Employment & Training Co-ordinator

Location: The Upper Room, St Saviour s Church, Shepherd s Bush, London W12
Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week (3 days)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £30,000 per annum (full-time equivalent), £18,000 actual for 3 days per week
Reports to: UR4Driving Service Manager

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About the Role

UR4Driving supports individuals who have experienced the criminal justice system, or are at risk of entering it, to gain their driving licence, rebuild confidence, and move towards independence. The driving licence is a powerful tool, opening access to employment, structure and self-worth.

As our Employment & Training Co-ordinator, you will be embedded within the UR4Driving team, helping participants make the most of their progress by supporting them into meaningful volunteering, training, or employment. Many of our participants face significant barriers including chaotic lifestyles, trauma histories, long-term unemployment, poor digital literacy, and limited formal education. This role is about building trust,offering practical support, and creating pathways that are realistic, motivating and sustainable.

You will offer a blend of structured 1:1 guidance and group workshops, developing individual action plans, and linking participants to volunteering and job opportunities. You ll also work closely with other staff and external agencies to ensure a holistic approach to support.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Client Support & Employability Delivery

• Deliver 1:1 support to all UR4Driving participants, including two mandatory employment sessions per client
• Build trusted relationships with clients who may have complex needs or low confidence
• Provide practical guidance on CVs, job applications, interview skills, and disclosure statements
• Support job searching, training enrolment and digital access where needed
• Deliver regular group employability workshops (monthly or fortnightly)
• Ensure every client completes and logs 80 hours of volunteering, with support to secure placement.

2. Assessment & Action Planning

• Identify individual strengths, goals, and barriers (e.g. mental health, housing, welfare)
• Develop and monitor personalised action plans for employment, volunteering, or education
• Make appropriate referrals to wraparound support services (e.g. benefits, housing, clinical support)

3. Employer and Partner Engagement

• Develop relationships with local employers, volunteering bodies and training providers
• Promote the strengths and potential of UR4Driving participants to external partners
• Support a small number of participants into direct job, training or volunteering placements

4. Monitoring and Outcomes

• Use The Upper Room s CRM system (e.g. Inform) to record sessions, milestones and outcomes
• Track attendance, engagement and progress across all participants
• Contribute to reports, case studies and service evaluation as required

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Person Specification

Essential

• Empathy, patience and the ability to build rapport with individuals with complex lives
• Experience supporting clients into employment, education or volunteering
• Knowledge of barriers faced by ex-offenders and vulnerable adults
• Excellent communication and motivational skills
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a caseload
• Must be able to independently design and adapt workshop content, resources and tools to suit the needs of the client group
• Confident with CV development, disclosure support, job search and basic digital tools
• Commitment to safeguarding, equity, and trauma-informed practice

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Desirable

• Experience facilitating group workshops or training
• Knowledge of local employment and training opportunities in West London
• Understanding of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and related guidance

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Why Join Us

The Upper Room is a values-led organisation committed to empowering those experiencing poverty, exclusion or injustice. You ll be part of a supportive and motivated team, with opportunities for development and real impact.

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How to Apply

Please send your CV along with a covering letter (max 500 words) outlining why you re interested in the role and what you d bring to it. If you d like to arrange an informal chat before applying, we d be happy to speak with you.

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Recruitment Process

• Stage 1: Panel interview focused on your experience, motivation and approach.
• Stage 2 (if shortlisted): A short presentation followed by further discussion. Full briefing provided in advance.

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Closing Date

Tuesday, 3rd February 2026

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