Jobs Connect (formerly known as The Jobs Hub) has recently secured DWP funding to deliver the Connect to Work programme to eligible residents in Bedford. We are now looking to recruit experienced Employment Project Officer who is passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives and contributing to a more inclusive, skilled local workforce.

On a day-to-day basis, you will manage a caseload of participants, with multiple barriers to employment, including physical and mental health disabilities, special educational needs, or those from disadvantaged backgrounds. You will be helping participants to secure or maintain employment that aligns with their preferences and enhances their sense of wellbeing and dignity. Your approach will be person-centred and holistic, whilst also focusing on addressing employer needs to ensure the programme’s success.

You will provide effective motivation, personal development and pastoral support to help clients progress on their employment journey. This will be done through the delivery of high-quality Supported Employment in line with the IPS Grow and Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) models. Training will be given for this.

Posts will be extended subject to funding.

How to apply

When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions.  The application questions require a yes/no response.  Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.  An optional CV template is provided below.  

Closing Date: 7th August 2026

Interviews: week commencing 24th August 2026

Please note:

The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:

· a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)

· a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical

For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for.  Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.  

Visa Sponsorship

Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Enhanced DBS Post

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If your application is successful you will be required to declare any spent and unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).