Employment Coach

JOB PURPOSE 

As an Employment Coach, you will be part of a dedicated team supporting people accessing our services to move towards their employment, education, training and volunteering goals. You will manage a caseload and provide tailored one-to-one support, working with service users to build their skills and confidence, and support them into employment using a strengths-based approach. The role also involves supporting group activities and workshops that help clients take positive steps towards employment. In addition, you will develop and maintain strong relationships with a range of partner organisations that offer employment, education and training opportunities. Through meaningful engagement and guidance, you will support clients to identify opportunities that align with their goals and help them progress towards sustainable employment. 

MAIN TASKS 

• To provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming service for those who are seeking to gain employment opportunities, including exploring goals and available support. 

• To assess and support a one-to-one caseload of clients to develop and review tailored self-development plans, with clear actions that encourage personal responsibility, ambition, and progression towards employment through suitable opportunities and meaningful activities. 

• To support clients with job searches and career development through CV writing, job applications and interview preparation. 

• To encourage ambition and positivity using a strengths-based approach, while working with clients to understand their individual support needs and support progression into employment. 

• To undertake employer engagement activities and support the planning and delivery of job fairs and workshops. 

• To participate in Employment, Training and Volunteering drop-in services and events to allow varied points of access for clients to engage with support, including at the Passage Resource Centre, at Passage accommodation projects and with external partners. 

• To build and maintain a strong network of referral partners and apprenticeship pathways, ensuring the service is accessible to individuals who would benefit from it 

• To build and maintain positive relationships with employment, training and volunteering organisations and partners, including attending off-site networking events 

• To have an understanding of the Universal Credit system and the relationship between employment and benefits, and to encourage clients to seek specialist advice where appropriate to support positive outcomes. 

• In partnership with Fundraising colleagues, develop and implement opportunities for our corporate partners to deliver training or get involved in volunteering.   

• To work with the Lived Experience Project Manager to ensure we provide opportunities for clients to get involved in the shaping of the service to further develop the project appropriately. 

• To deliver client work and workshops in line with defined Key Performance Indicators and ensure accurate data inputting on our In-Form database in a timely fashion and produce data for reports as requested.  

• To participate in weekly client reception shifts alongside the wider Community Services Team. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• In conjunction with your Line Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage. 

• To participate in internal/external meetings as required, and attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary. 

• To participate in regular supervision, case managements and annual appraisal, and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs. 

• To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to. 

• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults. 

• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high-quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage1.  

• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role or organisational requirements. 

Note: The details contained in this Job Description summarise the main expectations of the role at the date it was prepared. It should be understood that the nature of individual roles will evolve and change as service, service users and commissioner needs change. Consequently, The Passage will review and revise this Job Description as required in consultation with post holders. 

This person specification sets out the essential abilities and qualities that will be used in the selection criteria for the post. When completing your application form, please address criteria E1 to E6 and K1 to K3 demonstrating your experience and knowledge and give evidence of your experience and abilities. 

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EXPERIENCE 

E1 Experience of working in a similar post, either a paid or voluntary capacity, supporting disadvantaged groups to secure employment. 

E2 Experience in supporting individuals to identify their strengths, set personal goals, and take steps towards securing and sustaining employment. 

E3 Experience of managing a complex caseload and working within an evidence-based practice framework to meet targets and Key Performance Indicators. 

E4   Experience of supporting or participating in recruitment opportunities, job fairs and employment events 

E5  Experience of working with a diverse range of partner organisations to achieve positive outcomes. 

E6  Experience of working with databases and recording systems to evidence your work (training will be provided). 

KNOWLEDGE 

K1 Knowledge of Universal Credit and welfare benefits, and the implications when getting back into employment 

K2 Knowledge of initiatives surrounding homelessness and employment 

K3  Knowledge of how to influence and practice positive engagement 

K4  Knowledge of how to support and provide guidance to individuals and how to draw up a personalised development plan 

K5 Knowledge of ways of working with partners to add value and capacity to a service