Disability Employment Coach (Part Time)

ABOUT CHOICE IN HACKNEY

Choice in Hackney is a Disabled People User Led Organisation, run by disabled people, for disabled people.

We support disabled people from all communities to obtain the services they need to live independently, with dignity and to make choices about their own lifestyles.

Choice in Hackney was founded in 1992. It originally consisted of two part-time advocates and a Co-ordinator. Now, the organisation has grown to include a robust advocacy project staffed by three part time advocates; a hate crime advocacy project; a training department delivering Advocacy and Employment training as well as job coaching; and a volunteering project delivering befriending, gardening and active lifestyle services.

Today, Choice in Hackney is one of the largest Disabled People’s Organisations in Hackney. We assist over 200 disabled people a year to access services, challenge injustice, improve their employability prospects, live actively and participate in society.

ABOUT THE ROLE

• To provide one-to-one employment coaching and guidance to disabled people seeking work, volunteering, education or training.
• To support disabled people to identify their strengths, aspirations and employment goals, and develop realistic action plans.
• To help participants overcome barriers to employment through practical coaching, guidance and signposting.
• To plan, organise and deliver CHOICE’s Job Club alongside colleagues and volunteers.
• To work with employers, training providers and partner organisations to create employment opportunities for disabled people.
• To support disabled people to develop self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and promote sustainable employment and job retention
• To maintain ongoing engagement with programme alumni, and monitor participants’ longer-term employment outcomes.
• To monitor participant progress during and after the programme, contribute to project evaluation and funding outcomes, and support the development of an active alumni network that promotes sustainable employment, entrepreneurship and ongoing peer support.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide one-to-one employment coaching and guidance to disabled people, helping them identify their strengths, aspirations and employment goals.
• Work with participants to develop personalised action plans that support progression into employment, volunteering, education or training.
• Help participants identify and overcome barriers to employment through practical coaching, encouragement and problem-solving.
• Support participants with job searching, CV writing, application forms, personal statements and interview preparation.
• Provide advice on workplace adjustments, disability disclosure, Access to Work and other employment-related support.
• Signpost participants to appropriate specialist services including training providers, welfare advice, health services and community organisations.
• Assist with the planning, organisation and delivery of CHOICE’s Job Club, ensuring sessions are engaging, accessible and responsive to participants’ needs.
• Encourage peer learning, confidence building and mutual support within group sessions.
• Develop positive relationships with employers, recruitment agencies, training providers and other partners to create opportunities for disabled people.
• Promote inclusive employment practices and encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people.
• Support participants to access volunteering, work experience, apprenticeships and paid employment opportunities.
• Encourage and support participants to explore self-employment, social enterprise and entrepreneurship as viable pathways into sustainable work, including signposting to specialist business support and enterprise programmes.
• Provide in-work support to participants and employers, where appropriate, to promote job retention, successful workplace integration and career progression.
• Maintain regular contact with former participants to monitor their progress beyond completion of the programme, recording longer-term employment, training and wellbeing outcomes to demonstrate project impact.
• Assist in the planning, promotion and delivery of a monthly alumni programme, providing a Job Club, peer support network, mentoring opportunities and employer engagement activities to help participants sustain employment and continue their career development.
• Work collaboratively with CHOICE colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations to provide coordinated support.
• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records using CHOICE’s databases and recording systems.
• Monitor participant progress, record outcomes and contribute to project monitoring, evaluation and funding reports.
• Collect participant feedback and contribute to the continuous improvement of employment support services.
• Keep up to date with employment legislation, labour market developments, disability employment initiatives and best practice.
• Promote CHOICE’s employment, training and volunteering services to disabled people and partner organisations.
• Attend supervision, appraisal, team meetings and relevant training to support continuous professional development.
• Comply with CHOICE’s policies and procedures, including Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Confidentiality and GDPR.
• Promote the Social Model of Disability and person-centred approaches in all aspects of the role.
• Work flexibly across CHOICE’s Training & Employment projects to meet changing organisational priorities.
• Work as an active member of the CHOICE team, contributing to organisational objectives and service development.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as directed by the Advocacy Training & Employment Coordinator and/or Chief Executive Officer.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Essential requirements

• Experience of supporting disabled people into employment, education or training.
• Experience of employment coaching, careers guidance, employability support or vocational rehabilitation.
• Experience of delivering one-to-one coaching.
• Experience of delivering workshops or group sessions.
• Experience of supporting vulnerable people.
• Experience of partnership working with employers or community organisations.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

• Excellent coaching and motivational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good understanding of disability and barriers to employment.
• Knowledge of reasonable adjustments and inclusive employment practices.
• Knowledge of recruitment and selection processes.
• Ability to support people with CV writing, applications and interview preparation.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to motivate people who have experienced setbacks or long-term unemployment.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and online job search platforms.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality.

Commitments

• Commitment to, and understanding of, the Social Model of Disability.
• Commitment to, and understanding of Equal Opportunities.
• Enthusiastic and positive attitude to work and commitment to the ethos of CHOICE IN HACKNEY.

Other

• Willingness to attend some evening and weekend meetings.
• Willingness to carry out outreach including home visits as and when necessary.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience of working within the voluntary or community sector (desirable).
• Experience of supporting funded projects (desirable).
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures (desirable).
• Experience of supporting social media or website administration (desirable).

Salary: £37,037 per annum for 35-hours per week Pro rata £10,582-£12,698 per annum for 10-12 hours per week

Contract: Fixed term – 5-years (ending July 2031)