Employability services manager jobs in Birmingham

Job Title: Pathways Advisor 
Salary: £17,500 (0.5 FTE)
Location: Midlands 
Contract Type: Part-Time, fixed term (2-years) 
Reports To: Regional Manager 
Service Area: The Skill Mill 
Place of Work: Remote with the expectation of some regional travel

About The Skill Mill 

The Skill Mill is a multi-award-winning social enterprise providing employment opportunities for young people aged 16–18 involved in the criminal justice system. We deliver environmental and community improvement projects that build skills, improve life chances, and reduce reoffending. 

Young people aged 16-18 will be employed by The Skill Mill for 6-months, working in small cohorts of four, under the direct supervision of a dedicated Supervisor. During this period, the programme integrates practical skills training, offering short courses and on-the-job instruction in areas like environmental management, construction, and recycling, using tools such as trimmers and lawnmowers. The goal is for participants to achieve recognized qualifications like the CSCS card and an AQA Level 2 qualification, all while receiving comprehensive support, in collaboration with youth offending services. 

Following the six-month employment phase, young people receive three months of dedicated support designed to facilitate their transition into new employment, training, or educational opportunities. This support includes individualised assistance with career development and job progression, practical aid such as creating action plans, crafting CVs, and practicing interview skills. Furthermore, The Skill Mill advocates for young people facing significant barriers to employment, ensuring they receive tailored guidance to secure their next steps. 

Purpose of the Role:

To support young people aged 16+, particularly those involved with The Skill Mill programme, by delivering tailored, person-centered pathways into education, training, and long-term employment. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and transition successfully into sustainable opportunities with partner organisation and local employers. 

Support for young people from the Pathway Advisor will begin in the 6-month employment phase, with liaison with the young person, Supervisors and Commercial Sales Manager, to begin to build relationships, understand aspirations and identify potential opportunities. 

After the 6-month employment phase, key support will transition from the Supervisor to the Pathway Advisor role, with 3-months of person-led support offered to prepare for, enter, and sustain further employment, training, or educational opportunities. Support will be tailored to each young person’s needs and is likely to be a combination of remote/ in-person throughout the 9-months. 
 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver intensive 1:1 employability and progression support to young people on The Skill Mill programme, focusing on post-placement career development, training and sustained employment outcomes.  

•  Work in partnership with Youth Justice Services and employer networks to identify and promote routes into education, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.  

• Co-produce personalised action plans with young people, based on individual strengths, goals and support needs, reviewing progress and adapting interventions as required.  

• Provide practical employability support including CV development, interview preparation, job search guidance, and workplace readiness.  

• Build trusted, motivational relationships with young people using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.  

• Act as a key link between young people and partner organisations, including employers, training providers, FE colleges and specialist support services.  

• Advocate for young people with complex or multiple barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities and remove systemic obstacles.  

• Maintain accurate records, track progress, and contribute to outcome reporting for funders and commissioners.  

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognising barriers such as discrimination, offending history, housing instability and mental health needs.  

• Collaborate closely with Youth Justice caseworkers, internal teams, local authorities, and external agencies to deliver coordinated, wraparound support.  

• Stay informed on labour market trends, skills pathways, and funding opportunities to enhance progression options for young people. 
   

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience providing employability and progression support to young people, with a focus on accessing education, training, and sustained employment. 

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people with offending histories. 

• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly. 

• Ability to design and deliver effective action plans that lead to employment, training, or further education outcomes. 

• Knowledge of local labour market, training providers, and employability services. 

• Proficient IT skills and ability to maintain accurate case records and outcomes data. 

• Ability to work independently and manage a dynamic caseload. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and service delivery. 

• A flexible and collaborative approach to partnership working. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Direct experience working with The Skill Mill or similar social enterprise programmes. 

• Lived experience of youth justice, care, or NEET pathways. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice. 

• Experience collaborating with employers or brokering placements. 

• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR). 

• Familiarity with case management systems or youth work platforms. 

• Qualification in careers guidance, youth work, or coaching. 

• Understanding of supported employment models (e.g., IPS, Youth Hubs). 
   

Additional Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS check required. 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings/weekends. 

• Travel between partner sites or outreach locations may be required. 
   

How to Apply: 

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. 

To apply please send a CV and cover letter setting out your experience, qualifications and how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

Job Title: Pathways Advisor 
Salary: £17,500 (0.5 FTE) 
Location: South of England / London
Contract Type: Part-Time, fixed term (2-years) 
Reports To: Regional Manager 
Service Area: The Skill Mill 
Place of Work: Remote with the expectation of some regional travel

About The Skill Mill 

The Skill Mill is a multi-award-winning social enterprise providing employment opportunities for young people aged 16–18 involved in the criminal justice system. We deliver environmental and community improvement projects that build skills, improve life chances, and reduce reoffending. 

