At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with barriers to employment in finding and keeping jobs.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to inclusivity and empowerment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, paid volunteering, and health perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 4 qualification or relevant experience in employment support.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel across Newcastle and great growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Newcastle, this is a hybrid role with regular travel to sites across the Newcastle area. This is a full-time permanent role (37 hours per week).
Job Purpose
The role of Employment Specialist is to deliver a programme, providing person-centred employment support to individuals with health conditions, disabilities, and complex barriers to work. Using a Supported Employment model (IPS or SEQF), the role holder will enable participants to explore, gain, and sustain competitive paid employment. The role will involve partnership working with Jobcentre Plus, local employers, NHS and social care services, refugee organisations, and wider community stakeholders, to create pathways into work and deliver ongoing support to ensure job retention and sustainable outcomes.
The post holder will be expected to work with a caseload of 20 – 25 individuals with health conditions, disabilities, and complex barriers to work defined as wishing to gain competitive (paid) employment. The post will involve working in more than one location, travel will be required, and it is therefore essential that the role holder can travel independently within the contract defined region. It may be necessary on occasion for the post holder to work outside of standard office hours.
Person Specification
Knowledge
- Essential: A relevant Level 4 qualification (e.g., in Information, Advice and Guidance; Health and Social Care; Supported Employment) OR equivalent, substantial experience in a related field.
- A comprehensive understanding of the systemic and personal barriers faced by individuals with health conditions, disabilities, and refugee backgrounds in accessing and sustaining employment.
- Labour Market Intelligence: In-depth knowledge of the local and regional labour markets, including growth sectors, employer needs, and available training opportunities.
- Desirable: Understanding of Supported Employment either Individual Placement Support (IPS) principles and fidelity standards or Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF). Degree level qualification in a relevant field. Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and responsibilities.
Experience
- Essential: Demonstrable experience managing a caseload of individuals with complex needs and multiple barriers, guiding them to achieve sustainable employment outcomes.
- Experience using coaching or motivational interviewing techniques.
- Proven ability to engage and influence employers to create employment opportunities.
- Experience working to and achieving outcome targets.
- Desirable: Previous Supported Employment experience or Supported Employment trained. Sales, recruitment, or account management experience. Direct or indirect experience of supporting those with disabilities, health conditions or complex barriers to employment.
Salary & Benefits
£28,925.00 per annum. Benefits include: 30 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata). 2 days of paid volunteering per year (pro rata). Matched Pension Scheme. Life Assurance. Discounted gym memberships. Health care cash plan. Retail discounts. Cycle to work scheme. Wellbeing App. Access to training portal to help support your own CPD.
Application Deadline
Deadline for applications: midnight 11 February (We reserve the right to close our vacancies early if sufficient applications are received).
How to Apply
To be considered for this vacancy, applicants are required to complete and submit a fully completed application form through our website. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Edt is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults whom we work with and come into contact with around the world. All applicants are subject to thorough screening and successful candidates are subject to the relevant level of criminal record checks with national police authorities or the UK’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This will be at minimum a basic DBS check. Edt is a proud Disability Confident Leader. We take practical steps to ensure that disability inclusion is not only part of our values but part of our everyday actions. We are committed to creating a working environment where disabled employees are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive in their role. If you are disabled or require specific adjustments during the application process, please do let us know how we can support you.
Employment Specialist - Connect to Work in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Education Development Trust
Contact Detail:
Education Development Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist - Connect to Work in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the employment sector, especially those who work with individuals facing barriers. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get familiar with local employers and their needs. Research companies in Newcastle that align with the Supported Employment model. This way, you can tailor your approach when reaching out to them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it's a casual chat or a formal meeting, being able to clearly communicate how you can help individuals gain and sustain employment is key. We want to hear your passion!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist - Connect to Work in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Employment Specialist. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've successfully supported individuals with complex barriers to employment. We want to see how you've made a difference in similar roles!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Development Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Supported Employment model and how it applies to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of local labour markets and the barriers faced by individuals with health conditions or disabilities. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you genuinely care about the people you'll be helping.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully managed a caseload or helped someone overcome barriers to employment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your skills in coaching and motivational interviewing effectively.
✨Engage with Employers
Think about how you can influence local employers to create job opportunities for your clients. Be ready to discuss any previous experiences you've had in engaging with businesses and how you can leverage those relationships in this role. Showing that you have a proactive approach will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Since this role involves travel and potentially working outside standard hours, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlight any previous roles where you had to be flexible and how you managed that. This will reassure them that you're ready for the demands of the job.