At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in finding sustainable employment and overcoming barriers to work.
- Company: Join the Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy, making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a supportive team and great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative programme helping 100,000 people connect to work each year.
- Qualifications: Experience with IPS model or similar, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 34811 - 37562 £ per year.
Team: IES - Employment and Skills Academy
Job Family: Advising – CBG9
Salary: £34,811 - £37,562 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month
Contract Type: Hybrid - Permanent
Closing date: 12th July 2025
Interview date: 23rd & 24th July 2026
About the role
The Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) seeks to develop and deliver services that support adults, young people and businesses improve their skills levels, get people into work or further training, and support economic growth.
We are pleased to be recruiting Employment Specialists for the new Connect to Work programme. Connect to Work is a 5-year programme, which forms part of the ‘Get Britain Working’ Government led Strategy. We will be working in collaboration with 5 other local authorities (Bedford Borough, Luton, Milton Keynes, North Northants and West Northants), to deliver the supported employment programme to residents.
It has been identified that nationally, there are 1.9 million people who would like to work, but are not participating in the labour market, often due to health, disability or other complex barriers. The funding from Connect to Work will help around 100,000 people seek and find sustainable employment each year. The programme will connect local work, health and skills support to make an important first step towards the future devolution of employment support.
This is an exciting time for BESA, as we have launched the new Connect to Work programme. The Employment Specialists will use the Individual Placement Support (IPS) model to place residents into employment, meeting individualised training needs to ensure they sustain their role. This post also involves working with employers and other services to support residents in securing long term employment opportunities.
This post will work with a range of stakeholders including the Department for Work and Pensions, Job Centres, Youth Support Services, Housing, Health and other local services.
You’ll need to have excellent communication and organisational skills, experience using the IPS model or other similar supported employment models and show a passion in supporting others to reach their learning and employment goals.
Applicants must hold Individual Placement Support (IPS) training prior to applying for the role or be willing to undertake this as part of the induction. Due to the nature of this role, a full, valid UK driving licence and access to your own car is essential.
Our Offer
We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.
Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.
You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this Recruitment Pack. Our Competency Framework and Qualification Guidance are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack.
For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: Alex Lapointe on Alex.Lapointe@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 4245.
Safeguarding: Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers and contractors to share this commitment. This post is subject to the disclosure of criminal records.
To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline.
Our National Careers Service team offer a free monthly workshop covering CV writing and how to complete the statement sections of the Central Bedfordshire Council online application form. This MS Teams workshop is open to anyone from the UK and lasts around 1.5 hours.
All new starters will join us on a four‑month probationary period. During this time, if you are offered a Hybrid role you will be required to attend a Central Bedfordshire Council office location more frequently to support thorough and well‑supported onboarding into your role. Please keep this in mind if you anticipate extensive travel to Central Bedfordshire.
Career opportunities IPS Employment Specialist employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Central Bedfordshire Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong focus on community impact through the Connect to Work programme, employees have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits. The collaborative culture encourages innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those passionate about empowering others and contributing to local economic development.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Career opportunities IPS Employment Specialist
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Central Bedfordshire Council.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Central Bedfordshire Council.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Central Bedfordshire Council.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Central Bedfordshire Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Career opportunities IPS Employment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Central Bedfordshire Council. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Career opportunities IPS Employment Specialist, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Central Bedfordshire Council. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
