Overview
The Growth Company’s (GC) Employment team is hiring an Employer Engagement Coordinator to support offender employment in line with local economic priorities. The role involves working with stakeholders, prisons, and employers to promote inclusive hiring, encourage opportunities for individuals leaving custody, and deliver impartial careers advice and guidance. The aim is to improve access to job vacancies and training, helping offenders better understand and engage with the world of work.
These will be based out of HMP Forest Bank. Please note that this vacancy is subject to contract award.
Key Responsibilities
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners, stakeholders, and employers to promote offender recruitment post-custody.
* Plan, deliver, and evaluate engagement events and workshops for staff, employers, and service users, reporting outcomes against targets.
* Organise and lead partnership meetings with agencies such as Jobcentre Plus, Prison and Probation Services, and employers.
* Create high-quality careers content and coordinate employer-led promotional activities to support offender employment.
* Compile reports and analyse data in line with the Employer Engagement Plan and reporting timelines.
* Manage a personal caseload focused on employer engagement to secure job opportunities for individuals leaving custody.
* Undertake line management duties where applicable, supporting team performance and development.
* Adhere to the Health & Safety at Work Act and GC’s Health & Safety Policy in all activities.
About You
* Demonstrates strong awareness of the information, advice, and guidance (IAG) agenda, with a clear understanding of the skills and employment landscape.
* Possesses in-depth knowledge of prison operations, protocols, and the broader criminal justice system.
* Committed to the ethics and principles of resettlement and rehabilitation, promoting positive outcomes for individuals.
* Maintains a highly professional image and personal presentation in all interactions.
* Self-motivated, confident, and resilient, with a drive to achieve excellence and inspire others.
* Works collaboratively as a supportive and proactive team player.
* Takes personal responsibility, showing strong organisational skills and initiative.
Skills Required
* Strong organisational, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present and influence effectively.
* Skilled in researching and producing Labour Market Information, particularly focused on offender employment pathways for prisons, service users, and employer events.
* Proven ability to network and build relationships at management level across diverse sectors.
* Extensive experience collaborating with key stakeholders and partners at both strategic and operational levels, including Jobcentre Plus, Prison Service, and Probation Services.
* Background in careers guidance is desirable, supported by an NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance.
* Demonstrated experience in job brokerage and facilitating employment opportunities.
* Previous work within HMP Prisons preferred; alternatively, experience within the wider criminal justice system or services supporting ex-offenders.
* Professional, proactive, and confident approach to stakeholder engagement and offender rehabilitation.
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