At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing barriers to employment and help them secure meaningful work.
- Company: Join Sandwell Council, a values-led organisation making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a strong focus on personal development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to build relationships and achieve meaningful outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a visible difference in people's lives by empowering them to thrive in the workplace.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in IAG or equivalent, plus experience supporting disadvantaged groups.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 41771 £ per year.
Support people. Remove barriers. Enable sustainable employment. Connect to Work is a voluntary, 12‑month supported employment programme designed to help Sandwell residents move into meaningful, sustained paid work. We are looking for a Specialist Employment Adviser to deliver high-quality, intensive support to individuals facing barriers to employment, particularly those with disabilities, health conditions or from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is a role for someone who believes that everyone can work with the right support, and who is motivated by making a visible difference in people’s lives.
The opportunity
As a Specialist Employment Adviser, you will manage a small caseload of participants, delivering tailored, person‑centred support using recognised models such as Individual Placement Support (IPS) or the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF). You will work directly with individuals to understand their goals, strengths and barriers, supporting them into sustainable employment and helping them to thrive in the workplace. This is a delivery-focused role, requiring strong relationship‑building skills, resilience and a commitment to achieving outcomes.
What you’ll be accountable for:
- Provide intensive, one-to-one employment support tailored to individual needs
- Manage a small caseload, maintaining regular contact and progression planning
- Support participants to secure and sustain paid employment
- Work closely with employers, partners and support networks to create opportunities; identify and address barriers to employment, including health, confidence and skills gaps
- Deliver outcomes in line with agreed employment targets and programme expectations
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to performance reporting
- Apply IPS or SEQF principles to ensure high‑quality, consistent support
Who we’re looking for:
- A Level 3 qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) or a relevant equivalent (e.g. Employment Related Services, Supported Employment Practitioner, Careers) – Desirable
- Level 2 English and Maths
- Experience supporting people with disabilities, health conditions or disadvantaged groups into employment
- A track record of working towards and achieving employment-related targets
- Strong understanding of the barriers individuals face when entering or returning to work
- Excellent communication, organisational and motivational skills
- A person‑centred, empathetic approach with a strong belief in inclusion and opportunity
Why Sandwell Council? At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.
Specialist Employment Adviser – Connect to Work employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Sandwell Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a tangible impact in the community. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits, and a values-led work culture, we empower our staff to support individuals facing barriers to employment. Join us in Sandwell, where your role as a Specialist Employment Adviser will not only enhance your professional growth but also contribute to meaningful change in the lives of local residents.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Employment Adviser – Connect to Work
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your field. Attend local job fairs, workshops, or community events where you can meet potential employers and other professionals. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interview, do some mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable talking about your experiences and how you can support others in their employment journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you’re in an interview, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. Share stories of how you’ve made a difference in someone’s life – it’ll resonate with employers looking for that special spark.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you on their radar. And hey, check out our website for more opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Employment Adviser – Connect to Work
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Specialist Employment Adviser role. Highlight your experience in supporting individuals with barriers to employment, and show us how your skills align with our mission at Connect to Work.
Showcase Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for helping others! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in people's lives, especially those facing challenges. This will help us understand your commitment to inclusion and opportunity.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still showcasing your personality and passion.
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. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Sandwell Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Connect to Work programme inside out. Familiarise yourself with the principles of Individual Placement Support (IPS) and the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF). This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely passionate about helping people overcome barriers to employment.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
In this role, a person-centred approach is key. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals facing challenges. Highlight your ability to build relationships and motivate others, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting someone with a disability or addressing skills gaps. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and outline your thought process on how you would provide tailored support to help individuals thrive in the workplace.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
This role is all about making a difference in people's lives. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the barriers faced by disadvantaged groups and how you can contribute to creating opportunities for them. Show your passion for inclusion and your belief that everyone can work with the right support.
