At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with barriers to employment in finding and keeping jobs.
- Company: Join Hestia, a diverse and inclusive organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, and commitment to equality and diversity.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Empower others to rebuild their lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 32838 - 32838 £ per year.
We are Hestia. We make a difference. At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for an Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employment Service in Harrow and Hounslow.
An Employment Specialist helps people with mental health conditions, disabilities, or other barriers to find, keep, or return to work. They manage a caseload of clients, provide one-to-one support such as career guidance, CV writing, job searching, interview preparation, and workplace coaching, while also building relationships with employers to create job opportunities and arrange workplace adjustments when needed. They track client progress, maintain accurate records, and work closely with healthcare and community services to help clients achieve sustainable employment outcomes.
What do I need to bring with me?
You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.
The essential skills for this Employment Specialist role are:
- Ability to build trusting relationships with clients
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of supporting people with mental health conditions or other barriers to employment
- Ability to motivate and coach people towards work goals
- Good organisation and time management
- Experience managing a caseload
- Confidence engaging with employers and partner organisations
- Accurate record-keeping and administration skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and databases
Being empathetic, person-centred, self-motivated, and committed to equality and diversity are also important personal qualities.
Interview Steps
We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
- Face to face interview: Now you will have a face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.
Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Our service users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences different people and communities bring to our organisation.
We are a disability confident employer
Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.
Safeguarding Statement
Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.
Important Information for Candidates
If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed. We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.
Work Pattern: Flexi (Flexi hours Monday - Friday, Core hours 10am - 4pm, Bank holidays not inclusive in holiday allowance) Full-time, Permanent. Full Time Equivalent Salary: £32,838.46
Employment Specialist - Connect 2 Work - Harrow in London employer: Hestia
At Hestia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment in Harrow. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive culture, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by empowering individuals facing barriers to employment. With flexible working hours and a focus on personal development, Hestia offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about making a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist - Connect 2 Work - Harrow in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Hestia.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Hestia!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Hestia, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Hestia or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist - Connect 2 Work - Harrow in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Hestia:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hestia! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hestia
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
