Employer and Engagement Officer


Company:	Acorn Training LTD
Salary:	£27,900 - £29,000
Hours:	Full-time
Working pattern:	Remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	31 Jul 2026
Closing date:	30 Aug 2026

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Summary

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

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

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