Employer & Participant Engagement Lead

Acorn Training; England; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Up to 26 days annual leave

CPD workshops

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Acorn Training is an award-winning training provider delivering tailored services across eight training centres and local communities. The role focuses on participant engagement and proactive employer relationships to quickly connect participants to paid work while supporting in-work retention.

The position emphasises person-centred engagement, rapid referrals, and collaboration with NHS teams and community partners under the IPS model, with flexible working options including home-based and

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English, Maths and ICT (Essential)
• Full driving licence and car (Essential)
• L3 IAG or equivalent (Desirable)
• Experience engaging with employers, clients and stakeholders (Essential)
• Proven track record of meeting targets (Essential)
• Excellent customer service experience (Essential)
• Experience in health services, social care or voluntary sectors (Desirable)

Responsibilities

• Act as primary contact for participants and ensure rapid engagement (within 48 hours)
• Build strong relationships with participants, including those who are anxious or disengaged
• Conduct person-centred, strengths-based conversations to understand goals and needs
• Explain and apply the IPS approach with rapid job search and health/community integration
• Identify and approach employers to build long-term relationships
• Source vacancies aligned with participant preferences and goals
• Provide pre-employment support (CV, applications, interview prep)
• Maintain employer relationships with follow-up communications

Skills

Engagement with participants

Relationship building

Communication skills

Organisation and planning

Adaptability

IT skills (MS Office)

Education

GCSE English, Maths & ICT (A*-C)

Full driving licence and car

L3 IAG (Desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

We reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time if we receive suitable applications for the role.

The purpose of the Employer and Participant Engagement Officer role is to deliver a joined‑up, person‑centred employment service that connects participants to meaningful, sustainable paid work while meeting the needs of local employers. The role exists to actively engage participants, understand their aspirations and barriers, and translate this insight into high‑quality job matching through proactive employer relationships. By combining participant engagement with employer outreach, the postholder ensures rapid job search, effective in‑work support, and strong job retention outcomes in line with the Connect to Work / IPS model, creating value for individuals, employers, and the wider system

Key Responsibilities and Key Performance Indicators

Participant Engagement and Support

• Act as a primary point of contact for participants, ensuring rapid engagement following referral (ideally within 48 hours).
• Build strong, trusting relationships with participants, particularly those who may feel anxious, ambivalent, or disengaged from employment.
• Use person‑centred, strengths‑based conversations to understand employment goals, preferences, skills, and support needs.
• Sensitively explore barriers such as mental health challenges, long‑term unemployment, confidence, or life circumstances.
• Explain and apply the IPS approach, including voluntary engagement, rapid job search, and integration with health and community services.
• Maintain engagement during fluctuating motivation through tailored contact (calls, texts, emails, face‑to‑face) and agreed action plans.
• Work collaboratively with NHS teams, community partners, and internal colleagues to ensure coordinated, participant‑focused support.
• Provide pre‑employment support including CV development, application support, interview preparation, and confidence‑building.

Employer Engagement and Job Development

• Proactively identify, approach, and build long‑term relationships with employers through repeat, in‑person engagement, even when no vacancies exist.
• Position employers as valued customers, demonstrating clear benefits of working with the service.
• Source suitable vacancies that genuinely align with individual participant preferences, strengths, and employment goals.
• Address employer concerns around additional support needs using IPS‑consistent, solution‑focused approaches.
• Identify hidden jobs, job‑carving opportunities, and reasonable workplace adjustments to improve outcomes.
• Develop and maintain a balanced vacancy pipeline that meets a wide range of participant needs.
• Provide professional employer follow‑up, including thank‑you messages, updates, and regular check‑ins.

Key Performance Indicators

• % of referrals contacted within 48 hours
• % of participants opting into the service following initial engagement
• Participant engagement rate (active cases vs disengaged cases)
• Average time from referral to job start
• % of participants entering paid employment
• Job sustainment rates at 13, 26 and 52 weeks
• Participant satisfaction / feedback scores
• Number of active employer relationships
• Number of repeat employer engagements (return employers)
• Vacancies sourced that meet participant preferences
• % of placements from employer‑led job development (non‑advertised roles)
• Employer satisfaction / feedback scores

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Qualifications and specific training

• GCSE grade A*-C (or equivalent) in English, Maths and ICT (Essential)
• Full driving licence and car (Essential)
• L3 IAG or equivalent qualification (Desirable)

Experience

• Track record of employer, client and stakeholder engagement (Essential)
• Evidence of meeting and exceeding targets (Essential)
• Experience of providing excellent customer service and achieving targets (Essential)
• Experience of working with Employers/Jobcentre Plus. Health Services: Primary care, mental health teams, and Integrated Care Boards. Social Care: Community care settings and care providers. Specialist Support Groups: Charities, housing associations, and organizations focusing on specific barrier conditions (e.g., substance dependency support, homelessness services). Criminal Justice System: Work Coaches and mentors within prisons and rehabilitation centres. Voluntary and Community Sector: Local charities and faith groups. Education Providers (Desirable)

Knowledge

• Display an awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults (Essential)
• Knowledge and understanding of safe and healthy working practices (Essential)
• Have an understanding of and be able to demonstrate a commitment to Equal Opportunities and Diversity. (Essential)

Skills

• Ability to engage and maintain positive working relationships internally and externally (Essential)
• Excellent IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office packages (Essential)
• Strong communication skills – written, verbal and active listening (Essential)
• Be approachable, empathetic, and able to relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds. (Essential)
• Flexible and adaptable, being open to new ideas and adapting engagement strategies to the needs of learners. (Essential)
• Organisation and planning which demonstrates good time management and prioritisation. (Essential)

Job Benefits

• Flexible working including home-based, centre-based, or hybrid job role dependant
• Up to 26 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days
• Pension scheme to support your long-term financial wellbeing
• Training and professional development, including CPD workshops and professional qualifications
• Westfield Health Scheme with benefits including 13 healthcare services, cashback towards essential health bills, counselling and therapy treatments, fast access to MRI, CT, and PET scans, and discounted shopping vouchers
• Wellbeing initiatives including Wellbeing Wednesdays and the Mental Health at Work Pledge
• Disability Confident Leader, Menopause Workplace Pledge, Armed Forces Covenant, Ban the Box Employer, and secure prayer spaces
• Annual paid volunteering day and charity initiatives
• Cash incentives for Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards

£500 Recommend a friend scheme

Acorn Training is an award-winning training provider with over 17 years of experience, recognised for its dedication to diversity and inclusion values.

Our tailored services are delivered across eight training centres and within the local communities we serve.