Employment Link Officer

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 Skills, Employment & Adult Education 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.

We are a friendly and welcoming multicultural and diverse team based in the Job Shop situated in Coventry City Centre. We are here to support all Coventry’s diverse residents, each with differing needs and tailor their support to help them 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

In 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.

We have two fixed-term, full-time positions available for Employment Link Officers. One will be based in the Skills Team, and the other in the Employment Team.

This position is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31 December 2027, aligned with a Government-backed programme, with potential for future extension subject to continued funding and programme priorities.

Help create new employment opportunities for Coventry residents.

As an Employment Link Officer, you will play a key role in delivering an innovative, employer-led approach that supports both workforce development and progression into employment.

What you'll do

In this role, you will:

• Build and maintain effective relationships with employers to understand their recruitment, workforce and skills needs.
• Work closely with employers, colleagues and partner organisations to ensure residents are well supported.
• Identify opportunities for residents to progress into sustainable employment and further training.
• Work collaboratively with employer engagement, skills and employment support teams to maximise opportunities.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of customer activity, progress and outcomes.
• Monitor and report on performance against agreed programme targets and funding requirements.
• Support the collection of evidence, case studies and good news stories to demonstrate the impact of the programme.
• Represent the programme at employer events, community activities, exhibitions and partnership meetings.

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting people into work and confident working with both residents and employers.

You will have:

• Experience of supporting people into employment, training or progression.
• Experience of working with employers, businesses or external partners.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to understand employer needs and identify suitable opportunities for residents.
• Experience of managing a caseload and working towards agreed outcomes and targets.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience of maintaining accurate customer and performance records.
• An understanding of the barriers people can face when accessing employment.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive employment.
• A positive, flexible and solution-focused approach to working in a new and developing programme.

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you. Need help completing your application form? The Job Shop can support you. You can email them at jobshopemploymentsupport@coventry.gov.uk or visit the Job Shop in person, please see their webpage for more information. For all other queries, contact Resourcing@coventry.gov.uk.

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 veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'.

We recognise that you might use AI tools to help with your application. While these tools can be useful, please make sure that all information you provide about your experience, skills, and qualifications is accurate. What matters most to us is hearing about your experience and the achievements that truly reflect you!

Interview date(s): TBC

Coventry 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