025.
What are the day-to-day duties involved in being a Job Coach?
The role has a myriad of duties, which is what I love. On a daily basis, I am responsible for maintaining duties including managing DES Alerts, Initial and contact appointments, Review / Update Job Plans and Privacy Forms, resume creation/review, follow up on Pipelines, Interviews and Placements, and managing Provider diary, including ensuring forward appointments are completed before COB daily. One-on-one appointments with customers mean I get to listen, guide, offer suggestions and encourage them to move forward on their individual journeys every day and eventually celebrate their successes, large and small. Reverse Marketing, Employer and Community Engagement are also crucial in this role.
What do you love about being a Job Coach?
Although I do the same thing every day, no 2 days are the same. My role gives me the opportunity to learn new things, build rapport, and my customers teach me every day. I get to work at a variety of levels and really get to help people, but also watch them build confidence, where they then help themselves. I genuinely love my customers, and the love I get back is amazing. We are honest and raw, and mutual respect is evident in our conversations. Customers give feedback, and in the past 2 years, I have been blown away by what customers have written and messaged. I am truly blessed to be given this opportunity.
What is it like working at AimBig Employment?
This is a company and team that has proven time and time again that they are supportive, guide with purpose and celebrate your wins. I found myself in a position where I had to start again with a new team because of staff leaving SA and leaving me on my own. I am now part of a broader team, SA, VIC, TAS, as well as supported by Customer Success Specialists, Customer Experience team and other specialists when needed. Job Titles don’t exclude anyone, and everyone is ready to step up and help if needed.