Young people aged 16-18 will be employed by The Skill Mill for 6-months, working in small cohorts of four, under the direct supervision of a dedicated Supervisor. During this period, the programme integrates practical skills training, offering short courses and on-the-job instruction in areas like environmental management, construction, and recycling, using tools such as trimmers and lawnmowers. The goal is for participants to achieve recognized qualifications like the CSCS card and an AQA Level 2 qualification, all while receiving comprehensive support, in collaboration with youth offending services. 

Following the six-month employment phase, young people receive three months of dedicated support designed to facilitate their transition into new employment, training, or educational opportunities. This support includes individualised assistance with career development and job progression, practical aid such as creating action plans, crafting CVs, and practicing interview skills. Furthermore, The Skill Mill advocates for young people facing significant barriers to employment, ensuring they receive tailored guidance to secure their next steps. 

Purpose of the Role:

To support young people aged 16+, particularly those involved with The Skill Mill programme, by delivering tailored, person-centered pathways into education, training, and long-term employment. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and transition successfully into sustainable opportunities with partner organisation and local employers. 

Support for young people from the Pathway Advisor will begin in the 6-month employment phase, with liaison with the young person, Supervisors and Commercial Sales Manager, to begin to build relationships, understand aspirations and identify potential opportunities. 

After the 6-month employment phase, key support will transition from the Supervisor to the Pathway Advisor role, with 3-months of person-led support offered to prepare for, enter, and sustain further employment, training, or educational opportunities. Support will be tailored to each young person’s needs and is likely to be a combination of remote/ in-person throughout the 9-months. 
 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver intensive 1:1 employability and progression support to young people on The Skill Mill programme, focusing on post-placement career development, training and sustained employment outcomes.  

•  Work in partnership with Youth Justice Services and employer networks to identify and promote routes into education, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.  

• Co-produce personalised action plans with young people, based on individual strengths, goals and support needs, reviewing progress and adapting interventions as required.  

• Provide practical employability support including CV development, interview preparation, job search guidance, and workplace readiness.  

• Build trusted, motivational relationships with young people using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.  

• Act as a key link between young people and partner organisations, including employers, training providers, FE colleges and specialist support services.  

• Advocate for young people with complex or multiple barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities and remove systemic obstacles.  

• Maintain accurate records, track progress, and contribute to outcome reporting for funders and commissioners.  

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognising barriers such as discrimination, offending history, housing instability and mental health needs.  

• Collaborate closely with Youth Justice caseworkers, internal teams, local authorities, and external agencies to deliver coordinated, wraparound support.  

• Stay informed on labour market trends, skills pathways, and funding opportunities to enhance progression options for young people. 
   

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience providing employability and progression support to young people, with a focus on accessing education, training, and sustained employment. 

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people with offending histories. 

• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly. 

• Ability to design and deliver effective action plans that lead to employment, training, or further education outcomes. 

• Knowledge of local labour market, training providers, and employability services. 

• Proficient IT skills and ability to maintain accurate case records and outcomes data. 

• Ability to work independently and manage a dynamic caseload. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and service delivery. 

• A flexible and collaborative approach to partnership working. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Direct experience working with The Skill Mill or similar social enterprise programmes. 

• Lived experience of youth justice, care, or NEET pathways. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice. 

• Experience collaborating with employers or brokering placements. 

• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR). 

• Familiarity with case management systems or youth work platforms. 

• Qualification in careers guidance, youth work, or coaching. 

• Understanding of supported employment models (e.g., IPS, Youth Hubs). 
   

Additional Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS check required. 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings/weekends. 

• Travel between partner sites or outreach locations may be required. 

How to Apply: 

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. 

To apply please send a CV and cover letter setting out your experience, qualifications and how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

For over 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers. We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

By working for FEC, you will become part of a vibrant team living the charity’s values: Expert, Supportive, Passionate, Open and Honest, Resilient, and Collaborative.

Brief role description 

NOVA provides trauma-informed, person-centred support to UK Armed Forces veterans who are at risk of, or already in contact with the criminal justice system. NOVA operates across England (as Op NOVA), Scotland and Wales. We are now developing the service in Northern Ireland.

The Caseworker for NOVA Northern Ireland will manage and support a caseload of veterans, providing emotional and practical support across a range of factors including mental health and wellbeing, social stability, housing and employability. They will be working in collaboration with local partners to reduce reoffending.

