Employment Specialists

Are you looking to be part of a brand-new service that helps people overcome barriers and move into meaningful work? Join Telford & Wrekin Council as an Employment Specialist, supporting people through the Connect to Work programme using a person-centred, supported employment approach.,

• 6 Employment Specialists
This is an exciting time to join the Job Box team at the beginning of a new project, and this is an opportunity to be part of building and developing new provision that will really make a difference for local people. This role is about working with people who need additional support to engage with and access the world of work. This role is a customer facing (face to face, not remote or home working) role managing a caseload of up to 25 customers who will be at varying stages of their journey into paid work. You will use the place and train model of supported employment and its associated approaches to identify need and progress people into work. Training will be provided, so we don't need you to have prior experience of using the place and train model, however any experience in a similar role or area of work would be an advantage. What is absolutely essential is a commitment to equality of opportunity for everyone, and a belief that the right job can be found for each person. This role will suit a person who is enthusiastic, resilient, patient, supportive and outcome focussed. You will spend a lot of your day working directly with your caseload of customers and talking directly to employers to find suitable work placement opportunities. Engaging with employers to generate employment outcomes is a key aspect of the role. You will need to be adaptable and able to communicate at a variety of levels to promote the program and individuals to employers, tapping into hidden vacancies, supporting employers with reasonable adjustments and job carving. You may be required to challenge discrimination and advocate on behalf of the customer. What is Connect to Work? Connect to Work is a new government initiative designed to support adults that have disabilities, health conditions, or complex needs, to move into sustained employment. Supported employment is a key feature of this new service, which involves a customer working with an Employment Specialist (ES) who will help them to understand their current, knowledge, skills and experience alongside understanding their aims and ambitions. The ES would then work with the customers to find suitable job roles through a range of strategies including engaging directly with employers. Once suitable work is found the ES may be responsible for coaching the customer in how to undertake the duties and tasks involved, and provide other ongoing support, both to the customer and the employer. For further information about Connect to Work click this link: gov.uk,
• Deliver the Connect to Work programme, supporting individuals with disabilities, health conditions and complex needs into sustainable employment
• Manage a caseload of approximately 20-25 customers, providing tailored, person-centred support
• Conduct eligibility and suitability checks to ensure customers meet programme requirements
• Carry out vocational profiling to identify strengths, goals and employment aspirations
• Develop and review individual action plans, supporting customers to monitor progress and achieve outcomes
• Provide advice, guidance and practical support with CVs, applications, interviews and job search
• Support customers to overcome barriers such as confidence, wellbeing, skills, travel and benefits
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers to identify suitable job opportunities
• Engage with the local labour market, including accessing hidden vacancies and promoting opportunities
• Work with employers to support inclusive recruitment, including reasonable adjustments and job carving
• Provide in-work support, including job coaching where required, to help individuals sustain employment
• Collaborate with partner organisations including health professionals, DWP, social care and training providers
• Promote employment as an outcome and advocate for customers with employers and stakeholders
• Maintain accurate records, case notes and data in line with contract and system requirements
• Ensure all work complies with safeguarding, health & safety and risk management policies
• Support customers to access additional services where needed to meet wider needs
• Deliver group sessions/workshops where required (e.g. CV writing, interview skills)
• Contribute to achieving team targets and contractual outcomes
• Work flexibly in community settings, including lone working where required
  
  Level 2 (or above) in English and Maths
• Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant area (e.g. employability, advice and guidance, social care)
• Understanding of IPS/Supported Employment approaches or willingness to work towards accreditation
Experience
• Experience supporting individuals facing barriers to employment
• Experience providing one-to-one advice, guidance or coaching
• Experience managing a caseload and working towards targets/KPIs
• Experience of multi-agency working and partnership collaboration
• Experience supporting people with mental health needs, disabilities or complex needs (desirable)
Knowledge
• Understanding of barriers to employment faced by people with health conditions or disabilities
• Knowledge of employment support services and progression pathways
• Awareness of safeguarding, health & safety and risk management
• Basic understanding of welfare benefits and employment systems
Skills
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with a range of stakeholders
• Ability to motivate, coach and support individuals towards goals
• Ability to develop and review action plans with customers
• Proficient IT skills (e.g. MS Office, data systems)
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• Ability to advocate for individuals and challenge inequality
Personal Attributes
• Passionate about supporting people into employment
• Non-judgemental, respectful and inclusive approach
• Resilient, proactive and solution-focused
• Flexible and adaptable to meet individual and service needs
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
  
  Telford & Wrekin Council is a forward-thinking local authority committed to improving the lives of residents and supporting thriving communities. Through a wide range of services, including education, skills and employment support, the Council works to create opportunities for local people and drive inclusive economic growth.
As part of its commitment to supporting residents into work, the Council delivers the Connect to Work programme, helping people with disabilities, health conditions and complex needs to access and sustain meaningful employment. Telford & Wrekin Council values a diverse and inclusive workforce, where people are empowered to bring their whole selves to work and make a positive impact. Employees benefit from a supportive working environment, strong wellbeing offer and opportunities for learning, development and career progression.