Job Role: Referral and Onboarding Officer
Location: Bristol (Office‑Based)
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Contract: Fixed Term to September 2026 (anticipated 3‑year extension from September 2026)
Hours: Full‑time, 37.5 hours per week
  
Role Overview
We are recruiting a detail‑driven and empathetic Referral and Onboarding Officer to play a pivotal role within a regional employability programme. Based full‑time from the Bristol office, the Referral and Onboarding Officer will act as the first point of contact for all incoming referrals, completing structured triage and assessment to ensure participants are allocated to the most appropriate pathway or support provision.
The Referral and Onboarding Officer will work closely with internal colleagues, delivery partners, and external stakeholders to support referral flows, improve participant experience, and contribute to inclusive employment outcomes across the region. This is a highly impactful role for someone with strong assessment skills and an understanding of the barriers individuals may face when accessing employment.
  
Key Responsibilities
Referral Management & Triage

• Act as the initial point of contact for all programme and employability referrals.
• Conduct structured triage assessments to determine eligibility, needs, and risks.
• Allocate participants to the most appropriate pathway based on suitability, capacity, and location.
• Ensure all referral decisions align with assurance and eligibility frameworks.
• As a Referral and Onboarding Officer, ensure referrals are actioned efficiently and respectfully.

Participant Guidance & Allocation

• Provide clear information, guidance, and next steps to participants throughout onboarding.
• Accurately record referral information on internal case management systems and external platforms (including DWP systems where applicable).
• Monitor referral progress to ensure timely handover to delivery teams.
• Complete allocation to delivery partners or employer‑based pathways once approvals are confirmed.

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the Delivery Manager to develop and maintain effective referral pathways.
• Build strong working relationships with community organisations, statutory services, and VCSE partners.
• Promote inclusive employment, mental health awareness, and supported employment approaches.
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement activity to increase referral volumes and quality.

Data, Quality & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in line with data protection requirements.
• Track referral trends and outcomes, providing reports as required.
• Contribute to impact measurement through destination data and outcomes evidence.
• Uphold safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion at all times.
• The Referral and Onboarding Officer will support continuous improvement across referral and onboarding processes.

  
Essential Criteria

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C / 4 or equivalent.
• Experience in triage, assessment, or customer‑facing roles within employability, health, or social care.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Understanding of mental health, learning disabilities, neurodiversity, or other barriers to employment.
• High attention to detail with strong record‑keeping skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines in a performance‑focused environment.
• Confident use of IT systems, including Microsoft Office and data entry platforms.

  
Desirable Criteria

• Qualification in Advice & Guidance (Level 3 or above).
• Knowledge or experience of Supported Employment (SEQF) or IPS models.
• Experience working within local or national employability programmes.
• Understanding of trauma‑informed and motivational approaches.
• Experience working collaboratively across multi‑agency settings.

  
How to Apply
For more information or to apply, please contact:
Robert Rowe – 07935 141342
rrowe@trigonrecruitment.co.uk