We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.The Employment & Skills Service is part of Coventry City Council. We work with a range of delivery partners to provide a wide portfolio of top quality support to Coventry residents of all ages who are looking for work. We work with partners across the city and our Employer Hub actively works with local employers to generate opportunities for local people. Our friendly and welcoming Job Shop is situated in Coventry City Centre. We are here to support all Coventry residents to search for employment, training, apprenticeships and work placements. People can explore a wide range of local vacancies that are updated daily and access training opportunities. We also provide ground-breaking specialist support for local residents who face multiple and sometimes complex barriers that make it hard for them to find a job. The Job Shop and our exciting range of specialist employment support programmes are among the very best support available in the UK Our ValuesIn line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.
Our Values are:
Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.
What is the job role?This is an exciting opportunity to be part of Coventry’s growing Post 16 pathways to employment provision for young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The team forms part of the Skills, Employment and Adult Education service and works alongside the Council’s SEND team - designed to improve the lives of young people with SEND, striving to provide better choice and control, good quality support and the opportunity to progress in life through a range of employment pathways.As our Employment Link Officer, you will be responsible for leading on the ‘Step into Work’ programme for young people with an Education Health and Care Plan. You will lead on employer engagement, creating an extensive network of employers in order to develop a wide range of employment related opportunities for the learners.You will work as an integrated member of the team alongside the programme managers, the Supported Internship Coordinator, Job Coaches and Learning Support Assistants. You will work closely with The Job Shop, SEND, our existing employer partners and a wide range of other partners to ensure that the opportunities you develop match the needs of the people we support.You will manage and lead Job Coaches and Learning Support Assistants to ensure that the young people and our employers receive outstanding support and that any issues are addressed promptly and effectively.You will play a key role in shaping the ‘Step into Work’ programme and our growing service, ensuring that we provide high-quality person-centred support for the learners in line with the Supported Employment Model.This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Who are we looking for?The right person for the role will be committed to equality and inclusion and fundamentally believe that everyone has the right to access employment regardless of their barriers. You will share the belief of the other programme managers that given the right opportunity and support, everyone can make a positive contribution and have a meaningful and fulfilling life.You will have a passion for improving lives, be outgoing with exceptional interpersonal skills and have the ability to inspire and lead and manage others. You will be able to develop and sustain strong relationships and influence and negotiate opportunities. You will have excellent IT skills and be able to effectively communicate with a wide range of people both verbally and in writing. You will be responsible for recording programme data, writing reports and always looking for ways to shape and improve the service. You will have experience of working with employers and people of all levels to create opportunities, understanding the needs of employer and the business case for employing a diverse workforce.You will have experience of safeguarding practices and will lead and support the Job Coaches and the Learning Support Assistants through the challenges of working with people who often have complex needs.With an employment background, you will be working in a way that bridges the Council’s employment service with SEND education. You will thrive on new challenges, be self-motivated with a positive approach work. You will be adaptable and able to travel independently to a variety of locations. This programme runs during the term time and therefore a commitment to the service delivery is expected. Annual leave during term time will be considered on an individual basis to ensure that we can deliver the service for our SEND communities. For further information or to discuss the role please contact Hannah Rogers: Hannah.Rogers@coventry.gov.ukIf you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:Members of the Armed Forces and veteransAre currently in care or have previously been in careIf you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health conditionFor full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.Interview date(s): Shortlisting will take place on Thursday 15 May 2025.Interviews will take place on 19/20 May 2025.The interview will consist of a ten minute presentation followed by a panel interview.About CoventryCoventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.
We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant, and diverse.
At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.
To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.
If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies
