Employment Specialist

It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our transformational One Lambeth Programme ensuring we are ‘connected by purpose’ in everything we do to deliver excellence. We are proud to have recently developed a refreshed set of One Lambeth Values and Behaviours that were developed for staff by staff: Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability.

Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 300,000 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the third largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 200 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community.

The Skills and Employment team plays a key role in achieving Lambeth’s ambition that all residents can access high-quality employment support, whatever their circumstances. As economic inactivity rises due to ill health and the cost of living continues to affect financial resilience, our work is more vital than ever. Employment is central to tackling inequality, improving health and wellbeing, and strengthening community resilience.

We are now recruiting an Employment Specialist to join our new Connect to Work programme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. This five-year initiative supports Lambeth residents with disabilities and long-term health conditions into meaningful, sustained employment through delivery of both the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model and the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) approach. As an Employment Specialist, you will deliver personalised, evidence-based support to a caseload of participants, helping them move quickly into competitive employment and thrive in the workplace.

Working within NHS settings and alongside mental health professionals, adult social care teams, and local employers, you will play a key role in transforming lives through work. You will also contribute to fidelity reviews, data reporting, and service improvement across the programme. Previous experience in employment support is not essential; if you have a background in recruitment, sales, account management, or another target-driven, people-focused role, we would love to hear from you. Full training in the IPS and SEQAF model will be provided.

To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence:

• A proven track record in delivering employment support, ideally using the IPS or SEQAF model
• A strong understanding of the barriers faced by people with disabilities or long-term health conditions—and how employment can play a part in recovery
• Experience of managing a caseload, building trusting client relationships, and delivering high-quality, person-centred support
• Confidence in approaching and engaging employers, advocating for inclusive recruitment, and providing in-work support
• A proactive, strengths-based approach aligned with Lambeth’s values of Equity, Kindness, Accountability, and Ambition

We especially encourage applications from people from the Black, Asian and Multiethnic communities and while the role is open to all applicants, Lambeth will utilise the positive action provisions of the Equality Act to appoint a candidate from underrepresented groups where there is a choice between two candidates of equal merit.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Martin Sigsworth at Recruitment Timelines. Advert close date: 5 pm on Sunday January 15.

Benefits include:

• Participation in our Staff Networks: Black, Asian, and Multi-Ethnic, LGBTQ+, Disability, Young Professionals, and Women’s.
• Generous annual leave entitlement starting from 25 days, increasing to up to 30 days depending on length of service.
• Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Hybrid Working.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Occupational Sick Pay based on length of service.
• Discounts at local restaurants.
• Discount at our Active Lambeth Gyms.
• Learning and Development opportunities, including Apprenticeships.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Secure Bike Storage facilities at our Town Hall and Civic Centre.
• Trade Union Membership.

If you’re interested in this opportunity, click on the apply button and complete an online application. In your supporting statement, please clearly demonstrate how you meet the shortlist criteria marked with an 'A' at shortlist stage. We operate an anonymised application process, so be sure to remove personal details when uploading your CV and personal statement.

At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.