Employability Coach: Connect Programme

Responsible to:Employability Programme Manager

Part Time: 0.6

FTE

Purpose

As Employability Coach for the Connect to Work programme, the post holder will be a key member of the Cornwall Marine Network team. They will support programme participants with disabilities and/or health conditions to develop their confidence, overcome barriers to employment, and achieve sustainable paid employment outcomes. The programme covers Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The post holder will provide support through person-centred coaching, tailored one-to-one interventions, and partnership working with local employers and specialist services. They will deliver high-quality, outcomes-focused support that enables participants to access and sustain meaningful employment whilst acting as an ambassador for the Connect to Work programme.

The Post is funded by UK Government until March 2030.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Support and Caseload Management

• Manage a caseload of referred participants with disabilities and/or health conditions.
• Develop and maintain specialist knowledge of disabilities and complex needs
• Undertake in-depth assessments to understand each participant’s circumstances, preferences, strengths, and barriers to progression
• Co-produce personalised action plans with SMART targets to enable positive progression towards employment
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and practical support to build confidence, employability skills, and work readiness
• Apply best practice models including Supported Employment, Individual Placement and Support (IPS), and person-centred planning

Integrated Support and Partnership Working

• Use an integration framework of local specialist services to address specific issues (e.g. substance misuse, anger management, debt advice, health services, vocational training)
• Apply social prescribing approaches to improve participant circumstances (e.g. healthy eating classes, smoking cessation, social groups)
• Work with multiple agencies and partners to develop holistic support approaches
• Build and maintain relationships with referral partners, local employers, and specialist services
• Signpost participants to services within the Connect to Work programme and wider support network
• Work collaboratively with The People Hub and other delivery partners
• Contribute to multi‑agency meetings and case conferences

Employer Engagement and Job Matching

• Undertake direct marketing to employers using digital and electronic formats (e.g. email, Linked In, Facebook, Twitter)
• Identify employer recruitment needs and undertake tailored pre‑screening and assessment activities
• Support participants with CV preparation, job searching, applications, and interview skills
• Match participants to suitable job opportunities based on their skills, preferences, and support needs
• Engage employers to create inclusive employment opportunities and promote disability‑confident practices

In-Work Support and Sustainment

• Co‑produce effective in‑work support plans with participants and employers
• Provide practical support to ensure smooth transition into work and sustained employment outcomes
• Deliver ongoing coaching and problem‑solving support during the early employment period
• Be mindful of health and safety within participants’ workplaces, promoting safe working environments and reporting concerns appropriately
• Monitor and report on employment sustainment in line with programme requirements

Programme Delivery and Compliance

• Deliver services in line with Connect to Work programme requirements and contractual standards
• Apply IPS fidelity principles where applicable
• Work from local hubs and community outreach locations (sometimes alongside other services such as housing, health, and primary care centres) to increase service accessibility
• Work flexibly across…