Connect Navigator

KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Proactively develop relationships with a wide range of employers to build an employer and opportunity base, particularly focusing on the identified key industry sectors in the East Belfast (including Dundonald and parts of Castlereagh) area of greater the Belfast metropolitan area.
2. Source and secure managed work placements, including subsidised wage opportunities, un-waged work experience and work taster opportunities, for clients across all employment programmes.
3. Organise small job club activities which focus on exploring where jobs are advertised ie. websites, public sector and recruitment sites and agencies, social Media campaigns, employer websites and mailshots.
4. Develop and maintain and in-depth knowledge of the local labour market needs/trends and community quarterly updates to ensure our services are meeting demand.
5. The Employer Navigator will:
   1. Assist the client to complete application forms, including online applications.
   2. Prepare clients for face to face, telephone and online interviews, including strategies for dealing with pre-interview anxiety and stress.
   3. Support clients to navigate pre-employment assessments.
   4. Ensure competence-based interview preparation.  
   5. Prepare clients for presentations and how to respond to scenario-based questions.
   6. Prepare clients for - what to do when you get a job offer – considering the offer.
   7. Prepare clients for - what to do when you don’t get a job offer - asking for feedback.
6. Deliver employer ‘boot camps’ and job taster, ‘masterclass’ activities.
7. To regularly input and maintain all client data via Belfast Works Connect client management system (CMS).
8. Liaising with Training Manager to design and implement employment academies based on local skills deficiencies/gaps in labour market, aiming to achieve contractual key performance indicator (KPI), targets including supporting a minimum of 120 clients per year to obtain a qualification, licence, or skill.
9. To achieve contractual key performance indicator (KPI), targets including supporting a minimum of 120 clients per year to obtain a qualification, license, or skill.
10. Deliver employer led recruitment events and jobs fairs.
11. To feed into a city-wide employer database
12. Explore and create volunteering opportunities for clients.
13. Responsible for maintaining connection with clients once they enter employment.
14. Agree support arrangements in the workplace between the client and the employer and where necessary connect with the Connect Navigator to act as a triage of support.
15. Work with employers in Year 2 to tailor support for clients in employment to address any barriers to access education and training courses.
16. Together with employers develop innovative programmes including courses that cover numeracy skills required for the workplace. 
17. Inform the Connect Navigator immediately if the client is at a crisis stage and at risk of leaving their job the so that support can be offered to prevent the drop-out
18. As part of our aftercare offer support to the client through agreed “touch point meetings” and check ins with the client at key stages during their employment and up to 6 months.
19. Track client outcomes achieved within their six months employment such as training and sustained employment.
20. Review with line manager outcomes against performance targets and reflect on practice, working to the highest professional standards.
21. Fully participate in self-evaluation reviews and quality improvement planning.
22. Participate in team meetings, supervision, and other team activities.
23. Carry out all duties in accordance with the values and policies of East Belfast Mission
24. Perform such other relevant tasks deemed necessary by the management team of the project to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the project operational plan.
25. Undertake health & safety assessments of placements as necessary, ensuring all legal obligations are met and Health and
26. Carry out all administrative functions of the role to a high standard.

Essential Criteria:

1. Qualification/Experience:

1. Recognised professional Qualification at Level 3 or above in a relevant field (relevant qualifications may include advice and guidance, careers advice, business, recruitment) and at least 1 years’ experience of working with employers.

OR

2. 3 years or more experience within the last 5 years of working with employers in a relationship/recruitment capacity. (Number of years’ experience may be increased should there be a need to facilitate manageable shortlists)

2. Proven ability to work with both employers and clients to ensure successful job opportunities and prevent drop out.
3. An understanding of the needs of employers and the barriers that clients might face when they gain work.
4. Ability to work within a target driven environment responding to needs of unemployed people in which people are progressed to employment and/or further education/training.
5. Ability to communicate effectively with clients and employers resolve issues and build relationships.
6. Experience in organising Job Fairs and other job promotion events for unemployed jobseekers.
7. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
8. Sound knowledge of ICT including all Microsoft Office applications (word, excel, PowerPoint, outlook, internet etc.).
9. Using own initiative and working positively within a team and building good working relationships.
10. Valid driving license and access to transport appropriate for the post.  (Consideration will be given to candidates, who because of a disability, cannot hold a driving license but they must have access to a mode of transport that allows them to fulfill the duties of the post).

Circumstances:

1. Ability to work flexible hours (including evening work and weekend work).
2. Willingness to undertake training required for the post.
3. Subject to Access NI enhanced clearance.

Desirable Criteria:

(Desirable criteria may be used to shortlist applicants, should there be a need to facilitate manageable shortlists)

1. Experience of working as part of a consortium with a range of partners.

Original proof of qualifications will be requested at interview

Application please by CV and covering letter to [email protected]