Employer and Participant Engagement Officer

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a primary point of contact for participants, ensuring rapid engagement following referral (ideally within 48 hours).
• Build strong, trusting relationships with participants, particularly those who may feel anxious, ambivalent, or disengaged from employment.
• Use person‑centred, strengths‑based conversations to understand employment goals, preferences, skills, and support needs.
• Sensitively explore barriers such as mental health challenges, long‑term unemployment, confidence, or life circumstances.
• Explain and apply the IPS approach, including voluntary engagement, rapid job search, and integration with health and community services.
• Maintain engagement during fluctuating motivation through tailored contact (calls, texts, emails, face‑to‑face) and agreed action plans.
• Work collaboratively with NHS teams, community partners, and internal colleagues to ensure coordinated, participant‑focused support.
• Provide pre‑employment support including CV development, application support, interview preparation, and confidence‑building.

• Proactively identify, approach, and build long‑term relationships with employers through repeat, in‑person engagement, even when no vacancies exist.
• Position employers as valued customers, demonstrating clear benefits of working with the service.
• Source suitable vacancies that genuinely align with individual participant preferences, strengths, and employment goals.
• Address employer concerns around additional support needs using IPS‑consistent, solution‑focused approaches.
• Identify hidden jobs, job‑carving opportunities, and reasonable workplace adjustments to improve outcomes.
• Develop and maintain a balanced vacancy pipeline that meets a wide range of participant needs.
• Provide professional employer follow‑up, including thank‑you messages, updates, and regular check‑ins.

• % of referrals contacted within 48 hours
• % of participants opting into the service following initial engagement
• Participant engagement rate (active cases vs disengaged cases)
• Average time from referral to job start
• % of participants entering paid employment
• Job sustainment rates at 13, 26 and 52 weeks
• Participant satisfaction / feedback scores
• Number of active employer relationships
• Number of repeat employer engagements (return employers)
• Vacancies sourced that meet participant preferences
• % of placements from employer‑led job development (non‑advertised roles)
• Employer satisfaction / feedback scores

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• GCSE grade A*-C (or equivalent) in English, Maths and ICT (Essential)
• Full driving licence and car (Essential)
• L3 IAG or equivalent qualification (Desirable)

• Track record of employer, client and stakeholder engagement (Essential)
• Evidence of meeting and exceeding targets (Essential)
• Experience of providing excellent customer service and achieving targets (Essential)
• Experience of working with Employers/Jobcentre Plus. Health Services: Primary care, mental health teams, and Integrated Care Boards. Social Care: Community care settings and care providers. Specialist Support Groups: Charities, housing associations, and organizations focusing on specific barrier conditions (e.g., substance dependency support, homelessness services). Criminal Justice System: Work Coaches and mentors within prisons and rehabilitation centres. Voluntary and Community Sector: Local charities and faith groups. Education Providers (Desirable)

• Display an awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults (Essential)
• Knowledge and understanding of safe and healthy working practices (Essential)
• Have an understanding of and be able to demonstrate a commitment to Equal Opportunities and Diversity. (Essential)

• Ability to engage and maintain positive working relationships internally and externally (Essential)
• Excellent IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office packages (Essential)
• Strong communication skills – written, verbal and active listening (Essential)
• Be approachable, empathetic, and able to relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds. (Essential)
• Flexible and adaptable, being open to new ideas and adapting engagement strategies to the needs of learners. (Essential)
• Organisation and planning which demonstrates good time management and prioritisation. (Essential)

Benefits

• Flexible working including home-based, centre-based, or hybrid job role dependant
• Up to 26 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days
• Pension scheme to support your long-term financial wellbeing
• Training and professional development, including CPD workshops and professional qualifications
• Westfield Health Scheme with benefits including 13 healthcare services, cashback towards essential health bills, counselling and therapy treatments, fast access to MRI, CT, and PET scans, and discounted shopping vouchers
• Wellbeing initiatives including Wellbeing Wednesdays and the Mental Health at Work Pledge
• Disability Confident Leader, Menopause Workplace Pledge, Armed Forces Covenant, Ban the Box Employer, and secure prayer spaces
• Annual paid volunteering day and charity initiatives
• Cash incentives for Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards