Employability Team Leader

Job Title: Connect to Work Team Leader Salary: Up to £46,000 (Dependent on experience) Location: Barnet + Ealing (Hybrid/3 days community) Contract: Full-time, Permanent Programme: Connect to Work Role Overview We are recruiting a passionate and motivated Connect to Work Team Leader to oversee our employment support service across West London. The Connect to Work programme supports individuals with mental health conditions and neurodiverse needs to move into, or remain in, meaningful and sustainable employment. You will lead a team of Employment Specialists, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, person-centred service that empowers participants to achieve their goals. This role combines operational leadership, coaching, and partnership working with external stakeholders, including employers, health professionals, and local referral partners. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive leader who thrives in a performance-driven environment and is committed to promoting inclusion and wellbeing through employment. Key Responsibilities Team Leadership & Performance * Lead, motivate, and support a team of Employment Specialists to deliver excellent, person-centred employment support. * Hold regular supervision meetings, caseload reviews, and appraisals to maintain performance and wellbeing. * Provide coaching and development to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across the team. * Monitor and manage team performance against contractual and organisational targets. * Ensure accurate, compliant client record-keeping and reporting, including regular audit checks. Case Management & Programme Delivery * Support Employment Specialists to manage complex caseloads, offering guidance on best practice and problem-solving. * Promote and maintain a culture of inclusion and recovery-focused support for individuals with mental health and neurodiverse needs. * Oversee the delivery of vocational profiling, job search, employer engagement, and in-work support. * Ensure clients are referred appropriately to health, training, or community support services. * Drive job outcomes and retention performance, ensuring service quality and impact. Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement * Develop and maintain strong relationships with health professionals, local authorities, and employment partners. * Promote the Connect to Work programme to stakeholders, including through presentations and networking events. * Build employer partnerships to support inclusive recruitment and sustainable employment. * Represent the service at local partnership meetings, forums, and community events. Skills & Experience Essential: * Proven experience leading a team within an employability, health, or social care setting. * Strong understanding of the barriers faced by individuals with mental health conditions or neurodiverse needs. * Demonstrated success in achieving performance targets in a fast-paced environment. * Excellent coaching, communication, and people management skills. * Proficient in Microsoft Office and case management systems. * Understanding of safeguarding, equality, and diversity principles. Desirable: * Knowledge of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model or other supported employment approaches. * Experience managing services for people with health-related barriers to work. * Level 5 management qualification or equivalent experience. * IAG Level 3 qualification or higher. Benefits * 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (rising to 28 with service). * Option to purchase additional leave. * 2 days paid volunteering leave per year. * Enhanced pension and life assurance (x3 salary). * Health and wellbeing support, including EAP and health cash plan. * Professional development and management training opportunities