The Caseworker for NOVA Northern Ireland will work in the community, in partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) and other local partners to provide support to veterans at all stages of the justice pathway: pre-arrest, point of arrest, court process, custody, and transition back into the community.

Please note this role is on a 3-years Fixed Term Contract.

Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Check our website.

Eager to know more about the role? Have a look at the Job Description: Job Description - Caseworker NOVA Northern Ireland.pdf

What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits.

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by Friday, 17 April 2026.

Got questions about the role? Get in touch with the People Team.

Please note: 

Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. 

If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying. 

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. 

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

#LI-DNI

The Mason Foundation is a national charity supporting neurodivergent young people and communities to thrive. We deliver three core programmes: Propel (neuroinclusive employment support for young people aged 14 to 25), Community Mile (locally led physical activity with trained Champions), and community impact programmes. We work across England and Scotland, partnering with schools, colleges, community youth settings, employers, and local communities to champion neuroinclusion and create opportunities for people to thrive.

We're proud to create an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can succeed.

The Opportunity

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Delivery and Support Coordinator to be the delivery arm of The Mason Foundation in the North West, delivering all three of our programmes across the region.

As the Training and Support Worker, you will engage with schools, colleges, community settings, employers, and local communities, delivering training, supporting implementation, and championing neuroinclusion. You will deliver Propel (neuroinclusive employment support), Community Mile (locally led physical activity), and community impact programmes that empower underserved communities.

You will be required to travel regularly to deliver face to face training within schools, colleges, community settings, and workplaces across the North West.

What We're Looking For

• A passionate advocate for neurodivergent young people and communities with experience in SEND, employability, community development, or physical activity

• Strong facilitator who can deliver engaging, impactful training to diverse audiences

• Excellent communicator who builds genuine relationships across education, community, and employer sectors

• Self-motivated with a 'make it happen' attitude and ability to work independently

• Team player who understands the importance of collaboration

• Comfortable working part time hours efficiently

• Driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential)

Why Join Us

In return, you get to work for an ambitious, values driven charity making a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent young people and communities. You will have the flexibility of remote working, opportunities to shape the programmes in the North West, and the chance to be part of a supportive team where everyone's contributions matter.

The Mason Foundation is a national charity supporting neurodivergent young people into meaningful employment through our Propel mentorship programme. We work across England and Scotland, partnering with schools, colleges, community youth settings and employers to champion neuroinclusion and create opportunities for young people to thrive.

75% of our staff are neurodivergent, and we're proud to create an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can succeed.

The Opportunity

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Delivery and Support Coordinator to deliver our Propel programme across Scotland, building partnerships and championing neuroinclusion.

As the Training and Support Worker, you'll engage with schools, colleges, community settings and employers, delivering training, supporting implementation, and empowering neurodivergent young people into sustainable employment. You'll play a key role in developing the programme through partner insight and keeping up with best practice in workplace neuroinclusion.

You will be required to travel regularly to deliver face-to-face training within schools, colleges, community settings and workplaces across Scotland, particularly Edinburgh and Glasgow.

What We're Looking For

• A passionate advocate for neurodivergent young people with experience in SEND, employability, or community engagement

• Strong facilitator who can deliver engaging, impactful training to diverse audiences

• Excellent communicator who builds genuine relationships across education, community and employer sectors

• Self-motivated with a 'make it happen' attitude and ability to work independently

• Team player who understands the importance of collaboration

• Driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential)

Why Join Us

In return, you get to work for an ambitious, values-driven charity making a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent young people. You'll have the flexibility of remote working, opportunities to shape the programme in Scotland, and the chance to be part of a supportive team where everyone's contributions matter.

Job description 

Job Title:  Caseworker 

Reports to:   TBC 

Line Reports: N/A 

Location:   Flexible - hybrid 2 days a week from one of our offices 

Salary:  £29,000 - £32,000 (London)  ; £26,500 - £29,500 (outside London)  

Hours:  37.5 hours per week, with occasional evening/weekend work (TOIL provided) 

Contract:  Permanent 

Language requirements: Fluency in English essential.

Travel:  Expectations of travel between BB locations for in person meetings and events 

Overall purpose: 

Breaking Barriers exists to support refugees and people from forced migration backgrounds into meaningful employment. 

The Client Caseworker is integral to delivering that mission. Acting as a client’s primary point of support, you will lead and coordinate their progression toward employment — whether through language development, requalification, training or direct employability support. 

