Employability Coach: Connect to Work Programme

Cornwall Marine Network Group; Falmouth (KY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Cornwall Marine Network is seeking an Employability Coach for the Connect to Work programme. The part-time 0.6FTE role focuses on supporting participants with disabilities and/or health conditions to gain confidence, develop skills, and secure sustainable paid employment across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

You will work person-centred, deliver tailored 1:1 interventions, and collaborate with employers and services, tracking progress and ensuring safeguarding and data protection.

Qualifications

• Experience of supporting people with disabilities or health conditions.
• Good understanding of local labour market needs.
• Ability to develop personalised action plans with SMART targets.
• Strong interpersonal and coaching skills.
• IT literate with Microsoft 365 and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of participants with disabilities and/or health conditions.
• Provide person-centred coaching and tailored one-to-one support.
• Develop action plans with SMART targets to enable progression to employment.
• Build partnerships with employers and specialist services.
• Deliver in-work coaching and sustainable employment support.

Skills

Disability awareness

Caseload management

Communication skills

IT literacy

Driving licence

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Teams

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teams

Job description

Responsible to:Employability Programme Manager

Part Time: 0.6FTE

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, LinkedIn, 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 Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, including travel to participants’ homes, employers’ premises, and community venues
• Document and evidence all work with participants, maintaining accurate records and effective caseload management
• Track outcomes, progress, and key performance indicators in line with programme monitoring requirements
• Ensure all documentation conforms to data protection legislation and organisational policies
• Meet safeguarding and compliance standards at all times

Promotion and Continuous Improvement

• Arrange and participate in engagement activities to promote the Connect to Work programme
• Act as an ambassador for the programme with key stakeholders, referral partners, and employers
• Attend meetings, training, and team development activities
• Contribute to continuous improvement of quality and customer service excellence
• Participate in regular supervision, appraisals, and reflective practice

Key CMN Accountabilities

• Information Security and Governance:Manage information in line with Connect to Work and CMN’s policies on Data Protection, Freedom of Information, confidentiality, information security and sharing, the information lifecycle, and data quality.
• Safeguarding:Maintain awareness of Connect to Work and CMN’s safeguarding policies regarding children, young people, and adults who may be at risk. Report concerns in accordance with organisational procedures. This role requires an enhanced DBS check.
• Equality, Diversity, and the Prevent Agenda:Work to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. Treat everyone with dignity and respect, ensuring individual needs are met. Challenge inappropriate behaviour constructively. Uphold the Prevent Duty and promote modern British values.
• Equal Opportunities:Cornwall Marine Network operates under the principles of Equal Opportunity, promoting equality of opportunity and access to all, regardless of age, race, colour, ethnic or national origins, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or impairment, income, education, religious beliefs, or cultural heritage.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support CMN team members with participant reviews and case conferencing
• Participate in wider organisational development activities
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery
• Maintain awareness of and adherence to CMN’s policies on confidentiality, information security, and professional boundaries
• Any other duties consistent with the grade and general responsibilities of the post

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Experience of supporting people with multiple and complex needs, particularly those with disabilities and/or health conditions, including learning disabilities
• Good working knowledge of the local labour market in Cornwall and ability to identify employment opportunities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to build rapport and trust with participants, employers, and partners
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively, prioritising workload and meeting deadlines in a target-driven environment
• Understanding of inclusive employment practices and person-centred approaches
• Fully IT literate in Microsoft Office programmes (including Microsoft 365) and modern digital technologies (e.g. Microsoft Teams)
• Experience of delivering services to meet contractual and quality standards
• Ability to work flexibly across Cornwall, including travel to community locations
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (or ability to travel extensively using public transport)

Desirable Criteria

• Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) qualification or willingness to work towards one
• Knowledge of Supported Employment and/or Individual Placement and Support (IPS) models
• Experience of employer engagement and job brokerage
• Coaching qualification or demonstrable coaching experience
• Training or understanding of Making Every Contact Count (MECC) approaches
• Experience with social prescribing or integrated support models
• Knowledge of specialist disability services and signposting pathways in Cornwall