At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to find meaningful employment and build confidence.
- Company: Mencap, a leading charity advocating for people with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: 32 days paid holiday, discounts, health plans, and more perks.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to creating a kinder, fairer society.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and promote inclusion in the workplace.
- Qualifications: Experience in supported employment and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
At Mencap, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to work, grow and thrive. Our Employ Me team helps people with a learning disability, learning difficulty and autism build the confidence, skills and real work experience they need to move into meaningful, sustained employment. Every day, our teams see the life-changing impact that good employment support can have. From individuals gaining their very first job to people discovering passions they never knew they had, our employment programmes open doors, shift expectations and help people achieve independence and pride.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Employment Specialist to deliver Mencap's Connect to Work programme across South London boroughs of Sutton, Kingston and Merton. This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), fixed-term position for 2 years. Connect to Work is part of the Government's Get Britain Working strategy. It aims to:
- Reduce economic inactivity for people facing complex barriers
- Increase workforce participation
- Support better workforce retention through structured in-work support
- Strengthen the connection between employment, health and social care
- Deliver measurable outcomes including job starts, sustained employment and employer engagement
You’ll provide personalised, intensive employment support for up to 12 months for participants who are out of work, and up to 4 months for those in work but at risk of leaving their job. You'll deliver the five stages of the Supported Employment model, following the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF):
- Engagement
- Vocational Profiling
- Employer Engagement
- Job Matching
- On and Off-the-Job Support
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Motivated and able to work independently
- A great communicator, able to build trust with participants and employers
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Comfortable supporting a caseload of up to 20 individuals
- Passionate about inclusion, employment rights and supporting people to achieve their goals
You’ll need previous experience delivering supported employment programmes, alongside robust skills in recording progress and evidencing achievement. If you’d like to be part of a team creating real opportunities and real change, we’d love to hear from you.
Here at Mencap, we operate a blinded recruitment process for many of our roles. Please ensure your application includes a completed application form and covering statement.
Benefits: Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.
About Mencap: Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in. At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.
Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation. Every day we grow and learn. It's okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes. Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves. We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long-term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies. We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We're not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you're applying for.
Employment Specialist in Slough employer: Mencap
At Mencap, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee feels valued and empowered. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, which includes 32 days of paid holiday, health cash plans, and discounts at leading retailers, all designed to enhance your work-life balance. Join us in South London as an Employment Specialist and be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities, while enjoying a culture that prioritises respect, learning, and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or family. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s time to shine in front of the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with employers, let your enthusiasm for the role and the company shine through. People love to hire those who genuinely care about what they do.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows you’re really interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Employment Specialist. We want to see your passion for inclusion and how you can support individuals in their journey towards meaningful employment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a great communicator, it's essential to demonstrate this in your written application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've built trust with participants or employers in the past.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:We love a well-structured application! Make sure your CV and covering statement are organised and free from errors. Highlight your attention to detail, especially when discussing your experience with supported employment programmes.
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’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mencap
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Mencap's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and how the Connect to Work programme operates. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in delivering supported employment programmes. Prepare specific examples of how you've helped individuals overcome barriers to employment. Highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail, as these are crucial for managing a caseload effectively.
✨Communicate Effectively
As a great communicator, you'll need to build trust with both participants and employers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider role-playing common interview questions with a friend to refine your responses and ensure you convey your passion for inclusion and support.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges faced in the role, or how success is measured within the Connect to Work programme. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
