Pathway to Work Coordinator

The Pathway to Work Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting individuals with autism to transition into meaningful volunteer and work placements. This position is central to promoting independence, inclusion, and personal development, ensuring that each person has the opportunity to achieve their employment goals., Placement Development & Employer Engagement

• Identify and secure safe, suitable volunteer and work placement opportunities through networking, databases, social media, and employer outreach.
• Develop and maintain a portfolio of placement opportunities for individuals entering the Pathway to Work stream.
• Build strong, long-term relationships with employers and community partners to promote inclusion and sustainability.
• Conduct health and safety checks and risk assessments for all placement sites, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Provide autism-specific training and guidance to placement providers where required.
Programme Coordination and Delivery · Coordinate and deliver the Pathway to Work Programme in accordance with the agreed Sustainable Employment Journey Framework. · Manage a designated portfolio of participants, maintaining oversight of their progress from initial assessment through to employment and transition. · Plan, prepare and present structured group deployment sessions, workshops and individual learning activities covering work readiness, employability, independence and personal development. · Deliver engaging, accessible and autism-informed sessions, adapting materials, communication methods and learning approaches to meet individual needs. · Coordinate guest speakers, external trainers and partner organisations to deliver specialist sessions, including digital inclusion, financial awareness, interview preparation, self-advocacy and life skills. · Review Session effectiveness and participant feedback, making improvements to programme content and delivery where required. · Ensure development sessions are purposeful, linked to individual goals and informed by evidence from participant assessments, performance trackers and placement feedback. Individual Support & Readiness to Work
• Complete initial assessments and create personalized development plans for each individual.
• Support individuals in CV writing, interview preparation, and building a 'Ready to Work' profile.
• Ensure individuals spend maximum time in placements and minimal time in classroom settings.
• Monitor progress through regular reviews (6-week, 6-month, and annual) and adjust plans as needed.
• Act as a liaison between individuals and placement providers, resolving issues promptly and effectively.
Collaboration & Administration
• Work closely with Day Service Managers to identify potential candidates for the Pathway to Work stream.
• Attend supported employment panel meetings to advocate for individuals and present placement opportunities.
• Liaise with families, social workers, and internal teams to ensure smooth transitions and accurate package management.
• Maintain accurate records, monitor outcomes, and report progress to deadlines.
Compliance & Safeguarding
• Uphold GDPR and confidentiality standards at all times.
• Ensure safeguarding practices are embedded in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain professional conduct and represent the organization's values in all interactions.
  
  Knowledge and understanding of autism and the barriers autistic individuals may experience when accessing and sustaining employment.
• Minimum of 12 months' experience supporting autistic individuals.
• Understanding of person-centred practice, independence, inclusion, individual development and reasonable adjustments.
• Understanding of employability skills, work readiness and the factors that contribute to sustainable employment.
• Delivering training sessions, workshops, or educational activities; Liaising with agencies such as social services, NHS, DWP, and local councils.
• Experience of planning, delivering or facilitating training sessions, workshops, group activities or learning programmes.
• Experience of supporting individuals to develop skills, confidence, independence or personal goals.
• Strong organizational skills; Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; Ability to facilitate group sessions; Self-motivated and proactive.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Excel and digital applications, with the ability to record and report outcomes accurately.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and work effectively as part of a wider team.
Desired criteria
• Problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic environments.
• Supporting vulnerable adults with autism or learning disabilities; Networking and building partnerships with employers and recruiters.
• Full driving license and access to a car.
• Degree in business administration, HR, social studies, or related field; Knowledge of the benefits system.