At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in their journey to secure sustainable employment and build relationships with local employers.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a diverse and inclusive community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment support and strong people skills are essential.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Do you have experience in Employment Support? We are looking for experienced Employment Specialists to join our Team.
London Borough of Lewisham is seeking 1 Employment Specialist to join our team delivering the DWP Connect To Work Programme. You will work to provide expert employment support for individuals with diverse needs. Working with participants, health professionals, service providers and employers, you will be focused on making sure a participant’s journey into employment is as easy as possible. You will manage a caseload of 20 - 25 participants to assist them in securing or remaining in sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences.
Your role will be to deliver the Support Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) (for which training will be given); providing person-centred advice and guidance to participants, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable participants to move into suitable employment. You will work with people on their individual employment journey from vocational profiling to the point where they no longer require face-to-face in-work support. This is a Fixed Term 2 year contract with a possibility of a further extension.
What’s in it for you? Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we’re looking for: You will have an eye for accuracy and can ensure quality and consistency of published digital content within the Council’s content management system. You will be keen to get involved in content creation, including directing messaging, editorial and tone of voice. Liaising and supporting service-based content editors to ensure webpages are accurate, kept up to date and serve our residents well, will be what you excel at, as well as having great people skills and experience of supporting and working alongside a diverse range of people.
Location: Whilst Lewisham offers a hybrid approach across both office Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU and home locations, this role will be predominantly office based at a number of Lewisham based offices alongside community based locations within the borough.
Special conditions: The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
Diversity: Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
Employment Specialist in London employer: Borough of Lewisham
The Borough of Lewisham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children they serve. With excellent training opportunities and a strong emphasis on collaboration, staff are empowered to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. Working in Lewisham not only provides a chance to contribute to service development but also fosters a sense of belonging through various supportive networks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in London
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Borough of Lewisham, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Borough of Lewisham. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Borough of Lewisham. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Borough of Lewisham.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Employment Specialist role at Borough of Lewisham, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Borough of Lewisham that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
