* Category: Economic Growth and Development
* Contract type: Fixed term
* Working hours: 36 hours per week
* Posted on: 28 October 2025
* Directorate: PLACE
* Location: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF
Description
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
The starting salary for this role is £36,873 per annum based on a 36-hour working week.
This is a 24-month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity, with potential to extend subject to funding. Please discuss with your current Line Manager before submitting your application.
Surrey County Council is launching a new function to deliver the 'Connect to Work' programme. As a Young Person's Employment Specialist, you will be at the heart of this exciting initiative delivering Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to young people in Surrey who are facing barriers to employment, while also supporting employers by bridging workforce needs with local talent. This role is ideal for those with a strong track record of engaging young people and who passionate about making a real difference.
The role is hybrid with substantial travel across Surrey to meet programme participants and employers. As part of the role, you will also collaborate with colleagues at the Woodhatch office in Reigate at least once a week (usually Tuesday).
Our Offer to You
* 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
* 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
About the Role
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.
Your role as a Connect to Work Employment Specialist 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.
This role is focused on working with young people, primarily those aged 18 to 25, with the possibility of working with 16-17 year olds in some circumstances. You'll use your skills and knowledge to work with this age group, and keep them motivated and engaged with seeking employment.
This will include:
* Vocational profiling
* Action planning
* Job searching
* CV writing
* Job matching
* Signposting to training
* In-work support when employment is secured
You will also provide employer support, which will involve:
* 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
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.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours :
* The ability to engage with young people who are facing additional challenges, such as being care leavers, being not in employment, education or training or who may have physical and mental health challenges
* Understanding of the challenges for this group in job seeking, and what support is required to help them get into work and sustain a job
* Working at pace in a target-driven, 1-2-1 support setting, managing a caseload of young people with diverse needs
* Strong IT skills to use case management systems to manage participant information and records effectively
* Excellent communication and influencing skills with the ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including potential employers
Some experience of working in supported employment service would be helpful but not essential as we will provide full training on the IPS model to the successful candidates.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions:
* Please tell us about your experience of working with young people to achieve positive outcomes for them – this could include supporting them into work
* Please tell us about your experience of working with, and engaging, employers and stakeholders to help generate opportunities for individuals
* Please provide details on how you have worked as part of a team to ensure the best outcomes
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
This job advert closes on the 11th November with interviews to follow.
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. Please contact Ioni Sullivant by email at ioni.sullivan@surreycc.gov.uk .
If you're passionate about helping young people unlock their potential and thrive in the workplace, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in shaping a more inclusive and skilled future for Surrey. Click on the apply online button below to submit your application.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
#J-18808-Ljbffr