At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Leicestershire residents in finding and maintaining employment through person-centred action plans.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to improving lives and creating inclusive programmes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with local employers.
- Why this job: Join an exciting project that empowers individuals facing barriers to employment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 32070 - 34359 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8RA (plus home working and travel across the county as required).
Salary: £32,070 - £34,359 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) (Pay award pending)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed term until 30th June 2029
Closing Date: 28th June 2026
Interview Date(s): Tuesday 7th, Thursday 9th or Friday 10th July
Are you passionate about improving the lives of Leicestershire County residents? Do you want to work on an exciting new project - Connect to Work, which aims to support Leicestershire residents into employment? At the Leicestershire County Council Adult Learning Service, we're passionate about creating inclusive and accessible programmes which ensure all Leicestershire residents are supported to reach their full potential.
Your role will be to deliver front-line, person-centred support through Connect to Work and the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF), working directly with adults across Leicestershire to help them move into and thrive in employment.
About the Role
Connect to Work aims to support disabled people, people with health conditions and individuals facing other barriers to move into and maintain employment. We're looking for experienced professionals who can build trusted relationships with participants, understand their individual strengths and challenges, and help them develop person-centred action plans that lead to sustainable employment. You'll be engaging directly with adults facing complex barriers - such as learning disabilities, neurodiversity or being care experienced - and working closely with employers to match people to suitable roles using the place, train and maintain model. You'll also be supporting participants in the workplace, helping them settle in, build confidence and thrive.
- Building trusted relationships with participants and supporting them to engage in structured plans to find and sustain employment.
- Completing and updating vocational profiles, identifying individuals' skills, experiences, needs and employment preferences.
- Developing person-centred action plans that lead to sustainable employment, following the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF).
- Engaging with local employers to find paid employment opportunities and match participants to suitable roles.
- Supporting employers to adopt inclusive recruitment practices.
- Providing in-work support to participants, helping them settle into roles, build confidence and integrate into the workplace.
- Working in partnership with agencies across social care, health and employment to design effective referral and progression pathways.
- Maintaining accurate records for audit and performance monitoring, including eligibility checks and employment outcomes.
An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.
About You
The Connect to Work Employment Support Officers will have:
- A minimum Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject (or able to demonstrate equivalent experience).
- L2 Eng and maths (or equivalent experience, demonstrated through application process).
- Recent experience of successfully delivering high-quality employment programmes.
- Experience of working with adults facing complex and multiple barriers to employment (e.g., learning disabilities, neurodiversity, care leavers).
- Strong understanding of Supported Employment and the challenges faced by target groups in accessing and sustaining work. Plus, the ability to keep accurate records to contribute towards service assessment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to coach, mentor and motivate others.
- Experience of engaging with local employers to create inclusive job opportunities for people facing barriers to employment. Plus, the ability to work in partnership with a range of agencies and tailor communication to different audiences.
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process.
Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Interested in Flexible Working?
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Claire Smith, Connect to Work Project Manager or Andrew Day, Senior Adult Learning Manager – Skills
Telephone: 07710 202109 or 0116 305 3620
Email: claire.e.smith@leics.gov.uk or andrew.day@leics.gov.uk
Connect to Work Employment Support Officer employer: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of local residents through inclusive and accessible programmes. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer flexible working options and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment at our County Hall location in Glenfield, Leicester.
Contact Details:
Leicestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Connect to Work Employment Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Leicestershire County Council and the Connect to Work project. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. This insider info can give you an edge and help you build connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role, especially working with adults facing barriers to employment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Connect to Work Employment Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Connect to Work project. We want to see your passion for supporting individuals facing barriers to employment!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience! Whether it’s working with adults with learning disabilities or engaging with local employers, we want to know how you’ve made a difference in similar roles.
Be Person-Centred:Remember, this role is all about building trusted relationships. Use your application to demonstrate your understanding of person-centred approaches and how you can help individuals thrive in their employment journey.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know the Project Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the Connect to Work project thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its goals, the target groups it supports, and the challenges they face. This will help you demonstrate your passion for improving lives and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with adults facing complex barriers to employment. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals in similar situations. Highlight your understanding of Supported Employment and how you've helped others thrive in their roles.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use your excellent communication skills to engage them in conversation. Show empathy and understanding towards the challenges faced by the participants, as this will reflect your ability to build trusted relationships in the role.
✨Prepare Questions About Inclusivity
Think of insightful questions to ask about the council's approach to inclusivity and how they support diverse groups. This shows your commitment to accessible services and your proactive attitude towards creating inclusive job opportunities. It also gives you a chance to assess if their values align with yours.
