At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with barriers to find meaningful employment through tailored outreach services.
- Company: Join Northumberland Skills, a community-focused organisation dedicated to empowering residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth while working across diverse community settings.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them secure lasting jobs.
- Qualifications: Experience in employability or community engagement, strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ 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 a motivated and community‑focused Employment Support Specialist as part of Northumberland County Councils Employability Service. You will work on the Connect to Work programme, part of the national Get Britain Working strategy. This role uses the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model to help residents with health conditions, disabilities, or complex barriers into meaningful employment.
This is an outreach role, so you will meet people where they are – including community partner settings, employer sites, GP surgeries, job centres and other community venues, helping them into meaningful, lasting jobs. You’ll work with employers to identify suitable roles for your caseload and provide tailored in‑work support that includes building confidence, guiding both the individual and employer through initial tasks, and advising on workplace adjustments during the 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 absolutely possible.
Key Responsibilities- Manage a small caseload, providing tailored, person‑centred support aligned to the IPS 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.
- Collaborate with partners including 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 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.
This is a unique opportunity to shape integrated employment and wellbeing support across Northumberland, making a real difference in people’s lives. While our team will have a base in Morpeth, this role will involve coverage across the county.
For an informal discussion, please contact Rachel Druce: 07768671071 @ rachel.druce@northumberland.gov.uk
Benefits- 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 format: British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930
Employment Support Specialist (Individual Placement Support) in Morpeth employer: Northumberland Fire Group
Northumberland Skills is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer generous benefits including 26 days of annual leave, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and opportunities for flexible working. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth and collaboration, allowing you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents across Northumberland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Support Specialist (Individual Placement Support) in Morpeth
✨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 Northumberland Fire Group.
✨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 Northumberland Fire Group.
✨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 Northumberland Fire Group.
✨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 Northumberland Fire Group. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Support Specialist (Individual Placement Support) in Morpeth
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 Northumberland Fire Group. 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 (Individual Placement Support), 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 Northumberland Fire Group
✨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 Northumberland Fire Group. 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!
