At a Glance
- Tasks: Champion the Connect to Work programme and build a network of inclusive employers.
- Company: Join Cambridgeshire County Council, dedicated to supporting diverse communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible leave, wellbeing packages, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate, inclusive workplace that values diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by promoting inclusive recruitment and supporting disadvantaged groups.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and understanding of local employment challenges required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Connect to Work is a new, voluntary supported employment initiative funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is the first major element of the Get Britain Working Strategy and will take a collaborative, locally led approach. It will:
- Connect local work, health, and skills support using a place, train, maintain model
- Target hidden unemployment and disadvantaged groups
- Deliver IPS (Individual Placement and Support) and SEQF (Supported Employment Quality Framework) interventions with high fidelity to national models
- Ensure equitable access through a zero-exclusions approach
- Support at least 3,738 residents of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough between 2026 and 2030
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) acting as the Lead Authority and Accountable Body has appointed Cambridgeshire County Council as Prime Provider to manage delivery across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and work strategically across the region to appoint a consortium of Delivery Partners, who will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) models of supported employment to high levels of fidelity.
IPS - Individual Placement and Support, is an intervention which integrates employment support alongside primary and secondary health services and other support services. SEQF - Supported Employment Quality Framework, intensive supported employment for people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex barriers. SEQF is a more intensive intervention, where in delivery terms the Participant will receive more contact and support from their Employment Specialist. Both models follow fidelity scales and evidence shows higher fidelity delivers stronger employment outcomes.
We will also work effectively with a wide range of partners and stakeholders who are operating in local areas, to provide therapeutic and holistic wrap-around support for participants. Effective employer engagement will be key to the success of the programme.
What will you be doing? You will champion the Connect to Work programme, by supporting delivery partners under the fidelity models to build a network of account managed employers, ensuring a continuous supply of supported employment opportunities for Connect to Work participants across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The postholder will promote the Connect to Work programme at local partnerships, groups and relevant events, raising awareness and increasing the number of potential participants completing expressions of interest applications. The postholder will play a key role in influencing employers to support inclusive recruitment practices, helping to increase diversity and create a range of meaningful employment opportunities across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough workforce.
About you: You will have:
- a good understanding of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough labour market challenges and effective approaches to address them
- good understanding of the employment needs and challenges faced by people with health conditions and complex barriers to employment
- the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners and establish productive working relationships quickly
- strong and effective communication skills including report writing, presentation and interpersonal skills within different environments
- the ability to travel comfortably across the area to attend a range of meetings and visits with clients and other stakeholders
About us: Cambridgeshire is a great place to work and live with a diverse population, an urban centre in Cambridge, historic Isle of Ely, Huntingdon and St Ives as well as more rural landscapes. Our four values are central to our culture, driving everything we do. We are proud to serve the diverse communities of Cambridgeshire and want our workforce to be reflective of this diversity, which we firmly believe benefits our colleagues, the organisation and our communities.
If you don’t meet every single requirement in the job role but think this could be you, please don’t be put off. We are committed to building a workplace that is compassionate and inclusive as well as diverse, so if you think you could be a good candidate for this role please consider applying and speak to the recruiting manager if you have any questions.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, along with our employee network "IDEAL" and self-organised peer support groups help us to foster an inclusive, supportive and safe working environment where people feel valued, respected, and empowered. We collect relevant diversity data for monitoring as part of the recruitment process to understand the diversity of our applicants and monitor any trends throughout the recruitment processes so that we can take meaningful action. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We fully support providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process, as well as when you join us, and we encourage candidates to contact the Hiring Manager to discuss any adjustment needs.
Through a Guaranteed Interview Scheme, we will offer an interview to all applicants who disclose a disability and meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy. On your application form you can indicate you are disabled. Some examples of reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process could include additional time to complete an assessment or printing a document on pastel coloured paper with larger font size and line spacing. We would value talking about what might be possible to enable you to join us and thrive, so if there is something that would help you to do your best during your journey with us, please get in touch.
Visit our jobs and careers section to find out more about our wide range of learning and development opportunities; apprenticeships; our wellbeing package; staff benefits; our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Connect to Work Employer Engagement Officer in Alconbury employer: Cambridge County Council
Cambridgeshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible annual leave options, paid volunteering hours, and access to development opportunities, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment. The council's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all voices are heard and valued, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about supporting disadvantaged groups in the vibrant Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Connect to Work Employer Engagement Officer in Alconbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars related to employment support. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express why you're excited about the Connect to Work programme. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the local labour market challenges. Understand what employers are looking for and how you can help them address these issues. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but also in making a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and contributing to the amazing work we're doing in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
We think you need these skills to ace Connect to Work Employer Engagement Officer in Alconbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Connect to Work programme. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of supporting disadvantaged groups in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key for this role, don’t forget to demonstrate your strong interpersonal skills in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've worked with individuals facing employment barriers or have experience in employer engagement, make sure to spotlight that! We’re looking for candidates who understand the local labour market challenges and can help us create meaningful opportunities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge County Council
✨Know the Local Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough labour market. Understand the challenges faced by local employers and job seekers, especially those with health conditions or complex barriers. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and how you can contribute to the Connect to Work programme.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to discuss your effective communication strategies. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders or influenced inclusive recruitment practices. Highlighting your interpersonal skills will show that you can build productive relationships quickly, which is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Inclusion
Be ready to talk about your understanding of inclusive recruitment and why it matters. Share any experiences you have in promoting diversity in the workplace. This will resonate well with the values of the organisation and demonstrate your alignment with their mission.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Connect to Work programme, its goals, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
