Community Job Coaching

A job coach can help you prepare for and find work. This is for 18 to 24 year olds in some regions, who have been getting Jobseeker Support for at least 3 months.

How it works

You may be referred to a community provider for job coaching. Your job coach will support you for up to 26 weeks (6 months). They'll help you create a personalised plan to overcome any barriers to employment and help you find a job that suits you. The plan includes activities you need to complete as part of your benefit obligations.

If you are referred to Community Job Coaching you must work with them as part of your obligation to find or prepare for work.

After you start work, your job coach will keep supporting you for up to 1 year while you settle into your new role.

Bonus payment

There is a bonus payment for some people doing Community Job Coaching who get a job and stay off benefit for 1 year. These people can check if they are eligible and apply for this from October 2026.

Who it is for

You may be asked to do Community Job Coaching if you:

  • are 18-24 years old
  • have been getting Jobseeker Support for 3 months or more
  • live in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Wellington, Canterbury or Southern regions.

How to join

Call us on 0800 559 009 to book an appointment with a case manager. At the appointment we'll check if you're eligible, and find the right provider for you.

If you are referred to Community Job Coaching you must work with them as part of your obligation to find or prepare for work.