Connect to Work Team Leader
Make sure to apply with all the requested information, as laid out in the job overview below.
Location: Hampshire - Basingstoke, Fareham, Gosport, Havant & Hayling Island
Salary: £36,822 - £42,680 depending on skills and experience
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Please note: This is a 100% community-based leadership role. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivational Team Leader to oversee the delivery of the Connect to Work programme across Hampshire. Leading a team of Employment Specialists, you will play a key role in supporting individuals with health conditions, disabilities, and complex barriers to employment into sustainable paid work through the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong people management, operational oversight, employer engagement, and performance management skills. You will support staff development, maintain high-quality service delivery, and ensure the team consistently achieves programme targets and IPS fidelity standards.
Working primarily within the community, you will manage a flexible diary while building strong partnerships with employers, healthcare professionals, and local stakeholders across Basingstoke, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, and Hayling Island.
Key Responsibilities Team Leadership & Performance Management
* Lead, motivate, and support a team of Employment Specialists to deliver high-quality, outcomes-focused employment support.
* Conduct regular supervisions, performance reviews, coaching, and development sessions.
* Monitor caseloads, KPIs, participant outcomes, and service quality standards.
* Support the team to achieve and exceed job outcome and sustainment targets.
* Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
Service Delivery & Quality Assurance
* Ensure all delivery aligns with IPS fidelity standards and contractual expectations.
* Provide guidance and support around complex participant cases and employer engagement strategies.
* Monitor compliance, safeguarding, data quality, and participant record keeping.
* Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and service innovation.
* Support audits, reporting requirements, and quality assurance processes.
Stakeholder & Employer Engagement
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with employers, community organisations, healthcare teams, and referral partners.
* Promote inclusive recruitment practices and workplace adjustments.
* Represent the service at partnership meetings, local forums, and networking events.
* Support employer engagement activity to increase sustainable employment opportunities across Hampshire.
Operational & Community-Based Management
* Provide visible leadership across community locations throughout Hampshire.
* Manage team deployment and diary coordination to maximise participant engagement.
* Support the mobilisation and growth of the Connect to Work programme locally.
* Ensure staff wellbeing, resilience, and professional standards are maintained.
Essential Criteria
* Proven experience managing or leading teams within employability, welfare-to-work, supported employment, recruitment, or similar services.
* Strong understanding of supported employment principles and person-centred approaches.
* Experience managing performance against targets and quality standards.
* Ability to coach, motivate, and develop staff to achieve positive outcomes.
* Strong stakeholder management and employer engagement experience.
* Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
* Ability to manage competing priorities within a fast-paced community-based environment.
* Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle
Desirable Criteria
* Knowledge or experience of the IPS model.
* Experience supporting individuals with health conditions, disabilities, or complex barriers.
* Understanding of vocational rehabilitation, welfare benefits, and employment legislation.
* Existing networks with employers or community partners across Hampshire. xsngvjr
* Experience managing publicly funded contracts or employability programmes.
What's on Offer
* Competitive salary
* Flexible community-based working
* Supportive leadership environment
* Ongoing training and professional development
* Opportunity to shape and develop an impactful local service
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact Tiff Bennett on or email .