Employment Key Worker - DGA13483 in Dumfries

Work alongside a range of partners, both internal and external, to assess and support a caseload of individuals facing multiple barriers to progression by:

• accessing specialist support in their progress towards employment
• accessing other opportunities such as learning, training and volunteering as they move towards employment
• delivering and assessing achievement of employability and related skills via SQA qualifications/awards

Support the Employability and Skills Service in the successful delivery of the ESF programme 2014 -2020 in a cost-effective way, maximising alignment with mainstream provision.

Main Responsibilities:

• Support a caseload of people from disadvantaged circumstances who are likely to require specialist support in their progress towards quality employment, adopting Fair Work principles and working in support of the wider service and council priorities.
• Support the development and implementation of the 5 Stage Employability Pipeline; facilitating progression through the stages for candidates experiencing multiple and/or complex barriers, and utilising the pipeline approach to track and monitor progress towards employment including signposting to other provision where appropriate.
• Develop relationships with internal colleagues and external organisations, providing signposting, referral and access to a wide range of services designed to aid progression into employment for disadvantaged Dumfries and Galloway residents.
• Develop relationships with employers, to support the creation of tailored opportunities for those with complex barriers to employment.
• Deliver high quality learner focused employability and other related skills, qualifications and awards to the standard determined by funding and awarding bodies.
• Increase team visibility by participating in and speaking at events and contributing to the team’s communications strategy by producing marketing materials such as case studies, tweets and Facebook posts.

Job Activities:

• Work within the context of each person’s individual circumstances, specifically taking consideration of the needs of individuals, vulnerable dependants and families and accessing specialist support as required.
• Provide 1-1 and group learning sessions where required to meet the needs of the candidates.
• Be the connector of local services in a holistic way ensuring that residents can access the full range of support services available to them through a single point of contact.
• Ensure that all necessary information and evidence is gathered and administered promptly and accurately in order to comply with funding criteria.
• Act as an operational resource of knowledge and to feed “live-time” information to line managers around perceived areas of duplication or gaps in provision to enable the commissioning of activity where no provision exists.
• Work closely with service colleagues to engage with and support employers to have an understanding of employability, equality, diversity and social inclusion, in order to support the creation of tailored opportunities for those who have overcome multiple barriers to employment.

Requirements:

• Be responsible for the supervision of volunteers and candidates on work placement/work experience.
• Record and review learning progress and ensure that data is recorded, and certification processed accordingly to SQA requirements.
• Maintain an up to date understanding of legislation affecting your area of work, government policy, good practice from other authorities and agencies.
• Contribute to the efficient and comprehensive answering of all queries and questions raised on individual cases by elected members, MPs, the CE’s office and other organisations within expected timeframes.
• Undertake flexible working, including evenings and weekends, as required.

The job activities listed are not exhaustive and may be added to or amended consistent with the job purpose.

A current driving licence is an essential requirement of this post. However, if you have a disability which precludes you from holding a driving licence consideration will be given if alternative transport can be arranged.

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.

This post is fixed term until 31st of March 2027. This post may be suitable for secondment. Agreement from your line manager must be sought before applying for this post.

With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.

Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.

For further information please contact Nadia Naggar-Smith, Key Worker Coordinator, 07500102894, nadia.naggar-smith@dumgal.gov.uk