This role requires someone who can take ownership of client journeys, drive forward action plans, and deliver both one-to-one and group-based support that moves clients closer to work. Caseworkers may initially focus more heavily on one pathway area, but the role is designed to provide integrated, cross-programme support over time. 

Collaboration across programme teams is essential to ensure clients experience seamless, joined-up services and consistent progression.Your contributions are valued, and you can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. 

Key responsibilities: 

1. Client casework and support 

• Manage a caseload of clients, providing structured one-to-one support in person and online. 

• Conduct holistic assessments to understand clients’ qualifications, skills, language levels, aspirations and barriers. 

• Co-create clear, outcome-focused action plans aligned to sustainable employment. 

• Drive forward client progression across relevant pathways, including: 

• Employment readiness and job search 

• CV development, applications and interview preparation 

• Professional requalification and accreditation routes 

• English language progression 

• Sector-specific training or volunteering 

• Deliver group sessions to help clients build knowledge and skills in a supportive peer-learning environment. 

• Maintain regular contact to monitor progress, adjust support and maintain accountability. 

• Identify and address barriers to progression, advocating where appropriate. 

• Safeguard clients appropriately and escalate concerns in line with policy. 

• Refer and signpost to additional support services where required. 

2. Stakeholder and volunteer engagement 

• Engage with stakeholders and partners to develop networks and identify job, training, education and work experience opportunities for clients. 

• Support outreach initiatives by developing and maintaining relationships with partners (e.g. referral partners, training providers, employers and professional bodies) 

• Advocate on behalf of clients to address specific barriers to employment or accreditation. 

• Collaborate with colleagues responsible for employer and partner engagement to match clients to appropriate opportunities. 

• Liaise with volunteers to source additional expertise and mentoring opportunities for clients. 

• Represent Breaking Barriers at occasional events or meetings as required. 

3. Monitoring, Reporting & Administration 

• Maintain accurate, timely and detailed client records on the CRM system. 

• Track and report on client progression against agreed milestones and KPIs. 

• Ensure documentation and evidence are completed in line with reporting requirements. 

• Complete enrolment and administrative processes efficiently. 

• Support monitoring and evaluation processes to inform service improvement. 

4. Cross-Organisational Collaboration & Integrated Working 

• Work closely with colleagues across all functions to ensure seamless client journeys, aligning support, avoiding duplication and maintaining clarity of progression plans. 

• Share knowledge of sector pathways, labour market developments and client trends to inform service development and team learning. 

• Contribute to service development as the service redesign evolves.

• Participate actively in team meetings, case reviews, reflective practice sessions, appraisals and inductions, contributing to strong team relationships and continuous service improvement. 

• Take advantage of training and development opportunities to build new skills and share knowledge across teams. 

• Foster a collaborative, solution-focused team culture. 

Person specification: 

Essential Criteria 

Experience 

• Experience providing one-to-one advice, guidance or support, ideally within employability, education, refugee support or a related field 

• Experience delivering or co-facilitating group sessions, workshops or training. 

• Experience working toward defined targets, outcomes or deadlines in a structured environment. 

• Understanding of barriers faced by refugees and people from forced migration backgrounds in accessing employment. 

• Experience maintaining accurate records, whether using a database, CRM or equivalent system. 

• Understanding of safeguarding principles and how to respond appropriately to concerns. 

Essential Skills & Abilities 

• Ability to support people in planning and taking steps toward a goal, with clarity and follow-through. 

• Comfortable facilitating groups and engaging diverse audiences. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with people from varied backgrounds. 

• Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. 

• Proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving. 

• Clear written and verbal communication skills. 

• Able to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners or stakeholders. 

• Attention to detail and administrative accuracy. 

• Adaptable and open to working in an evolving service environment. 

Desirable Experience 

• Lived experience of seeking sanctuary or forced migration to the UK. 

• Experience in refugee support, employment services, education or a related field. 

• Familiarity with UK labour market pathways, sector training routes or professional requalification processes. 

• Experience working alongside volunteers, mentors or external partners. 

• Ability to speak an additional language relevant to the client group. 

Other Requirements 

• Commitment to Breaking Barriers’ mission and values. 

• Eligibility to work in the UK. 

• Willingness to travel between offices and partner locations as required. 

• Occasional evening or weekend work (TOIL provided). 

If you meet most, but not all of the criteria, we’d still like to hear from you! 

Other considerations: 

• As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out pre-employment checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include criminal record disclosure, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK 

• Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully taken into account when deciding action 

• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief 

• Breaking Barriers particularly welcomes applicants with experience of seeking asylum and/or a refugee background 

• Some travel between our different areas of operation will be required