At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in finding meaningful employment and provide tailored in-work assistance.
- Company: Join Northumberland County Council's community-focused Employability Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Outreach role with opportunities to collaborate across various community settings.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them secure lasting jobs.
- Qualifications: Experience in employability or health/social care and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Northumberland Skills offers residents a variety of full and part-time courses, apprenticeships, and employability advice and support across Northumberland. We are looking to appoint motivated and community-focused Employment Support Specialists as part of Northumberland County Council’s Employability Service. You will work on the Connect to Work programme, part of the national Get Britain Working strategy. This role is part of the SEQF programme which specifically supports people who are neurodivergent.
You will manage a caseload of clients who are employed and economically inactive and live in Northumberland. Following the SEQF supported employment model of fidelity you will help residents into meaningful or better employment. You’ll work daily with employers to identify suitable roles for the people on your caseload and provide tailored in-work support that will include building confidence, guiding both the individual and employer through initial tasks and advising on workplace adjustments during those crucial first weeks.
We are looking for individuals who believe that if someone wants to work, they should be supported to do so and that with your help it is possible. This is an outreach role, so you’ll meet people where they are — including community partner settings and working on employer sites helping them into meaningful, lasting jobs.
Key Responsibilities- Manage a small caseload, providing tailored, person-centred support aligned to the SEQF Fidelity model
- Deliver outreach services across Northumberland in community settings, employer sites, GP surgeries, and job centres
- Engage with employers to secure suitable roles and provide in-work support on employer sites
- Collaborate with partners including SEND organisations, Adult Services, NHS, DWP, housing providers, and voluntary sector organisations
- Support residents through vocational profiling, action planning, and integration with wider support services to move them into good work
- Experience in employability, community and employer engagement, or health/social care
- Strong interpersonal, organisational, and IT skills
- Ability to work autonomously across agencies and manage complex referrals
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Knowledge of local services and employment challenges is desirable
- 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part‑time employees)
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part‑time employees)
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.
Alternative Application FormatsBritish Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net
For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service, dial 018001 01670 623930
Phone: 07768671071
Email: rachel.druce@northumberland.gov.uk
Employment Support Specialist (Local Supported Employment) in Blyth employer: North East Ambition
Northumberland County Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. As part of the Connect to Work programme, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying generous benefits such as 26 days of annual leave, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and flexible working options. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration with various local organisations, this role offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about helping others achieve their employment goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Support Specialist (Local Supported Employment) in Blyth
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by North East Ambition.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like North East Ambition.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at North East Ambition.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at North East Ambition. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Support Specialist (Local Supported Employment) in Blyth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of North East Ambition. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Employment Support Specialist (Local Supported Employment), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of North East Ambition. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
