At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in achieving their career goals and overcoming barriers to employment.
- Company: Join a community-focused team making a real difference in Richmond and Wandsworth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace committed to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on vulnerable lives while developing your skills in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting others, excellent communication, and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37602 - 45564 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen in our Work Match Employment Delivery team to recruit a new team of Employment Specialists to deliver the Trailblazer Life Reworked programme across the boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth. This programme is targeted at supporting residents who are economically inactive towards pursuing their life goals and career aspirations.
The new Trailblazer team will work alongside our Connect to Work team, sharing information and resources as there is overlap with some client groups and referrers. You will manage a caseload of participants where you will deliver person-centred support, aligned with their life goals and career aspirations. You will also be working with referral partners to promote the benefits of employment and working with health practitioners to provide holistic support for your participants.
You will be enthusiastic and passionate about helping people overcome their barriers in finding training opportunities, building confidence, and finding meaningful employment that betters their health and lives. The people you will be supporting will be economically inactive. Your work will also include promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace by directly engaging with employers. This is a community-based role where you are required to travel throughout the boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth.
Work Match are recruiting a new team to deliver The Trailblazer Life Reworked programme in its second year of delivery. The programme gives residents the support, guidance, and opportunities required to progress towards employment. That's anything from learning new skills, boosting confidence, and finding a job. Trailblazer is different because it brings skills and employment support together in one place. We work closely with local GPs, social prescribers, and community services to make sure residents can access the right support in Richmond and Wandsworth.
About the role
- Caseload management — You will be managing a caseload of participants and providing personalised support to each individual.
- Performance and quality — You must be able to follow strict processes of service delivery and be familiar with working towards contractual targets and KPIs.
- Employer Engagement — You will be approaching employers directly to seek vacancies, promote equality and inclusion, and discuss adjustments for your caseload of participants.
- Record keeping — This role requires excellent and detailed recording of casenotes, forms, plans and requires extensive use of our CRM and Microsoft apps.
- Referral partners — You will be working with referral partners in promoting our service and identifying individuals suitable for our service.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Knowledge and experience of supporting others to achieve life goals and employment outcomes.
- Outstanding communication skills as you will be engaging with various client groups and businesses at all levels.
- Problem-solving skills, helping participants overcome their barriers.
- Proficiency of IT systems and experience of using Microsoft apps and CRM essential.
If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable people, possess the required skills and thrive in a challenging yet highly rewarding environment, we invite you to apply for this opportunity.
Closing Date 6th August 2026
Shortlisting Date 10th August 2026
Interview Date 14th August 2026
Test/Presentation: Case study and computer literacy assessment
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Employment Specialist – Connect to Work employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Council
Wandsworth Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a robust pension plan, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The Learning and Development Digital Advisor role offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact by enhancing digital skills across the organisation, while collaborating with a diverse team in the vibrant setting of Wandsworth.
Contact Details:
Richmond and Wandsworth Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist – Connect to Work
✨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 Richmond and Wandsworth Council.
✨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 Richmond and Wandsworth Council!
✨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 Richmond and Wandsworth Council, 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 Richmond and Wandsworth Council 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 Specialist – Connect to Work
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 Richmond and Wandsworth Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Richmond and Wandsworth Council! 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 Richmond and Wandsworth Council
✨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.
