Senior Employment Officer
Salary: £33,481
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Manchester (Head office is in Hazel Grove, Stockport)
Responsible to: Supported Employment Contract Manager
Additional: Must be a driver and have use of a car for business purposes
Mileage: 45p per mile
We promote flexible working patterns and work-life balance. Working patterns can be agreed with the right candidate based on their preference and business needs.
Interviews will be held 4th and 5th August 2026.
Role Purpose:
As Senior Employment Officer, you will lead and inspire a team of Client Engagement Workers and a Tutor, supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to progress into meaningful employment. You will provide day-to-day leadership, supervision and coaching, oversee service delivery and quality, manage referrals and waiting lists, build employer and stakeholder relationships, and ensure the successful delivery of the Our Futures Project.
Responsibilities:
· Lead, supervise and support the Our Futures team, providing regular coaching, mentoring and performance management.
· Take responsibility for the recruitment, induction and retention of team members.
· Identify staff training and development needs and promote continuous professional development.
· Create a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and inclusive practice.
· Chair meetings, facilitate training sessions and act as a role model for best practice.
· Support the Contract Manager with operational planning, service development and achievement of contractual KPIs.
· Oversee delivery of the Our Futures Project.
· Manage referrals and waiting lists, ensuring timely processing, accurate records and appropriate prioritisation.
· Maintain a small caseload, co-producing vocational profiles and personalised action plans with regular reviews.
· Develop and deliver employability and self-development workshops.
· Provide on-the-job support using systematic instruction techniques and gradually fade support to promote independence.
· Complete vocational assessments, job analysis and workplace risk assessments.
· Develop relationships with employers, Local Authorities and partner organisations.
· Secure work experience, paid employment, industry visits, employer presentations and sector-specific opportunities.
· Negotiate reasonable adjustments and support employers to create inclusive job opportunities through job carving.
· Develop and maintain a provision map and effective referral pathways across Manchester.
· Create a culture of continuous improvement.
· To demonstrate a thorough understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures
· Identify training needs of staff.
· Working alongside the other Senior Employment Officers and Contract Manager to plan and prioritise individual activities towards achieving the contractual specifications and agreed business aims.
· Attend various meetings in order to promote Pure Innovations and Supported Employment.
· Support with attending client meetings where necessary.
· Work in partnership with Local Authorities, other agencies, parents and carers.
· Ensure the team challenge traditional methods of recruitment and selection by using creative initiatives.
· Carry out quality checks to ensure that the records maintain accurate, relevant. written documentation i.e. weekly reports, risk assessments, individual and employer records etc, this will be done either manually or on computer.
· Ensure effective remote working and adhering to the relevant guidelines based on lone working, outlook calendar and duty cover.
· Make presentations using all mediums and to various audiences and actively develop these skills in other team members.
· Ensure client confidentially is maintained at all times.
· Adhere to GDPR regulations and company policy and procedures to ensure that sensitive information and data is stored and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
· Ensure reports, paperwork and other correspondence are completed accurately and to deadlines.
· Produce accurate information and statistical data as required by the Contract Manager, Director of Employment, Contractors and external funding streams.
· To chair meetings and training events which develop the service or improve team/individual performance.
· Project lead and/or facilitate departmental projects using recognised project management strategies and tools.
· Act as a role model for other staff, promoting best practice and sharing ideas.
· Actively encourage feedback from team members and service users to develop and improve the service.
· Provide cover for the other Senior Employment Officers and team members as required.
· Uphold, understand and adhere to all policies and procedures identified by Pure Innovations.
· Any other duties as required by the Management Team.
· A positive commitment to further training and self-development.
Experience
· Relevant work experience with a track record of high levels of achievement.
· Achieved personal KPIs/targets.
· Co-ordinated/facilitated meetings.
· Experience working with people who have a learning disability or autism to achieve sustainable paid employment
· Level 3 Diploma in Employability Services Sector Qualification
· Experience of improving systems and procedures ideally through recognised project management strategies.
· Supervisory/Management experience.
· Experience of leading a team to achieve supported employment outcomes.
Knowledge
· Awareness and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.
· Knowledge of disability and special needs issues, policies and legislation in relation to employment
· Good understanding of the principles and practice of supported employment
· Working knowledge of a broad range of occupations and jobs
Skills
· Ability to build a team and a team working spirit.
· Ability to produce and analyse data and statistics and present to management.
· Ability to produce high-quality reports, presentations and other documents/literature.
· Ability to recognise and manage stress in the workplace using a variety of strategies and techniques.
· Evidence of an ability to work without micro supervision and on own initiative.
· Evidence of an ability to make sound judgements and decisions on a day-to-day basis.
· Able to use IT and tools such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Power Bi
· Imaginative/creative approaches to the integration of people with disabilities into the local community.
Personal qualities
· Be self-motivated and an enthusiastic worker with high energy levels and an ability to work under pressure.
· Professional appearance and presentation.
· Be charismatic and confident when building relationships with key stakeholders and employers
· A willingness to raise any concerns with senior management regarding discrimination on the grounds of age, race, sexuality, religion or belief, gender or disabilities.
· A willingness to raise any concerns with senior management regarding abuse or mistreatment..
· Ability to be flexible in terms of working hours to meet the needs of the business.
· Good attendance record and able to meet Pure Innovations Ltd’s standard of attendance.
· Implement safeguarding best practices across all areas of the business and show commitment to safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults.
· Comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act
· A current driving licence, access to own car and use of business insurance.
Pure Innovations is an equal opportunity employer and a proud supporter of the Disability Confident scheme and the Armed Forces Covenant. If you have a disability or are a member of the armed forces community, please let us know, and you will be automatically invited to interview, provided you meet the essential criteria.
Additionally, please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or support with the recruitment process.
Pay: £33,481.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience or knowledge of working with disadvantaged people or people with a disability? If yes, please provide an explanation.
- Have you previously worked in Employability? If so please provide a short summary.
Experience:
- Team management: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- UK Driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use? (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
