At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing barriers to employment and help them secure meaningful jobs.
- Company: Sandwell Council, a values-led organisation making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a strong focus on employee development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to inclusion and opportunity for all.
- Why this job: Make a visible difference in people's lives by helping them achieve sustainable employment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in IAG or equivalent, plus experience supporting disadvantaged groups.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Support people. Remove barriers. Enable sustainable employment. Connect to Work is a voluntary, 12‑month supported employment programme designed to help Sandwell residents move into meaningful, sustained paid work. We are looking for a Specialist Employment Adviser to deliver high-quality, intensive support to individuals facing barriers to employment, particularly those with disabilities, health conditions or from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is a role for someone who believes that everyone can work with the right support, and who is motivated by making a visible difference in people’s lives.
The opportunity
As a Specialist Employment Adviser, you will manage a small caseload of participants, delivering tailored, person-centred support using recognised models such as Individual Placement Support (IPS) or the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF). You will work directly with individuals to understand their goals, strengths and barriers, supporting them into sustainable employment and helping them to thrive in the workplace. This is a delivery-focused role, requiring strong relationship‑building skills, resilience and a commitment to achieving outcomes.
You Will
- Provide intensive, one-to-one employment support tailored to individual needs
- Manage a small caseload, maintaining regular contact and progression planning
- Support participants to secure and sustain paid employment
- Work closely with employers, partners and support networks to create opportunities
- Identify and address barriers to employment, including health, confidence and skills gaps
- Deliver outcomes in line with agreed employment targets and programme expectations
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to performance reporting
- Apply IPS or SEQF principles to ensure high-quality, consistent support
Who We’re Looking For
- A Level 3 qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) or a relevant equivalent (e.g. Employment Related Services, Supported Employment Practitioner, Careers) - Desirable
- Level 2 English and Maths
- Experience supporting people with disabilities, health conditions or disadvantaged groups into employment
- A track record of working towards and achieving employment-related targets
- Strong understanding of the barriers individuals face when entering or returning to work
- Excellent communication, organisational and motivational skills
- A person-centred, empathetic approach with a strong belief in inclusion and opportunity
Why Sandwell Council? At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.
Specialist Employment Adviser – Connect to Work employer: Sandwell Council
At Sandwell Council, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in our community, and as a Specialist Employment Adviser, you will be at the forefront of this mission. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee development and well-being, offering excellent benefits and a competitive remuneration package. Join us in creating opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment, and experience the fulfilment of helping others thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Employment Adviser – Connect to Work
✨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 Sandwell Council.
✨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 Sandwell Council.
✨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 Sandwell Council.
✨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 Sandwell Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Employment Adviser – Connect to Work
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 Sandwell Council. 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 Specialist Employment Adviser – Connect to Work, 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 Sandwell Council
✨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 Sandwell Council. 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!
