Progression Officer - Community Family Support Programme (maternity cover)

The Community Family Support Programme (CFSP) is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.

This is a maternity cover post (until April 2019)

Progression Officer - Job Purpose

Reporting to the CFSP Programme Manager – Responsible for facilitating participant-focussed progression routes to employment, education & training opportunities for projects in Mid Ulster; Mid & East Antrim; & Antrim & Newtownabbey council areas. Developing and nurturing relationships with relevant stakeholders (employers, training organisations, FE and HE establishments, & other relevant agencies)
 

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop an in-depth knowledge of progression opportunities available to participants on CFSP in all regions of delivery
• Establish and develop links with relevant progression routes including employers, training organisations, FE and HE establishments, DfE/DfC provision & other relevant agencies
• Liaise with regional teams to identify demand and match with suitable local progression opportunities for participants
• Engage with participants & employers regarding job opportunities, work placements, career talks; FE/Training organisations etc. re registrations, training opportunities, student support and finance
• Organise ‘taster/information events’ for specific progression routes eg AppNI information sessions, employer Q&A sessions, small group visits to FE colleges
• Provide transitional mentoring/support for participants who are leaving the project – help with applying for bursaries/subsidies and specialist support e.g. childcare, ‘signing off’ benefits etc. for individual needs
• Maintain contact with participants leaving the project, providing ‘minimal’ long –term support to help participants to sustain their outcome on leaving – particularly those with complex needs
• Track and obtain the evidence for ‘Long term indicators’ (participants who left project for employment/education or training outcomes) Develop an annual progression strategy for the project in co-operation with other teams/projects (including analysis of longer term outcomes)
• Work closely with NP’s Participant Recruitment Officer, attending and representing NP (CFSP) at relevant stakeholder events, to creating awareness of the programme, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and identify progression routes
• Manage a contact database and Maintain accurate records throughout the life span of the project
• Maintain clear communication channels with other team members ensuring they are aware of and contribute to the various events  Work in a confidential and professional manner responding to sensitive issues that ensures participant/family welfare and safety is of paramount importance and subject to safeguarding guidelines
• Be quality and target driven, ensuring all DfE/ESF and organisational targets, deadlines and standards are achieved and consistently achieve set individual objectives targets and KPI’s
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with relevant employers, statutory, community and voluntary organisations Maintain accurate records of work undertaken with participants (and their families) that contain detailed up-to-date engagement notes, full details of specific interventions, evidence of positive outcomes etc.
• Provide accurate statistical reports and management information in a timely manner to assist with the monitoring and evaluation of the programme
• Ensure the accuracy and completion of all administrative forms, reports etc is provided in a timely manner
• Ensure high levels of customer service are maintained through follow up contact with employers, clients and other stakeholders Understand and promote equality, diversity and rights of marginalised/minority groups
• Demonstrate a commitment to the safeguarding of ‘Adults at Risk’ and the welfare of children, reporting issues as they arise
• Develop and sustain effective working relationships within the CFSP Team, Network Personnel and other stakeholder groups e.g. attending team meetings, networking events, etc.
• Undertake CPD activities which enhance individual and organisational performance, maintaining/developing relevant skills to the highest professional standards
• Adhere to and uphold Network Personnel’s Code of Conduct, policies, procedures and values at all times including Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, Data Protection, Lone Working, Confidentiality etc. and provide these policies to clients 
• Undertake regular, formal reviews with the line manager, reflecting on targets, performance and practice
• Any other related/reasonable duties as required by management and/or the business objectives.

(further details on Job Description, Person Specification and Applicant Declaration attached)