At a Glance
- Tasks: Connect participants to meaningful jobs while building relationships with local employers.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on empowering individuals and supporting local businesses.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment with a commitment to diversity and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them find sustainable employment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Maths, and ICT; experience in customer service and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 29000 € per year.
The purpose of the Employer and Participant Engagement Officer role is to deliver a joined‑up, person‑centred employment service that connects participants to meaningful, sustainable paid work while meeting the needs of local employers. The role exists to actively engage participants, understand their aspirations and barriers, and translate this insight into high‑quality job matching through proactive employer relationships. By combining participant engagement with employer outreach, the postholder ensures rapid job search, effective in‑work support, and strong job retention outcomes in line with the Connect to Work / IPS model, creating value for individuals, employers, and the wider system.
Key Responsibilities and Key Performance Indicators
- Participant Engagement and Support
- 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.
- Employer Engagement and Job Development
- 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.
Key Performance Indicators
- % 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
- Qualifications and specific training
- GCSE grade A*-C (or equivalent) in English, Maths and ICT (Essential)
- Full driving licence and car (Essential)
- L3 IAG or equivalent qualification (Desirable)
- Experience
- 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, Social Care, Specialist Support Groups, Criminal Justice System, Voluntary and Community Sector, Education Providers (Desirable)
- Knowledge
- 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)
- Skills
- 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)
- 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
- £500 Recommend a friend scheme
Job Benefits
Employer and Participant Engagement Officer in Daventry employer: Acorn Training LTD
As an Employer and Participant Engagement Officer in Daventry, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of participants and local employers. Our flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and commitment to employee wellbeing create a positive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. With initiatives like Wellbeing Wednesdays and a focus on diversity and inclusion, we ensure that our employees feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employer and Participant Engagement Officer in Daventry
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. The more comfortable you are with your answers, the more confident you'll feel during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team. This shows that you’re engaged and helps you figure out if the job is right for you too.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Employer and Participant Engagement Officer in Daventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Employer and Participant Engagement Officer role. Highlight your experience in participant engagement and employer outreach, showing us how you can connect participants to meaningful work.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong communication skills and ability to build relationships. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully engaged with participants or employers.
Be Person-Centred:Remember, this role is all about understanding and supporting individuals. Share any experiences where you've used a person-centred approach to help someone overcome barriers or achieve their employment goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Training LTD
✨Know Your Participants
Before the interview, take some time to understand the needs and aspirations of the participants you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with the IPS model and think about how you can apply it in your role. This will show your potential employer that you're genuinely invested in making a difference.
✨Build Rapport with Employers
Think about how you would approach building relationships with employers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to address concerns and create value for both participants and employers, as this is key to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Employer and Participant Engagement Officer, strong communication is essential. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to demonstrate your active listening skills and how you adapt your communication style to suit different audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of situations where you've had to overcome barriers for participants or employers. Prepare to discuss your thought process and the outcomes, showcasing your strengths in a person-centred approach.
