Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council,
Job title: Specialist Employment Adviser – Connect to Work
Grade/Salary: Grade F – £37,280 - £41,771
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (until 31 March 2027 in the first instance)
Hours: 37 hours
Location: Hybrid – home and community locations across Sandwell
Support people. Remove barriers. Enable sustainable employment.
Connect to Work is a voluntary, 12‑month supported employment programme designed to help Sandwell residents move into meaningful, sustained paid work.
We are looking for a Specialist Employment Adviser to deliver high‑quality, intensive support to individuals facing barriers to employment, particularly those with disabilities, health conditions or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This is a role for someone who believes that everyone can work with the right support, and who is motivated by making a visible difference in people’s lives.
The opportunity
As a Specialist Employment Adviser, you will manage a small caseload of participants, delivering tailored, person‑centred support using recognised models such as Individual Placement Support (IPS) or the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF).
You will work directly with individuals to understand their goals, strengths and barriers, supporting them into sustainable employment and helping them to thrive in the workplace.
This is a delivery‑focused role, requiring strong relationship‑building skills, resilience and a commitment to achieving outcomes.
What You’ll Be Accountable For
* Provide intensive, one‑to‑one employment support tailored to individual needs
* Manage a small caseload, maintaining regular contact and progression planning
* Support participants to secure and sustain paid employment
* Work closely with employers, partners and support networks to create opportunities and identify and address barriers to employment, including health, confidence and skills gaps
* Deliver outcomes in line with agreed employment targets and programme expectations
* Maintain accurate records and contribute to performance reporting
* Apply IPS or SEQF principles to ensure high‑quality, consistent support
Who we’re looking for
* A Level 3 qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) or a relevant equivalent (e.g., Employment Related Services, Supported Employment Practitioner, Careers) – Desirable
* Level 2 English and Maths
* Experience supporting people with disabilities, health conditions or disadvantaged groups into employment
* A track record of working towards and achieving employment‑related targets
* Strong understanding of the barriers individuals face when entering or returning to work
* Excellent communication, organisational and motivational skills
* A person‑centred, empathetic approach with a strong belief in inclusion and opportunity
Why Sandwell Council
At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.
To find out more, please visit our careers page: We Are Sandwell – We Are Sandwell
Please submit a CV and supporting statement to Sheona Grey on sheona_grey @sandwell.gov.uk
EQuality, diversity and inclusion
We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.
If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can contact the EDI Team at EDI_Team@sandwell.gov.uk.
If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.
If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact sheona_grey @sandwell.gov.uk.
For more information about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours, please refer to internal resources.
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