At a Glance
- Tasks: Help residents secure sustainable employment and provide tailored support.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Greenwich's innovative employment service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives and promote inclusion.
- Qualifications: Experience in supported employment and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40182 - 42060 £ per year.
Make a real impact on residents’ lives through employment. The Royal Borough of Greenwich is committed to helping residents achieve independence, stability, and long-term employment. Our award-winning GLLaB service is expanding its supported employment offer, and we are looking for a motivated, person-centred Employment Specialist to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to deliver high-quality, tailored employment support using the Individual Placement Support (IPS) model and Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF). You will work directly with residents with disabilities, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, physical health conditions, and complex barriers — helping them secure paid, sustainable employment.
If you are passionate about supporting people into work, skilled at building relationships, and confident working both independently and as part of multi-disciplinary teams, we want to hear from you.
About the Role
As an Employment Specialist, you will:
- Provide frontline, personalised employment advice and guidance to unemployed, economically inactive, in-work at-risk residents, and anyone seeking employment support.
- Complete vocational profiles, identify skills gaps, and co-produce tailored action plans with each participant.
- Deliver rapid job search, CV and application support, interview coaching and in-work development planning.
- Work face-to-face with participants to identify support needs, including workplace adjustments, benefits and “Better Off Calculations”, and personalised Information Plans.
- Build strong partnerships and undertake outreach across community hubs, libraries, employment centres, council offices, and with job centres and voluntary groups.
- Spend at least 65% of your time co-located with clinical teams, social workers, and other professionals to provide integrated and trusted employment support.
- Support residents into work through job matching, job carving, employer engagement, workplace advocacy, work trials, and follow-along support.
- Maintain positive employer relationships, negotiate workplace adjustments, and support employers to foster inclusive practice.
- Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and retention support for up to 12 months (or 4 months for in-work participants).
- Deliver 1:1 and group employability sessions, maintain accurate records, and contribute to team targets across funded employment programmes.
- Champion employment to clinical and community partners, contributing to meetings and promoting job outcomes as part of holistic health and wellbeing.
- Ensure all work aligns with GLLaB’s Quality Assurance Framework, Customer Service Excellence, Matrix standards, and the requirements of external funders.
- Work flexibly, including occasional evenings/weekends for outreach or follow-up support.
About You
Ideally we are looking for someone who has the following:
Knowledgeable and Skilled In:
- IPS and/or SEQF supported employment models
- Equality Act 2010, inclusive recruitment, and workplace adjustments
- Vocational profiling, action planning, and rapid job search
- Coaching, mentoring, and person-centred support
- Advocating for participants and problem-solving barriers to work
Experienced In:
- Delivering supported employment to people with disabilities, mental health needs, learning disabilities or complex barriers
- Working to outcomes and performance targets
- Building employer relationships, securing vacancies, and supporting sustained employment
- Working collaboratively with clinicians, social workers, employers, and community organisations
Personal Attributes:
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complex caseloads
- Excellent communication and IT skills, including CRM use
- Commitment to equal opportunities, customer care, and the Council’s staff values
We particularly interested in applications from candidates with experience of supporting people facing barriers to employment, including ex-offenders, individuals involved with probation services, refugees, people with long-term health conditions or disabilities including learning disabilities and or autism, and NEET young people or care leavers. An NVQ Level 3 in Advice and Guidance (or willingness to work towards it) is desirable. An Enhanced DBS check is required.
Why Join Royal Borough of Greenwich – GLLaB?
- Work within a respected, innovative employment service
- Make a tangible difference in residents’ careers, wellbeing, and long-term independence
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams across health, skills, and community sectors
- Access training, development and progression opportunities, including through the Council’s Apprenticeship Levy
- Be part of a supportive, values-driven team committed to inclusion, empowerment, and continuous improvement
Employment Specialist (Full Time) employer: New Start
New Start is an exceptional employer located in Chelmsford, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With 27 days of holiday and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, we provide our team with valuable benefits while fostering an environment that encourages mentorship and collaboration among ecologists. Join us to make a meaningful impact on complex development projects in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist (Full Time)
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at New Start!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at New Start.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at New Start. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to New Start and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at New Start. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to New Start's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with New Start.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at New Start will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact New Start and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
