Job Description

About Enterprise Oxfordshire

Enterprise Oxfordshire, formerly known as OxLEP, is dedicated to supporting local people and businesses in Oxfordshire. We help individuals build the skills they need to succeed in the workplace and get good, lasting jobs. At the same time, we offer advice and support to businesses across the county, helping them grow and thrive in a fair and inclusive way.

Connect to Work

Connect to Work is a new programme in Oxfordshire, run by Enterprise Oxfordshire with support from the County Council and funding from the Department for Work and Pensions. Its goal is to help local people with disabilities, mental health conditions and complex barriers to enter and sustain employment. This is the first step in a wider government plan to help more people get into good, lasting jobs.

Senior Employment Specialist role

We are currently looking for a Senior Employment Specialist employment specialist who will be instrumental in making sure a person's journey into employment as easy as possible.

Key responsibilities

Lead a small team of Employment Specialists Monitoring and managing performance of Employment Specialists Manage a caseload of IPS participants Refine CVs and coach interview techniques for job readiness Engage with local employers to create new job opportunities and negotiate suitable placements Build strong community relationships with both employers and potential beneficiaries of the programme Ensure IPS fidelity assurance is delivered and maintained Update and maintain accurate records using CRM system and compile reports to be submitted to programme team Ensure full compliance with all contractual data collection, reporting, and quality standards.

Person specification

Experience

Previous training in the IPS approach (desirable) Proven experience in employability, recruitment, or related services Demonstrable experience of engaging and building credibility and relationships Knowledge of disability and special needs issues, policies, and legislation in relation to employment Experience/understanding of working with people with severe and enduring mental health needs, or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector Strong knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of supported employment

Personal attributes

Proactive, with the ability to work independently, prioritising a busy workload and managing relationships with many stakeholders, adapting to conflicting priorities and deadlines as needed. A strategic thinker who can plan ahead to measure and drive performance. Empathetic and an able leader who communicates clearly across diverse groups. Passionate and proactive about supporting individuals who have experienced mental health challenges, bringing both energy and genuine commitment to the role. Dynamic and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, ready to embrace change and meet new challenges with a solution-focused approach.

Additional requirements

The successful applicant will be required to travel to venues across Oxfordshire on a regular basis. A valid driving licence and own transport, or alternative suitable methods of travel, is required. Work outside of standard hours including evenings and weekends may be required from time to time including attendance at meetings and events. Disclosure and Barring Service Check - This post is subject to Enhanced DBS checks.
Full-time hours: 30 hours per week (Enterprise Oxfordshire have a 4 day working week).

Application deadline: Wednesday 17 September 2025 Interviews starting from: 29th September 2025 Expected start date: early November 2025

Send a CV and covering letter detailing your experience and suitability of the role to ConnecttoWork@enterpriseoxfordshire.com before Wednesday 17 September 2025.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime Free flu jabs Paid volunteer time Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oxford OX1 1BY