IPS Employment Specialist | Connect to Work
Stoke on Trent | Stoke-on Trent City Council
Fixed term contract
Could you help people overcome barriers to employment and build a brighter future through meaningful work? Join Stoke-on-Trent City Council as an Employment Specialist and support residents with disabilities, health conditions and complex challenges to find and sustain employment through the Connect to Work programme.
Deadline: 28th October 2026
- West Midlands
- Full-time
Job overview
We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on Trent City Council is more than just a job, it’s about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. And that’s where you come in. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, and where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high-quality services that our residents need.
Role
The Stoke-on-Trent City Council JET (Jobs, Enterprise & Training) service supports the residents of the city with all matters surrounding employment, including if you have recently been made redundant. The Connect to Work service is a voluntary employment programme with the aim of supporting those with disabilities, health conditions and complex personal challenges, through a tailored programme of support to overcome obstacles to employment and sustain employment.
The main purpose of the role is to deliver Connect to Work on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. This is an exciting and rewarding role supporting people who wish to work to find and sustain work through a range of supported interventions.
You will provide person-centred support to clients, including vocational profiling to identify skills and interests and any barriers to employment. You will develop SMART action plans based on needs and employment goals and support with job preparation. There will be elements of employer engagement in the role and you have up to six months to continue to support a client once they are in employment.
Responsibilities
- Providing individualised, person-centred support to residents including delivering impartial, high-quality information, advice and guidance
- Source opportunities for residents through tailored job search and regular contact with local employers to explore hidden employment opportunities
- Provide education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments and ongoing contact with the employer to ensure job retention
The person
- Ideally a level 3 professional qualification or equivalent level of experience
- Some knowledge of employer legislation
- Understanding the employment needs and challenges faced by people who experience labour market exclusion
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
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IPS Employment Specialist | Connect to Work in Stoke-on-Trent employer: IPS Grow
At Shaw Trust, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. Our commitment to social purpose means that as an Employment Specialist, you will play a vital role in transforming lives while enjoying a collaborative culture that values your contributions. With opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the South West community, Shaw Trust is an exceptional employer for those passionate about social mobility and equality.
