Employment Specialist in Worcester

Location(s): 1 x North Worcestershire Base (TBC), 1 x ONSIDE’s Health & Wellbeing Riverside Hub, Evesham

Overall Purpose: As an Employment Specialist, you’ll be at the forefront of delivering high-impact, person-centred support using evidence-based models such as Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and the Support, Enablement and Quality Framework (SEQF). You’ll provide tailored 1:1 coaching and mentoring to help individuals build confidence, set meaningful goals, and take practical steps toward sustainable employment. Working in close partnership with local employers, you’ll also play a key role in identifying inclusive job opportunities and enhancing in-work support - ensuring long-term success for both clients and businesses.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive and process referrals
• Deliver tailored support in line with the Supported Employment Quality Framework and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) principles
• Provide specialist knowledge on the provision and support available to the target population in Worcestershire (substance misuse, young persons support, homelessness support)
• Seek and understand the range and quality of opportunities within Worcestershire available to participants by raising awareness of the local labour market, industries and roles
• Carry out assessments to identify barriers and develop action plans in agreement with the individual to overcome those barriers
• Provide coaching and other holistic support on a 1:1 basis to support the delivery of the client's plan
• Support, manage and progress an agreed caseload, offering advice on possible destinations, including employment, in line with the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) principles
• Develop strong relationships with local employers to create job opportunities that match individual participant goals
• Provide in-work support and job coaching to help participants succeed and remain in employment
• Onward referral to other services where additional support beyond the 1:1 support is required
• Deliver presentations/sessions/workshops to professionals and young people in a wide range of settings on issues relating to employment, education and skills
• Develop and maintain working relationships with colleges, training providers, DWP and other partner organisations to identify and provide joined‑up services to participants
• Promote inclusive employment practices in Worcestershire
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation or government programmes that relate to employment, education or training
• Deliver group sessions for clients where cohorts exist and enable a more efficient way of working
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes, action plans and participant paperwork and upload these onto the CRM system within the allocated timeframe
• Collect and record specified management information and respond to requests for management information from service commissioners and DWP
• Travel across a reasonable area (as determined by the line manager) to deliver services to participants who are unable to access the service at the normal base
• Manage and prioritise caseload, in accordance with needs, priorities and urgent support required by individuals
• Ensure appropriate safeguarding procedures and practices are in place within local community groups and networks
• Work with the Onside Volunteer Manager to recruit and support volunteers to facilitate, engage and mentor individuals to access community groups and services
• Use appropriate systems for data capture, case management, feedback and reporting and adhere to data protection legislation and data sharing agreements
• Work as part of the team to seek feedback, continually improve the service and contribute to business planning

Other Responsibilities:

• Provide mentoring on a one-to-one and group basis as required
• This role will involve working in different locations and will require you to travel across the area, including isolated rural areas
• There may be occasional evening and weekend work, which will be considered as part of your normal working hours

In addition, all ONSIDE employees are expected to:

• Work within the organisation’s stated principles and values, adhering at all times to the organisational policies, procedures and guidelines
• Take responsibility for safeguarding appropriate to your role and raise any potential concerns with the ONSIDE’s Safeguarding and Professional Guidance Lead
• Contribute to the growth and ongoing sustainability of the organisation
• Demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities, social inclusion and individual empowerment
• Show a commitment to personal, professional and organisational development
• Take responsibility for your wellbeing, accessing the support and resources in place to support you and your wellbeing
• Contribute to organisational promotional and networking activities
• Work flexibly and co-operatively with colleagues to support the needs of the organisation

ONSIDE People:

• are passionate about what they do
• value difference
• are creative in their approach
• are committed to fairness and justice
• have integrity and take personal responsibility

While the job description provides the main duties and responsibilities for the position, it is not definitive, and employees are expected to carry out any additional duties compatible with their skills and abilities. The above may be subject to change and alteration from time to time, with the prior agreement of the job holder.