Description
The starting salary for this role is £35,730 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. It is a 2-year fixed term post, with the potential for extension for up to a further 3 years when funding is confirmed.
Surrey County Council is launching 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. This role is ideal for those passionate about making a real difference in people's lives and contributing to a more inclusive, skilled local workforce.
The role is hybrid with substantial travel across Surrey to meet programme participants and employers. As part of the role, you will also be expected to attend the office at least one day a week in Woodhatch Place, Reigate (usually Tuesday).
Rewards and Benefits
1. 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
2. Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
3. An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
4. Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
5. Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
6. A generous local government salary related pension
7. Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
8. 2 paid volunteering days per year
9. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Team
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, which is home to 110,000 businesses and contributes £50 billion annually to the UK economy.
We are establishing a new programme within the Economy and Growth function to deliver the 'Connect to Work' supported employment programme. This ambitious new initiative is part of a national roll-out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Launched through the government's 'Get Britain Working' White Paper, this initiative is part of a broader range of programmes addressing skills gaps, responding to employer need and driving local growth to achieve the best outcomes. 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.
About the Role
This role is vital to delivering Connect to Work, operating in a fast-paced, target-driven environment across the county. 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. Employment opportunities are central, so your role will balance supporting participants throughout their employment journey with providing employers a capable workforce.
Key participant responsibilities include:
10. Vocational profiling
11. Action planning
12. Job searching
13. CV writing
14. Job matching
15. Interview preparation
16. Signposting to training
17. In-work support when employment is secured.
Employer support will involve:
18. Building trusted relationships to understand the available job opportunities
19. Assisting with candidate training needs before recruitment
20. Work with employers on job adjustments, including possible job carving
21. Navigating related support such as Access to Work
22. Providing continued contact and underpinning support after recruitment to ensure sustained success.
You will work closely with Job Centre Plus, health and social care, charities and employers to encourage referrals from residents and identify existing and 'hidden' employment opportunities that can allow participants to flourish in the role.
At least 60% of your time will be spent in the community, meeting participants in comfortable settings and building relationships with employers and referral organisations. You will work both independently and as part of a team to help secure paid employment for at least 50% of participants. A systematic approach is expected, using the programme's management and Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems, with ongoing reporting integrated into daily tasks.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
23. Working at pace in a target-driven, 1-2-1 employment support setting, managing caseload of jobseekers with diverse needs
24. Demonstrating knowledge and experience of meeting employer workforce needs and acting as a bridge between these and opportunities presented by the residents on your caseload
25. Managing stakeholder relationships, especially with employers, using tailored communication
26. Using case management systems to manage participant information and records effectively
To apply, please send a copy of your CV and outline your experience and suitability for the role responding to these three questions:
27. Outline experience of working in an employment support setting and providing 1-2-1 support and advice to achieve the best outcome for the individual.
28. Outline experience of working with and engaging employers and stakeholders to help generate opportunities for individuals.
29. Provide detail on how you have worked as part of a team to ensure the best outcomes.
Contact us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
The job advert closes on Sunday 29th June with interviews planned for mid-July.
We look forward to receiving your application,