Surrey County Council is establishing a new function to deliver the Connect to Work programme. As an Employment Specialist, you will be at the heart of this exciting initiative delivering Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to residents facing barriers to employment, while also supporting employers by bridging workforce needs with local talent from priority groups.
The role is hybrid with substantial travel across Surrey to meet programme participants and employers. You are expected to attend the office at least one day a week in Woodhatch Place, Reigate (usually Tuesday). You will manage a caseload of participants, supporting them to gain or return to paid competitive employment by following IPS principles and aiming for high fidelity compliance. Your approach will be person‑centred and holistic, focusing on matching participants with suitable employment while also addressing employer needs to ensure the programme's success.
Key Responsibilities
* Vocational profiling
* Action planning
* Job searching
* CV writing
* Job matching
* Interview preparation
* Signposting to training
* In‑work support when employment is secured
Employer Support
* Building trusted relationships to understand the available job opportunities
* Assisting with candidate training needs before recruitment
* Working with employers on job adjustments, including possible job carving
* Navigating related support such as Access to Work
* Providing continued contact and underpinning support after recruitment to ensure sustained success
Qualifications
1. Demonstrable knowledge and experience of meeting employer workforce needs, an ability to be a bridge between employer workforce needs and the opportunities presented by the residents on your caseload.
2. Managing relationships with a range of stakeholders, especially employers, tailoring communication style appropriately for the audience.
3. Utilising case management systems (or similar) to effectively manage participant information and records.
4. Outline your experience of working in an employment support setting and providing one‑to‑one support and advice to achieve the best outcome for the individual.
5. Outline your experience of working with and engaging employers and stakeholders to help generate opportunities for individuals.
6. Provide detail on how you have worked as part of a team to ensure the best outcomes.
Benefits
* Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
* A generous local government salary related pension
* Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
* An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
* Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
* Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
* A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
The starting salary for this role is £36,873 per annum based on a 36‑hour working week. It is initially fixed term until 31 March 2027 with an expected extension for a further 3 years once funding is approved.
About the Service
The Economy and Growth function, consisting of over 40 people, is dedicated to driving sustainable economic development across Surrey, working collaboratively as 'One Council' to support strategic priorities that benefit the county's 1.2 million residents. The team provides key services in business support, innovation, skills, and infrastructure, and works with major employers like Amazon, McLaren, and Samsung to strengthen the regional economy. We are establishing a new programme within the Economy and Growth function to deliver the 'Connect to Work' supported employment programme, part of a national roll‑out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched through the government's 'Get Britain Working' White Paper. Connect to Work will use the established model of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) which is an evidence‑based 'place then train' method of supported employment.
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