At a Glance
- Tasks: Connect participants to meaningful jobs while building relationships with local employers.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on employability and community support.
- Benefits: Flexible working, up to 26 days leave, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a commitment to diversity and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them find sustainable employment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Maths, and ICT; driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 29000 € per year.
The Employer and Participant Engagement Officer role delivers a joined‐up, person‐centred employment service that connects participants to meaningful, sustainable paid work while meeting the needs of local employers. The postholder actively engages participants, understands their aspirations and barriers, and translates this insight into high‐quality job matching through proactive employer relationships. By combining participant engagement with employer outreach, the role 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
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 (Optional – desirable)
Knowledge
- Awareness of, 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)
- Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities and Diversity (Essential)
Skills
- 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, open to new ideas and adapting engagement strategies to the needs of learners (Essential)
- Organisation and planning demonstrating good time management and prioritisation (Essential)
Job Benefits
- Flexible working including home‐based, centre‐based, or hybrid job role dependent
- 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
We reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time if we receive suitable applications for the role.
Employer and Participant Engagement Officer in West Bromwich employer: Acorn Training LTD
As an Employer and Participant Engagement Officer in Daventry, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals while fostering strong relationships with local employers. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering flexible working arrangements, extensive training programmes, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. With initiatives like Wellbeing Wednesdays and an annual paid volunteering day, we ensure that our employees feel valued and empowered to make a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employer and Participant Engagement Officer in West Bromwich
✨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 being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the 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 company culture. This shows that you’re engaged and helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you too.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Employer and Participant Engagement Officer in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get a feel for who we are at StudySmarter. Understanding our mission and values will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with our team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employer and Participant Engagement Officer role. Highlight your experience in participant engagement and employer outreach, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about helping participants find meaningful work and how your skills can contribute to our goals. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Follow Up:After submitting your application, don’t hesitate to follow up if you haven’t heard back within a week or two. A quick email shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on our radar. We love proactive candidates!
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 interested in making a difference.
✨Build Rapport with Employers
Think about how you would approach local employers and build relationships with them. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to address their concerns and demonstrate the benefits of working with your service.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires strong communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you would maintain engagement with participants, especially those who may feel anxious or disengaged. Use active listening techniques during the interview to demonstrate your empathy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Think of specific situations where you've had to overcome barriers for participants or employers. Prepare to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions, as this will showcase your practical experience.
