Connect to Work Lead

An opportunity has risen in our Work Match Employment Delivery team for a Team Lead to manage the delivery of the Trailblazer Life Reworked programme across the boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth. This programme is targeted at supporting residents who are economically inactive towards pursuing their career goals and aspirations. You will lead a team of three employment specialists, and the team will operate alongside our Connect to Work team, sharing information and resources.

The Team Lead is responsible for managing, developing, and supporting a team of Employment Specialists to deliver effective support and guidance to participants of the programme, integrate with health and community referral partners, and carry out effective employer engagement. The team lead may also have a small caseload themselves. This is a community-based role where you are required to travel around the Boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth and your employment specialists are also based in the community.

Work Match is recruiting a new team to deliver the Trailblazer Life Reworked programme in its second year of delivery. The programme gives residents the support, guidance, and opportunities required to progress towards employment. That’s anything from learning new skills, boosting confidence and finding a job. Trailblazer is different because it brings skills and employment support together in one place. We work closely with local GPs, social prescribers, and community services to make sure residents can access the right support in Richmond and Wandsworth.

About the role

• Lead and supervise a team of three Employment Specialists – conduct monthly individual supervisions, host team meetings, deliver training, implement field observations, and mentor.
• Develop and empower staff to achieve their full potential in employment support and guidance.
• Ensure high-quality service delivery – guide the team to meet contractual KPIs and performance targets.
• Implement and formalise processes to achieve a set standard of delivery and drive performance.
• Stakeholder and partnership engagement – develop referral pathways and liaise with partner organisations to create opportunities for residents.
• Represent the service at internal and external events.
• Data reporting and compliance – manage data quality on CRM, extract data from CRM for reporting, complete monthly and quarterly returns.
• Support the Strategic Lead with additional reporting.
• Promote the service through community events – organise and host events to promote the programme and generate suitable referrals.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge and experience of supporting participants with barriers to employment.
• General understanding of Supported Employment Quality Framework and Individual Placement and Support models.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with partners, businesses and residents at all levels.
• Team-oriented and able to collaborate within a mixed-disciplinary team.
• Ability to collate information and prepare reports to profile performance against set targets.
• Proficiency with IT systems and experience using Microsoft apps and CRM essential.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable people, possess the required skills and thrive in a challenging yet rewarding environment, we invite you to apply for this opportunity.

Closing Date: 13th March 2026

Shortlisting Date: 16th March 2026

Interview Date: 25th March 2026

We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We promote equality and diversity and develop a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring valuable contributions to councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.