At a Glance
- Tasks: Support neurodivergent individuals in finding meaningful employment and provide tailored assistance.
- Company: Northumberland County Council's Employability Service, focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Job security until January 2030, equal opportunities employer, and supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with various organisations to enhance community support and job opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them secure fulfilling jobs.
- Qualifications: Experience in employability or health/social care, strong interpersonal skills, and a driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Northumberland County Council’s Employability Service is seeking a motivated, community‑focused Employment Support Specialist to work on the Connect to Work programme, part of the national Get Britain Working strategy. The role will support people who are neurodivergent and the wider community, helping them to transition into meaningful employment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a small caseload of clients, delivering tailored, person‑centred support aligned to the SEQF Fidelity model.
- Provide outreach services across Northumberland in community settings, employer sites, GP surgeries, and job centres.
- Engage with employers to secure suitable roles and offer 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.
Essential Requirements
- 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.
The position is funded until January 2030. 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, you may use the alternative methods listed on our application page.
Employment Support Specialist (Local Supported Employment) in Blyth employer: Northumberland Fire Group
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 benefiting from professional development and collaboration with various partners. With a strong commitment to equal opportunities and a focus on employee well-being, this role offers a rewarding career path in a vibrant and diverse location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Support Specialist (Local Supported Employment) in Blyth
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Northumberland Fire Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Northumberland Fire Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Northumberland Fire Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Northumberland Fire Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Northumberland Fire Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Northumberland Fire Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumberland Fire Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
