At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in recovery to sustain and progress in their employment.
- Company: Murray’s Initiative, a charity focused on reducing substance-related harm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to positive change in the community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while supporting their career journeys.
- Qualifications: Experience in employability support or related fields is valued; relevant qualifications are a plus.
Based within Murray’s Initiative’s Head Office in North Claremont Street with travel throughout Glasgow City for service delivery.
Starting Salary £26,002 per annum (pro rata). Part-time - 32 hours per week - Fixed term until 31st July 2028. Working pattern includes two evenings per week (until 9pm) and occasional Saturdays. We understand that many will have other commitments outside of work and so flexible working, part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.
About Us: Murray’s Initiative (formerly known as Glasgow Council on Alcohol) is an independent Scottish charity that works to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm at both individual and community levels. Established in 1965, Murray’s Initiative adopts a long-term, trauma-informed and asset-based approach to changing the culture around substance use. Its services are built on a person-centred, harm-reduction model, supporting people whether their goal is to reduce consumption or achieve abstinence. Murray’s Initiative offers free, confidential counselling services for people concerned about their own or someone else's drinking. Murray’s Initiative delivers a range of interventions including groupwork and employability support as well as a number of holistic and inclusive services, such as a women’s service for survivors of gender-based violence, young persons peer education service, LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing support and tailored wellbeing programmes. Murray’s Initiative is also a recognised provider of professional development, offering a comprehensive training portfolio including education aimed at increasing awareness of alcohol use and promoting healthier lifestyles, COSCA Counselling Skills and a Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. Murray’s Initiative deliver services over 6 days per week and throughout Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire, helping people make meaningful, positive change in their lives. The foundation of Murray’s Initiative is our supportive and inclusive culture for all who engage and work with us.
About the Role: The In Work Employment Advisor will provide tailored support to individuals in recovery from drugs and/or alcohol who are in employment, helping them to sustain and progress within work. The role involves delivering one-to-one guidance, identifying and addressing barriers to employment retention, supporting career development and liaising with employers and partner agencies to ensure participants achieve positive and sustainable employment outcomes. The In Work Employment Advisor will report to the Service Manager – Employability. This post requires membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme for children and/or protected adults. Successful applicants will be required to join the PVG Scheme.
Key Responsibilities of the In Work Employment Advisor:
- Manage a caseload of participants, providing tailored support to help individuals sustain employment and achieve their personal and professional goals.
- Deliver one-to-one in-work support, coaching and guidance to identify and address barriers that may impact job retention, progression and wellbeing.
- Develop and maintain effective support plans, ensuring interventions are person centred, outcome-focused and responsive to participant needs.
- Build positive relationships with employers to support successful job outcomes, encourage workplace retention and identify opportunities for career progression.
- Monitor participant progress and proactively intervene where challenges arise, helping individuals remain engaged and successful in employment.
- Maintain accurate and timely records, ensuring all participant activity, outcomes and evidence are recorded in line with organisational and funder requirements.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, employers and external partner organisations to coordinate support and maximise positive outcomes for participants.
- Contribute to the achievement of service targets, contractual outcomes and quality standards through effective planning, delivery and continuous improvement.
- Promote the service within the community and with referral partners, supporting engagement, participation and awareness of available employability support.
- Uphold organisational values, safeguarding responsibilities, equality, diversity and inclusion principles and all relevant policies and procedures.
- Undertake any other duties as required by the Service Manager – Employability.
Qualifications and Experience:
- A relevant qualification in employability, guidance, coaching or a related field would be advantageous, although equivalent experience and transferable skills are equally valued.
- Experience of supporting individuals to achieve positive outcomes within employability, recruitment, education, training, health, social care, community development or similar sectors, with the ability to build trust and maintain positive professional relationships.
- Experience of providing one-to-one support, coaching or mentoring to individuals with varying needs, helping them to overcome barriers and achieve agreed goals.
- Experience of managing a caseload and balancing competing priorities while maintaining accurate records and delivering high-quality support.
- Experience of working collaboratively with employers, referral agencies, community partners or other stakeholders to improve opportunities and outcomes for individuals.
- Experience of monitoring progress, evidencing outcomes and working towards service targets, performance measures or contractual requirements.
- Knowledge of alcohol and drug recovery and the additional barriers to sustaining employment that these can bring.
Skills and Competencies:
- We are looking for someone who can demonstrate a combination of strong interpersonal skills, organisational ability and a commitment to supporting people to succeed in employment.
- Ability to build positive relationships with employers and liaise on behalf of clients to support workplace wellbeing, retention and positive outcomes.
- Ability to provide advocacy and mediation support to help clients address workplace challenges and improve communication with employers.
- Able to support clients to identify opportunities for career progression, role changes or alternative employment pathways, with an understanding of workplace rights and good employment practices.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage, motivate and support individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Understanding of drug and alcohol recovery, person centred and trauma informed approaches.
- The ability to work proactively and independently, while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment and supporting shared organisational objectives.
- Demonstrable skills in problem-solving, decision-making and identifying practical solutions to challenges that may affect an individual's ability to sustain employment.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing demands, prioritise workloads and maintain attention to detail.
- Confidence in using digital systems and Microsoft Office applications to record information, monitor performance and produce accurate reports.
- A commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, alongside the ability to work in a respectful, professional and person-centred manner.
- A positive, resilient and adaptable approach, with a genuine passion for supporting individuals to build confidence, sustain employment and achieve their long-term aspirations.
- A commitment to continuous learning and professional development, with a willingness to develop knowledge and skills that enhance service delivery and participant outcomes.
Why Join Us?
Your work will contribute to make a real difference to people’s lives. Competitive salary and benefits package: Very generous annual leave entitlement: full time employees start with an annual leave entitlement of 37 days (inclusive of 12).
In Work Employment Advisor in Glasgow employer: Murray's Initiative
Murray’s Initiative is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to positive change in the lives of individuals recovering from substance use. The organisation's dedication to training and development ensures that staff have ample opportunities to enhance their skills and advance their careers within a compassionate environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land In Work Employment Advisor in Glasgow
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Murray's Initiative, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Murray's Initiative. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Murray's Initiative's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace In Work Employment Advisor in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Murray's Initiative. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Murray's Initiative.
How to prepare for a job interview at Murray's Initiative
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Murray's Initiative.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a In Work Employment Advisor at Murray's Initiative.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Murray's Initiative that you're ready to hit the ground running in the In Work Employment Advisor role.