Connect to Work Employment Specialist
| Dyddiad hysbysebu: | 08 Rhagfyr 2025 |
|---|---|
| Cyflog: | £36,873 i £39,820 bob blwyddyn |
| Gwybodaeth ychwanegol am y cyflog: | £36,873 - £39,820 |
| Oriau: | Llawn Amser |
| Dyddiad cau: | 24 Rhagfyr 2025 |
| Lleoliad: | Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8EF |
| Gweithio o bell: | Hybrid - gweithio o bell hyd at 2 ddiwrnod yr wythnos |
| Cwmni: | Surrey County Council |
| Math o swydd: | Cytundeb |
| Cyfeirnod swydd: | SCC/TP/288774/4240_1765196197 |
Crynodeb
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.
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. 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).
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 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, 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
Your role as an 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.
Some of the responsibilities you will have for each participant on your caseload are:
- Vocational profiling
- Action planning
- Job searching
- CV writing
- Job matching
- Interview preparation
- Signposting to training
- In-work support when employment is secured.
You will also support employers with aspects such as:
- 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.
Shortlisting Criteria
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- Working at pace on a 1-2-1 basis in a target driven employment support setting (or similar) managing a caseload of people with diverse needs looking for work
- 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
- Managing relationships with a range of stakeholders, especially employers, tailoring communication style appropriately for the audience
- Utilising case management systems (or similar) to effectively manage participant information and records
To apply, please send a copy of your CV and outline your experience and suitability for the role responding to these three questions:
- Outline your experience of working in an employment support setting and providing 1-2-1 support and advice to achieve the best outcome for the individual.
- Outline your experience of working with and engaging employers and stakeholders to help generate opportunities for individuals
- Provide detail 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.
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.
For an informal discussion please contact us by e-mail at .
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 24 December with interviews planned for the first week in January. Please note, the advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two 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 the new organisations, 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.