Employment Support Officer

Employment Support Officer

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Darlington Borough Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support individuals facing challenges in finding jobs and help them build confidence and skills.
  • Company: A community-focused organisation dedicated to empowering diverse groups.
  • Benefits: 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and access to training and wellbeing services.
  • Other info: Multiple contract options available, including full-time and part-time roles.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by guiding them towards employment and training opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Experience with diverse groups, strong communication skills, and a solution-focused mindset.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

As an Employment Support Officer, you will work directly with participants who face multiple challenges in accessing the job market. Your role will be to provide tailored support, guidance, and motivation to help individuals build confidence, develop skills, and take meaningful steps toward employment or training across two key groups:

  • Economically inactive adults of working age, including:
  • People aged 50+ who have retired early
  • Individuals caring for family or managing household responsibilities
  • Those temporarily out of work due to short-term health conditions
  • Those with health issues, mental or physical, and long term who want to work
  • Those currently on a FIT Note but have an employer
  • Young people aged 16–21, supporting them into employment, apprenticeships, or further training.
  • Qualifications

    • Experience working with individuals facing complex barriers to employment
    • Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse groups
    • Empathy and patience, to support individuals with varying needs and backgrounds
    • Knowledge of local services and opportunities, including training providers and employers
    • Organisational skills, to manage caseloads, track progress, and meet programme targets
    • Confidence using digital tools, including email, video conferencing, and case management systems
    • A solution-focused mindset, with the ability to adapt and respond to challenges
    • Experience of supported employment, specifically Fidelity assurance

    Available Roles

    • 2x Full Time, 3 year contract
    • 1x Full Time, 10 month contract
    • 1x Full Time, 9 month contract
    • 1x Part Time 0.6 (3 days a week), 2 year contract
    • 1x Part Time 0.5 (2.5 days a week), 9 month contract

    Rewards

    • 32 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro‑rata for part time working)
    • Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
    • Flexi‑time scheme
    • Flexible working
    • Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
    • Staff equality forums
    • Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
    • Physiotherapy service
    • Confidential counselling service
    • Great wellbeing offer
    • Cycle to Work Scheme
    • Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
    • Local and National retailer discounts
    • Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings
    • Arriva Employee Travel Club

    Equal Opportunities

    We are an equal opportunities' employer. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We aim to interview any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job.

    Employment Support Officer employer: Darlington Borough Council

    As an Employment Support Officer, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 32 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and access to extensive training resources, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
    Darlington Borough Council

    Contact Detail:

    Darlington Borough Council Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Employment Support Officer

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts and let them know you're on the job hunt. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role. Understand their values and how you can contribute as an Employment Support Officer. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!

    We think you need these skills to ace Employment Support Officer

    Experience working with individuals facing complex barriers to employment
    Strong communication skills
    Ability to engage and motivate diverse groups
    Empathy and patience
    Knowledge of local services and opportunities
    Organisational skills
    Confidence using digital tools
    Solution-focused mindset
    Adaptability
    Experience in supported employment
    Fidelity assurance

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Employment Support Officer role. Highlight your experience with individuals facing barriers to employment and showcase your strong communication skills. We want to see how you can make a difference!

    Showcase Your Empathy: In your application, let us know about times when you've supported people with diverse needs. We value empathy and patience, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to connect with and motivate others.

    Be Organised: Since this role involves managing caseloads and tracking progress, mention any organisational skills or tools you’ve used in the past. We love seeing candidates who can juggle multiple tasks while keeping everything on track!

    Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Darlington Borough Council

    ✨Know Your Audience

    Before the interview, take some time to research the company and its mission. Understand the challenges faced by the groups you'll be supporting as an Employment Support Officer. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

    ✨Showcase Your Empathy

    In this role, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals facing barriers to employment. Highlight how you motivated them and helped them build confidence, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

    ✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

    Strong communication is crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend or family member to refine your ability to engage and motivate diverse groups effectively.

    ✨Be Solution-Focused

    Prepare to discuss how you approach challenges. Think of specific instances where you adapted your strategies to meet the needs of individuals with complex barriers. Showing that you have a solution-focused mindset will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your readiness for the role.

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